Weekly Project Update:

We are studying Haixing's circuit diagram for the quadrant maglev control circuit.  We have analyzed several of the sub-circuits and plotted transfer functions for these in MatLab.  To check the circuit, we will compare the calculated transfer functions with those obtained from the HP control systems analyzer.

To learn how to use the control systems analyzer, we are reading App Note 243 as well as an online manual (477 pages in the first volume).  We are beginning with a simple test circuit, and are comparing its measured frequencyresponse with calculated transfer functions.  We currently have obtained a response graph beginning at 100 Hz (which we have not yet figured out how to print), and we are planning to investigate behavior at lower frequencies.

We also have been continuing our reading on control systems after a failed attempt at magnetic levitation.