A comparative performance of rule-based and fuzzy logic-based power system stabilisers is described in this paper. The stabilising signal in these stabilisers is computed using two parameters depending on the speed/acceleration state of the generator in the phase plane. The required measurement is the speed deviation. The comparison of different stabilisers is demonstrated by a practical implementation using a digital signal processor mounted on a PC-AT. Results of experimental tests on a physical model of a simple power system are presented.