This paper describes a flexible development platform used to implement and test different control strategies for an 11 kW wind energy conversion system capable of working in both grid-connection and stand-alone operation modes. A dSPACE prototyper is used to implement the control and provide a high degree of flexibility allowing code development in Simulink. A back-to-back power conversion configuration is chosen where the generator converter uses standard flux vector control to control the speed of the shaft while the grid-side converter uses a standard PWM active rectifier control strategy implemented in the dSPACE controller. An on-line maximum power-tracking algorithm is also implemented. The design of the LCL filter and current controller is described. The flexibility of this development platform allowed relative complex control strategies to be implemented and tested in a short time.