Undergraduate MEMS 1049

Mechatronics

(3 units)

Description: An introduction to Mechatronics, or the interfacing of mechanical and electrical systems.  Focus is on embedded controllers (Motorola 68HC11 and PIC 16F84) and their programming, power and interfacing electronics, actuators, sensors, and integration of these components to create a complete functional mechatronic system.

Prerequisite: MEMS 1014

Textbook: Introduction to Mechatronics and Measurement Systems, 3rd edition, by Alciatore and Histand, McGraw-Hill.

Course Objectives:

• To provide an introduction to the design of electromechanical systems, or “mechatronics,” including hands-on learning of all topics in the course
• To provide the basics of using microprocessors for control of mechanical systems, focusing on the Motorola and PIC families of microcontrollers
• To build on prior knowledge of measurement systems and electrical circuits, adding the remaining components of a mechatronic system, including basic actuators, digital and analog interfacing circuitry, and microprocessors for control
• To require a team-based final project that ties together the course knowledge via the design, construction, and testing of an autonomous machine that performs specific tasks

Topics Covered:

1. Microprocessor programming and operation (Motorola 68HC11 and PIC 16F84)
2. Power electronics
3. Digital electronics
4. Actuators
5. Interfacing mechatronic systems

Class/Laboratory Schedule: Approximately two 50-minute periods of lecture per week and one two-hour period per week of laboratory work. The laboratory stays open much of the time, so particularly during the latter half of the term students spend much more than two 50-minute periods per week in the lab working on laboratory assignments and projects.

Professional Component Contributions: Engineering science and design

Relationship to Program Objectives: 2a, 2b, 3a, 3c

Prepared by: William W. Clark

Date Prepared: March 12, 2005