Abstract
In this chapter, we report on the use of the TINI (Tiny InterNet Interface) microcontroller platform, DSTINIM400, as a cost effective solution to deploy feedback control laboratory experiments online. The DSTINIM400 has a built-in 10/100 Base-T Ethernet capability and provides 24 digital inputs/outputs. A TINI runtime environment, embedded in the DSTINIM400, allows developers to interact with the microcontroller like a network terminal where Java program code is downloaded and executed via the Ethernet communication protocol. The use of Java programming environment on the TINI microcontroller yields a simple interface to many Ethernet protocols allowing programmers to intuitively define a data communication link between the TINI microcontroller and a remote graphical user interface (GUI) control panel. We utilize the DSTINIM400 to interface with a variety of laboratory experiments, execute user-selectable control algorithms, and establish Internet data communication with remote GUI control panels. We provide remote GUI control panels in the form of Java applet webpages, where sensor data is presented to remote users as a plot GUI component and control system structure and parameter values are presented as binary switches, sliders, and text boxes. Finally, safety protocols are evaluated and implemented to safeguard online laboratory experiments.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Internet Accessible Remote Laboratories |
| Subtitle of host publication | Scalable E-Learning Tools for Engineering and Science Disciplines |
| Publisher | IGI Global |
| Pages | 338-361 |
| Number of pages | 24 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781613501863 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2011 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Social Sciences
- General Engineering