The following resources come from the 2009/10 BEng in Electrical Engineering (course number 2ELE0066) from the University of Hertfordshire. All the mini projects are designed as level two modules of the undergraduate programmes. The objectives of this module are to demonstrate within an industrial environment: • To use Matlab® (Simulink®) • To implement an appropriate analogue computer for modelling dynamic systems. A DC motor model, in specific prototyping stages, is more appropriate to use than the actual DC motor. This project aimed to design and implement a DC motor model by using a simulation package (CAD) such as Matlab and implement the equivalent electronic hardware platform.

1. MINI-PROJECT Torque control of a DC Motor
Author: University of Hertfordshire
Date created:
Date revised: 2009
Abstract
The following resources come from the 2009/10 BEng in Electrical Engineering (course number 2ELE0066)
from the University of Hertfordshire. All the mini projects are designed as level two modules of the
undergraduate programmes.
The objectives of this module are to demonstrate within an industrial environment:
• To use Matlab® (Simulink®)
• To implement an appropriate analogue computer for modelling dynamic systems.
A DC motor model, in specific prototyping stages, is more appropriate to use than the actual DC motor. This project
aimed to design and implement a DC motor model by using a simulation package (CAD) such as Matlab and
implement the equivalent electronic hardware platform.
Contents
MINI-PROJECT Torque control of a DC Motor.................................................................................1
Section 1. Project Introduction.............................................................................................................2
Section 2. Day 1...................................................................................................................................3
Section 3. Day 2...................................................................................................................................4
Credits...................................................................................................................................................5
In addition to the resources found below there are supporting documents which should be used in
combination with this resource. Please see:
Mini Projects - Introductory presentation.
Mini Projects - E-Log.
Mini Projects - Staff & Student Guide.
Mini Projects - Standard Grading Criteria.
Mini Projects - Reflection.
You will also need the ‘Mini Project- Torque Control of a DC Motor’ presentation.
© University of Hertfordshire 2009 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.

2. Mini Project- Torque Control of a DC Motor
Section 1. Project Introduction
Learning Outcomes assessed (as taken from the DMD)
All Learning Outcomes specified in the Definitive Module Documentation are assessed as part of this
miniproject, the specific Learning Outcomes are:
Knowledge and Understanding
• Be able to analyse and breakdown problem tasks into manageable steps.
• Integrate previous and concurrent learning and to use it to solve technology-based problems.
• Be able to describe the project life-cycle appropriately.
• Be able to simulate and assemble a model for a DC motor control system.
Skills and Attributes
• Produce a solution to a defined Industrial application.
• Carry out a simple critical evaluation of their solution.
• Demonstrate an ability to work effectively in a teams, small groups and individually.
• Demonstrate an ability to manage time and resources effectively.
Project Title: Torque control of a DC Motor
Project Objectives: (technical, specific to this project)
To demonstrate within an industrial environment:
• To use Matlab® (Simulink®)
• To implement an appropriate analogue computer for modelling dynamic systems.
Project Summary: (50 words max)
A DC motor model, in specific prototyping stages, is more appropriate to use than the actual DC motor. This project
aimed to design and implement a DC motor model by using a simulation package (CAD) such as Matlab and
implement the equivalent electronic hardware platform.
Introductory Lecture (2hrs) Content:
• Introduction to DC motor.
• Introduction to PI compensators.
• Introduction to Matlab (Simulink).
• Introduction to first and second order systems.
• Hardware to be used.
• Topics for students to revise: DC motor text book, PI compensator text book, Opamps data sheets,
Matlab (Simulink) introduction manuals.
Preparation Session (3hrs):
• DC motor.
• PI compensator.
• Equivalent circuit model.
• Matlab (Simulink) introduction.
Page 2 of 5

3. Mini Project- Torque Control of a DC Motor
Section 2. Day 1
Expected Outcomes for the day:
Students working individually should demonstrate setting up and running a Simulink® based demo of the
motor model and the required PI compensator. Students working in groups of four should design and build
an electronic model of the motor model.
Assessment criteria;
The way in which the work has been planned and managed, demonstrate the technical criteria on designing
the required motor and PI controller model. Demonstrate by simulation that the operation of the PI
compensator and motor model are working according to the requested control criteria (response time,
settling time).
Key Tasks:
• Project Planning; developing an appropriate strategy to meet a specific set of technical
requirements.
• Development of the required Matlab based equivalent motor model.
• Validation of the equivalent model.
• Development of the required Matlab PI compensator.
• Simulation of the overall system.
• Develop the appropriate hardware for the motor
• Technical Appraisal; First phase test (check for correct wiring up for input and output USB contacts).
Page 3 of 5

4. Mini Project- Torque Control of a DC Motor
Section 3. Day 2
Expected Outcomes for the day:
Students working in small groups will have to conclude the construction of the motor model. Students
working in small groups should assemble the PI compensator and integrate it with the motor model.
Assessment criteria;
Based on successful demonstration of the developed hardware modules. Demonstrate the complete Torque
control system is working according to the above specification.
Key Tasks:
• Project Planning; developing an appropriate strategy to meet a specific set of technical
requirements.
• Develop the appropriate hardware for the motor (cont)
• Hardware testing stage.
• Develop the appropriate hardware for the PI compensator.
• Hardware testing stage.
• Technical Appraisal; Second Testing stage.
Section 4. Facilitator guidance (key ideas to draw out from students):
Day 1: DC motor and PI compensator operation, dynamics and modelling.
Day 2: Analogue computers in the field of modelling.
Section 5. Required Resources: Laboratory Facilities and Teaching Support.
Laboratory Resources:
1. PC Workstations with Matlab® and Simulink®.
2. A DC motor
3. Set of op-amps 741 (at least 8 per group), resistors and capacitors.
4. Prototyping boards
5. One Signal generator and one oscilloscope.
Teaching Resources:
1. Preparatory Session; an overview to the temperature logging application.
2. Day 1; briefing pack containing instructions for the day with source materials.
3. Day 2; briefing pack for the day; additional source materials, team allocations for group work.
Page 4 of 5

5. Mini Project- Torque Control of a DC Motor
Credits
This resource was created by the University of Hertfordshire and released as an open educational resource
through the Open Engineering Resources project of the HE Academy Engineering Subject Centre. The Open
Engineering Resources project was funded by HEFCE and part of the JISC/HE Academy UKOER
programme.
© University of Hertfordshire 2009
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
Screen shots taken from Matlab® and/or Simulink ®, both of which are trade marks of The MathWorks, Inc.
The JISC logo is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works 2.0 UK: England
& Wales Licence. All reproductions must comply with the terms of that licence.
The HEA logo is owned by the Higher Education Academy Limited may be freely distributed and copied for educational purposes only,
provided that appropriate acknowledgement is given to the Higher Education Academy as the copyright holder and original publisher.
.
Page 5 of 5