The Quanser Magnetic Levitation device is a single degree of freedom electromagnet-based system that allows users to levitate a ball vertically up and down. The overhead electromagnet generates an attractive force on the metal ball that initially sits on the post. The position of the ball is measured using a photo-sensitive sensor embedded inside the post. The system also includes a current sensor to measure the current inside the electromagnet’s coil.
Magnetic Levitation
The force between electromagnet and ball is highly nonlinear. Further, the electromagnet itself has its own dynamics that must be compensated for. The challenging dynamics of the system make it perfect for teaching modeling, linearization, current control, position control, and using multiple loops (i.e. cascade control). It could also be used to test and implement more advanced control strategies, such as multi-variable, gain scheduling, and nonlinear control.
| Brand | Quanser |
|---|
Related products
Coupled Tanks
Designed in association with Prof. Karl Åström and Prof. Karl Henrik Johansson, the Coupled Tanks system consists of a single pump with two tanks. Each tank is instrumented with a pressure sensor to measure the water level. The pump drives the water from the bottom basin up to the top of the system. Depending on how the outflow valves are configured, the water then flows to the top tank, bottom tank, or both. The rate of flow can also be changed using outflow orifices with different diameters. The ability to direct water flow, together with variable outflow orifices allows for several interesting Single Input Single Output (SISO) configurations. Further, two or more Coupled Tanks can be combined together for Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) experiments.
QLabs Virtual QBot 2e
Same as the physical QBot 2e, the virtual system is an autonomous ground robot featuring built-in sensors and vision system.
Linear Servo Base Unit with Inverted Pendulum
The Linear Motion Control Lab is one of the most popular, flexible and modular solutions for teaching controls. Based on the world’s leading turn-key platform for controls education, it is designed to help engineering educators reach a new level of efficiency and effectiveness in teaching controls.
QLabs Virtual Rotary Servo
Same as the physical Rotary Servo Base Unit, the virtual system features a DC motor that drives a smaller pinion gear. This gear is fixed to a larger middle gear that rotates on the load shaft. The position of the load shaft is measured using a high-resolution optical encoder or a potentiometer.
Linear Double Inverted Pendulum
The double inverted pendulum represents a complex challenge with real-world applications that include stabilizing the takeoff of a multi-stage rocket and modeling the human posture system.
QLabs Virtual Ball and Beam
Same as the physical Ball and Beam, the virtual system features a track on which a ball is free to roll. The track is effectively a potentiometer, outputting a voltage proportional to the position of the ball. The tilt angle of the track is controlled by the Rotary Servo’s DC motor.
2 DOF Gantry
The 2 DOF Inverted Pendulum/Gantry module is ideal to introduce more advanced principles of robotics. You can use it to
Linear Flexible Joint with Inverted Pendulum
The Linear Flexible Joint with Inverted Pendulum combines two fundamental control challenges to give students an opportunity to a more advanced modeling and control challenge.
