A Method for Finding Good Values of Adaptation Gains

Choosing the adaptation gains for a model reference adaptive controller is a complex matter. Low values of the adaptation gains may result in very slow adaptation, while high adaptation gains may lead to instability in the adaptation process. Good values of them depend on many factors in this type of non-linear system; the input amplitude and frequency, the process performance specification and the form of the controller, being the most important. This paper describes the search for good values of the adaptation gains using the MIT Rule based adaptive controller as an example. The simulations are performed using LABVIEW. The method developed is demonstrated in the realtime, speed control of a DC motor.