IndT 474: Mechatronics Systems
Course Description
Mechatronics is a multi-disciplinary engineering discipline representing a synergistic combination of mechanical, electrical, control, and computer engineering, all integrated through a design process. The course provides a cross-disciplinary study of mechatronics systems at a theoretical and practical level. The emphasis is on a balanced approach to: (1) theoretical and analytical understanding of the fundamentals of mechatronics system design, and (2) practical implementation of learned concepts. Software and hardware simulation and interfacing is studied and reinforced through a set of assignments, lab exercises, and a project, based on the Lego Mindstorm EV3 kit.
Course Scope
The course studies the fundamentals of mechatronics systems. Topics to be covered include: principles of systems modeling, interfacing and signal conditioning of sensors and actuators; data acquisition and signal processing; systems control; overview of robotics and computer vision.
Course Objectives
After the completion of the course the students should demonstrate the ability to:
1. Understand the mechanical, electrical and control aspects of mechatronics systems.
2. Identify various mechatronics systems and their primary components.
3. Understand the fundamentals of electro-mechanical sensors and be able to apply engineering principles to interpret data from electromechanical sensors.
4. Identify different classes of actuators, including DC motors, AC motors, step motors, hydraulic and pneumatic actuators.
5. Understand functioning of A/D and D/A convertors and recognize their limitations.
6. Understand the digital implementation of control, and design basic digital control techniques.
7. Understand the mechatronics system integration and be able to apply it to different physical systems.
Course Materials
Textbook:
- D. A. Alciatore, M. B. Histand, "Introduction to Mechatronics and Measurement Systems," 4th Edition, Mc-Graw Hill, 2011 (ISBN-10: 0073380237, ISBN-13: 978-0073380230).
Topics
- Introduction to Mechatronics Systems
- Actuators, Modeling and Overview
- Sensors, Modeling and Overview
- Mechatronics Systems Modeling and Design
- Data Acquisition and Signal Processing
- Control Systems
- Microcontrollers and Microprocessors
Evaluation Procedure
There are two homework assignments and two in-class quizzes. There are four practical labs in the course. The students are expected to submit a lab report within one week of the lab practice. The course requires participation in a team project, with an objective of building a manipulator using the Lego Mindstorms EV3 kit, and programming the manipulator to perform a pick-and-place task for relocating an object to a desired location.
Grading
Homework Assignments (2) |
10 % |
Quizzes (2) |
30 % |
Lab Reports (4) |
20 % |
Project |
40 % |