Low-cost mini bench with DC motors and encoder for feedback control practice

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5902/2179460X92211

Keywords:

Didactic Bench, Mathematical modeling, Discrete-Time control, DC Motor, Closed-Loop control, Transfer function, Linear control, PID control, Digital PID, Feedback control

Abstract

This paper presents the development and application of a low-cost didactic bench based on DC motors with encoders for practical teaching of control systems in engineering. The proposal aims to overcome resource limitations in educational institutions by providing an accessible, portable, and effective platform for experimentation with fundamental concepts such as circuit analysis, electronics, mathematical modeling, instrumentation, and closed-loop control. The mathematical modeling of the DC motor is detailed, including transfer function derivations, and the design of a digital discrete-time controller for angular velocity control is presented, employing tools such as MATLAB and Simulink for validation. The results demonstrate the technical and pedagogical feasibility of the bench, enabling students to gain an integrated and applied experience, better preparing them for modern engineering challenges.

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Author Biographies

Pedro Henrique Cascardo Cabral, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

Undergraduate student in Electrical Engineering course, Federal University Of Santa Maria - Cachoeira do Sul.

André Francisco Caldeira, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Professor of the Electrical Engineering course, Federal
University of Santa Maria - Cachoeira do Sul.

Charles Rech, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Professor of the Mechanical Engineering course, Federal University of Santa Maria - Cachoeira do Sul.

Simone Ferigolo Venturini, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

MSc in Mechanical Engineering, PhD student in the postgraduate program in
production engineering PPGEP-UFSM, Santa Maria, RS.

Cristiano Frandalozo Maidana, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Professor of the Mechanical Engineering course, Federal University of Santa Maria - Cachoeira do Sul.

Carmen Brum Rosa, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Professor in the Posgraduate Program in Production Engineering (PPGEP), Federal University of Santa Maria - Santa Maria

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Published

2025-11-19

How to Cite

Cabral, P. H. C., Caldeira, A. F., Rech, C., Venturini, S. F., Maidana, C. F., & Rosa, C. B. (2025). Low-cost mini bench with DC motors and encoder for feedback control practice. Ciência E Natura, 47(esp. 4), e92211. https://doi.org/10.5902/2179460X92211

Issue

Section

III Feira de Ciências, Tecnologia e Inovação da UFSM-CS

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