An educational interactive software tool to learn cascade control design

In this paper we present an educational interactive software tool made with Matlab to learn how to design cascade control systems for industrial processes. The tool allows the user to modify the parameters of the two PID controllers in the secondary and primary loops and to verify the effects of such modifications. In particular, the set-point and the load disturbance step response can be evaluated as well as the filtering of measurement noise. In addition, a frequency response analysis can be performed. A comparison with the classic single-loop control can be also done. It is believed that this tool can be fruitfully exploited in process control courses, in order for the student to better understand the application of the theoretical concepts given by the teacher.