Does inexpensive hardware obfuscate simple experiments for control systems laboratories?

Abstract

There is a common trend towards developing low-cost introductory control laboratory equipment. Successful implementation of low cost platforms has many benefits, including easier adoption and maintenance. However, cheaper equipment can also confuse the relationships between theory and the real world due to the limitations of the hardware. These include, but are not limited to, low resolution encoders, noisy current and voltage sensors, significant static friction, and backlash in gearing. Care must be taken when designing experiments using low-cost platforms to account for limitations so that experimental data is easily related to models.