Unit(s) of Assessment	Weighting Towards Module Mark( %)
2 x Group project (2-3 students): electronics and robotics	40
Unseen examination	60
Qualifying Condition(s)    A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module.

An introduction to the technology and concepts which support the electro-mechanical, or mechatronic, design of almost all modern commercial products.

Completion of the progress requirements of Level HE2; in particular modules; ENG1035 (Electronics), ENG2008 (Control), ENG2053 (Instrumentation),and the HE3 module ENG3076 (Control Systems Engineering).

To introduce the concept of, the technology within and to develop the basic skills required for the analysis and design of microprocessor controlled electro-mechanical systems.

Upon successful completion of the module, students will:

• Identify and analyze the component parts of an electro-mechanical system such that a technical evaluation could be made of that system.
• Develop the mechanical, electrical/electronics and computing/programming skills necessary for the design of a simple electro-mechanical system.

Introduction to electro-mechanical engineering systems (mechatronics).

Data structure and logic.

Introduction to the central processing unit (CPU), micro-processor and micro-controller system architectures.

Review of analogue signal conditioning, A-to-D and D-to-A conversion, Shannon/Nyquist sampling theory, aliasing. Introduction to multiplexing, digital signal processing (DSP) techniques and filtering.

Interfacing to digital controllers – I/O, handshaking, polling and interrupts, digital communication and data buses, circuit protection and power interfaces.

Microprocessor programming, including flow charts and pseudo code, syntax, assembly language and high-level languages.

Introduction to stepper motors and their control.

Introductions to specific laboratory hardware as necessary for mini-projects:

• A practical robotics mini-project based on Lego Mindstorms, with emphasis on programming, embedded control and automation.

   

• A practical electronics mini-project, incorporating basic electronics, op-amp circuits, digital electronics, test/measurement and microprocessor controlled circuits.

18 hours of lectures, 8 hours of problem-based classes, 10 hours tutorials, and 64 hours of independent study

Essential:  Bolton W, Mechatronics – Electronic Control Systems in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, 4th ed. Pearson Education 2008. (ISBN: 0132407639 also 3rd ISBN: 01312 16333 - copies in UniS library)

 Recommended for coursework: Baum D, Definitive Guide to Lego® Mindstorms™,  APress, 2000. (1st ed - ISBN: 18931 15097 ; 2nd ed. - ISBN: 15905 90635 – copies in UniS library)

20 October 2009