This notebook contains material from CBE32338; content is available on Github.

< 1.0 Introduction to the Temperature Control Laboratory | Contents | 1.2 The TCLab Python Package >

1.1 The Temperature Control Laboratory

The Temperature Control Laboratory provides a hands-on learning environment for traditional courses in process control. The Arduino-based device consists of a two-input, two-output system of heaters and sensors. TCLab is a Python library providing the software tools to create and test control algorithms ranging from simple step testing to sophisticated multivarible predictive control.

1.1.1 Hardware

This notebook provides a basic introduction to the device and the TCLab library.

The Temperature Control Laboratory hardware consists of five components:

1. Arduino microcontroller board (Arduino Uno, Arduino Leonardo, or equivalents).

2. The Temperature Control Laboratory plug-in board (also known as a shield).

3. Five watt USB power supply.

4. 5.5mm to USB power supply cable.

5. USB 2.0 data cable. (w/mini-USB connector for Arduino Uno, or micro-USB cable for Arduino Leonardo.)

Before going further, be sure to complete the steps outlined under Hardware setup as described in TCLab README. Mac OS users may need to install a serial driver available here. Normally the TCLab shield will already be mounted on the Arduino board, and the firmware driver will have been loaded on to the Arduino.

< 1.0 Introduction to the Temperature Control Laboratory | Contents | 1.2 The TCLab Python Package >