Use of Sysquake applications in an undergraduate control course

This paper describes how an undergraduate control course is enhanced with Sysquake interactive applications. Basic concepts in control theory, 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 the theory. The applications, implemented with Sysquake as stand-alone programs, offer a simple user interface while supporting a wide range of problems.