Interactive applications in a mandatory control course

This paper describes how a mandatory control course is enhanced with interactive applications. Basic concepts of automatic control, different ways to assess performance and robustness of a controlled system, and limits of closed- loop systems are illustrated with graphics which can be manipulated directly with the mouse, letting the student acquire a deeper and broader understanding of theory. The applications, implemented with Sysquake as stand-alone programs, offer a simple user interface while supporting a wide range of problems.