Spring-Mass-Damper
Kit
Spring-mass-damper plants are found on virtually every textbook related to vibrations, dynamic systems and controls. This kit is designed to explore and study many configurations of free and forced vibration systems.
Learning Objectives Include
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Modeling and simulation of dynamic systems
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System identification and model validation
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1, 2, or 3 DOF plants
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Principles of free and forced vibrations
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Collocated and non-collocated controls
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PID control
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Discrete State-Space controller
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Multivariable control (2DOF and 3DOF plants)
Features:
Selecting the appropriate Spring–Mass–Damper System depends on how the equipment will be used across your curriculum, including both dynamics/vibrations and control systems courses.
All systems support both dynamics and control systems instruction, with increasing capability for higher-order modeling and control as system complexity increases.
Most instructors find that a 2DOF system provides the best balance between conceptual clarity and system complexity. It enables students to explore coupled dynamics and mode shapes in vibrations courses, while also supporting controller design, tuning, and system response analysis in controls.
For introductory exposure, a 1DOF system offers a focused and accessible starting point for both modeling and basic feedback concepts. For advanced courses and research applications, a 3DOF system enables deeper exploration of higher-order dynamics and more complex control strategies.
MATLAB® and Simulink® Integration
We offer turnkey and plant only options:
Turnkey kit
Includes the plant, a DAQ, amplifier, EStop button, power supply.
Plant only
User provides DAQ, amplifier, Estop button, power supply and computer.
EMB Spring-Mass-Damper Kit 1DOF Turnkey Standard Configuration
(with EMB-AM4, ESCON1, EMB-DAQ1)
EMB Spring-Mass-Damper Kit 2DOF Turnkey Standard Configuration
(with EMB-AM4, ESCON1, EMB-DAQ1)
EMB Spring-Mass-Damper Kit 3DOF Turnkey Standard Configuration
(with EMB-AM4, ESCON1, EMB-DAQ2)
Performance Packages
Performance Upgrades
For courses and labs requiring higher performance, our systems are available with upgraded actuation and data acquisition capabilities.
The brushless motor upgrade (EMB-AM2 with the ESCON2) provides increased bandwidth, faster response, lower friction, and improved control fidelity—particularly valuable for control systems courses and experiments involving precise system identification and feedback design.
The advanced data acquisition upgrade (EMB-DAQ2), based on a National Instruments PCIe platform, enables higher sampling rates, lower latency, more I/O, and robust real-time control implementation. This is especially beneficial for advanced undergraduate and graduate-level control applications.
Together, these upgrades transform the system into a high-performance experimental platform, suitable for advanced controls education and research. Many instructors adopt this configuration when supporting both teaching and more demanding experimental work within the same lab environment.
EMB-AM2 & ESCON2
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Higher bandwidth and faster system response
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Improved control fidelity and smoother actuation
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Cleaner excitation of system dynamics
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Lower friction
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Longer system life
👉 Recommended for control systems courses and experiments involving high dynamics
EMB-DAQ2
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Higher sampling rates and lower latency
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Real-time control capability
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Improved measurement resolution and data quality
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Industrial grade DAQ from National Instruments
👉 Recommended for controls, system identification, and real-time implementation
EMB Spring-Mass-Damper Kit 1DOF Turnkey Performance Configuration
(shown with EMB-AM2, ESCON2, EMB-DAQ2)
EMB Spring-Mass-Damper Kit 2DOF Turnkey Performance Configuration
(shown with EMB-AM2, ESCON2, EMB-DAQ2)
EMB Spring-Mass-Damper Kit 3DOF Turnkey Performance Configuration
(shown with EMB-AM2, ESCON2, EMB-DAQ2)
Spring Set
Mass Block Set
Dashpot Set
Linear Slide with Encoder
Plant configurations include:
3DOF
Spring-Mass-Damper
Kit
