To develop an appreciation of how microcomputer based control systems can be used in the design and implementation of Electro-Mechanical Engineering systems.

To develop confidence in practical design techniques for microcomputer based Electro-Mechanical systems.

To appreciate the capabilities of Mechatronics systems and the accelerating change in performance that such systems offer the system designer.

(LO1) Knowledge and understanding of a number of key principles, example system components and applications in microcomputer based Electro-Mechanical control systems.

(LO2) Ability to formulate and define mechatronic problems and to use taught methodologies to analyse and solve engineering problems.

(LO3) Ability to describe and explain qualitative aspects.

(LO4) Ability to apply quantitative design methods to microcomputer interfacing problems.

(LO5) Ability to program and design of microcontrollers programs.

(LO6) Ability to carry out (supervised) laboratory experiments, using test and measurement equipment and techniques, to collect and record data using safe working procedures.

(S1) Communication skills

(S2) Problem solving skills

(S3) Numeracy

Lectures and E-lectures:

Sensors:  Terminology of sensors, static and dynamic performance.
- Resistive, optical, capacitive and inductive types for linear and rotational measurements. 
- Pneumatic sensors. 
- Measurement of liquid flow, liquid level, temperature, light intensity and proximity. 
- Selection of sensors.
- I2C, SPI and GPIB communication protocols.

Actuators:  Brief overview of mechanical and electrical systems.  
- Mechanical and electrical (solid state) switches. 
- Applications and control of DC electric motors in Mechatronics.
- Pulse width modulation.

Microcontrollers:  Basic structure of computers. 
- Types of memory. 
- Microcontroller languages. 
- Data representation and transfer.  
- Arithmetic and logical instructions. 
- Program control. 
- Memory addressing. 
- Data movement.

Digital electronics I:  Number systems and arithmetic.
- Number systems - binary and hexadecimal, conversions between systems.
- Binary arithmetic - adding,subtraction and multiplication.
- Boolean algebra and basic logic operations (AND, OR, NOT).
- Logic gates.

Digital electronics II: Basic features of sequential elements including flip-flops and SR type.
- Clocked SR flip-flop and the shift register.
- Synchronous and Asynchronous Sequential Circuits.
- The D-type latch.
- Analysis of simple sequential circuits.

Signal-conditioning: Digital and analogue interfacing techniques. 
- Comparators.
- Attenuation and amplification. 
- Non-inverting operational amplifier, integrating amplifier, summing amplifier, differential amplifier, logarithmic amplifier and comparator circuits. 
- Amplifier errors. 
- Protection and filtering.   
- Analogue-to-digital converters. 
- Digital-to-analogue converters.

Programming: Arduino programming language and IDE, digital/analogue inputs and outputs for sensing and actuation.
- Libraries for interfacing with sensors and actuators

Practical labs:
- LAB1: Introduction to Arduino platform
- LAB2: Sensing and actuation with Arduino: ultrasound and light sensors, on/off control of DC motors
- LAB3: System integration with Arduino and DC motor speed control
- LAB4: Advanced sensing with Arduino - serial protocols.

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Frontal and recorded E-lectures on VITAL
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: Alternate weeks to the labs

Teaching Method 2 - Laboratory Work
Description: Hands-on activity in Active Learning Lab
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Alternate weeks in Active Learning Labs