Digital communication technology for teaching automatic control: The level control case

A prototype application for a communication network between the controller and the sensors in a laboratory plant for teaching purposes using the controller area network (CAN) standard is discussed in detail in this paper. The basis of the CAN digital communication system is revised and results are presented of the designed experiment, carried out by the students, to control the tank level. It is concluded that the introduction of modern communication technology in teaching process control as part of the electrical engineering curriculum is feasible.