Embedded model control: application to electrovalves

The paper briefly illustrates the Embedded Model Control (EMC) methodology, a model/observer based design procedure addressed to industrial engineers and technicians capable of plant modelling. Mathematics is reduced to a minimum. Eigenvalue tuning is suggested to be achieved through simulator as a plant surrogate, as it will provide designer with great sensitivity and security. Sophisticated algorithms of modern control might be employed at least for comparison or start-up. Tuning objective is just to reach required performance and to assess margin, not to optimize. The digital control of a proportional electro-hydraulic valve, under test, is presented as an application.