Supply of 90 × Qube-Servo 3 to the University of Birmingham

The Quanser Qube Servo 3 system is an innovative and unique solution for laboratory teaching in the subjects of Control Systems and Mechatronics. The School of Engineering and CTL aim to replace our outdated kit (which is now obsolete) with the Servo3 as a vital part of our undergraduate teaching provision.

The system provides a unique solution, fully integrated with MATLAB®/Simulink® (which is used throughout the School in teaching and research). The hardware, will be used in labs within our curriculum to enable students to experience the practical side of motor physics, simulation and modelling, and will allow the design implementation and test of a range of control engineering solutions.

This is a vital part of our world-leading engineering education. A crucial element is that the hardware is complemented by state-of-the-art digital twins which allow students to experiment on the twin using MATLAB®/Simulink® (e.g. for revision or lab-prep), from home.

The Faculty License will allow access to the full set of Quanser's digital twins and includes the real-time control software for all students and staff. These teaching platforms distinguish themselves significantly from anything else available on the market (in fact there is nothing remotely similar in terms of functionality).

Our purchase will ensure continuity of our excellent research-led teaching related to mechatronics, electric machines and control engineering. The Qube servo 3 will enable us at the University to continue study of Control Engineering, Control Fundamentals Modelling of mechanical and electric systems Analysis of systems Steady state error analysis, Stability (Simplified Nyquist), Stability margins.

Control Design Design based-upon Nichols and/or Bode plots Compensator design via classical loop-shaping Case studies Where student can Implement the skills and knowledge acquired during the module in the design and construction of a complete system. We are faced with the current Engineering module equipment becoming obsolete as no longer manufactured.

The effects this would have on the teaching would see a drop in overall dynamics so is crucial to maintain the level that we have achieved in previous years. Securing the purchase from Quanser will provide a seamless transition that cannot be replaced and evident whilst researching products from existing suppliers.

We can continue to work in tandem using current software with the Qube servo 3 and integrate the additional software widely utilized across the university campus such as Matlab and Simulink. The Quanser Qube-Servo 3 is an integrated DC-servo motor experiment. It is designed to help teach fundamental control concepts and theories on an easy-to-use and intuitive platform This will enhance student experience as the package gives us more capabilities from its technical specifications and scope to provide and support Engineering taught labs using emerging technology in comparison to current equipment which will no longer be viable