Course syllabus

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Course-PM

SSY061 Mechatronics, Sp1, Autumn semester 2023 (7.5 hp)

The course is offered by the Department of Electrical Engineering

Contact details

Examiner and Lecturer: 
Jonas Fredriksson, tel: 772 1359, jonas.fredriksson@chalmers.se, EDIT-building room 5414

Teaching assistants:
Muhammad Faris, farism@chalmers.se, (consultation hours: Thursdays 12.30-13.15, EDIT-building room 5337)

Lorenzo Montalto, lorenzo.montalto@chalmers.se, (consultation hours: Tuesdays 12.30-13.15, EDIT-building room 5439)

Yao Cai, yao.cai@chalmers.se, (consultation hours: Wednesdays 12.30-13.15, EDIT-building room 5329)

Student administration:

studadm.e2@chalmers.se, EDIT-building room 3342

Course purpose

The student receives an introduction to mechatronics: sensors, actuators, and electrical circuits in connection to a mechanical system. The participants learn how the most common sensors and actuators work and the physics behind them. This includes electro-physics and electrical circuits. The student also receives an introduction to signal processing, covering both practical and theoretical aspects.

Schedule

TimeEdit

Course literature

Introduction to Mechatronics and Measurement Systems, 5:ed,
David G. Alciatore, Michael B. Histand, Mcgraw-Hill. The book is available on Cremona/Store.

Other material (on Canvas):
Hand-in assignments
Excerpt from Förstärkarteknik av Bengt Molin (in Swedish) or DC-to-DC converters (in English)
Solution’s manual
Compendium with Additional Problems (CAP) (in Swedish)

Course design

The course consists of lectures, tutorial sessions, problem-solving sessions, 2 hand-in assignments and one home-project assignment.

Lectures:
The lectures are intended to motivate and introduce the content of the course literature. with references to real applications. The course is defined by the lectures together with the chapters mentioned below in the course book. The course literature is followed relatively well during the lectures.

Tutorials:
Tutorials are performed with a brief summary of theory and methods and a demonstration of how to solve problems. To get the most out of the tutorials you should prepare for the tutorials, for example by reading in on the problems that are to be solved during the session. The teaching assistants are also available for consultation. Note that it is absolutely necessary to set aside additional time to work on the problems (exercises) on your own!
Problem-solving sessions:
In addition to the tutorials, problem-solving sessions will also be offered. The problem-solving sessions are based on self-activity with opportunities to get help from a teaching assistant. The problem-solving sessions can also be used to discuss the hand-in assignments.
Hand-in assignment:
The course contains three assignments that are solved on your own or in groups with up to three students in each group. The assignments are introduced and discussed during lectures and tutorial sessions. Consultation can be made during the problem-solving sessions.
Project assignment:
A project will be carried out as a homework assignment. Experimental equipment will be lent out, one per group (up to 3 students/group). The equipment consists of electric components that can be assembled into a mobile robot. Assignments that are to be solved and presented during the course.

Changes made since the last occasion

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Learning objectives and syllabus

Learning objectives:

  • show basic knowledge about passive and active electric components by being able to analyze simple electric circuits built upon these components, including direct current and alternating current.
  • show basic knowledge about digital components by being able to analyze simple digital circuits.
  • explain the principles of sampling, AD and DA converters.
  • explain the possibilities with signal processing and filtering of sensor signals, especially how the RC circuit works as a filter.
  • explain how the OP amplifier can be used.
  • explain how the strain gauge works and how it can be used as a general component for different types of sensors, such as position, force, and pressure sensors.
  • understand and be able to use a Wheatstone bridge in combination with strain gauges.
  • explain the pros and cons of different sensor types.
  • describe the principles for electromechanical actuators, especially the DC motor.
  • choose a suitable actuator for mechatronic systems.
  • design basic microcontroller-based systems, including microcontroller system architecture and programming.

Link to the syllabus on Studieportalen.

Study plan

Examination form

Written exam and approved project and hand-in assignments.

The first written exam is Tuesday, October 24, from 14.00-18.00. The exam consists of 6-7 exercises for a total of 25 points. Nominal grading according to 10/15/20 points, you need 10 points to pass the course with a grade 3, 15 points to pass with a grade 4, and 20 to pass the course with a grade 5. Solutions and answers should be written in English or Swedish and be unambiguous and well-motivated.

Allowed material during the exam:

  • Type-approved calculator
  • Beta or another mathematics handbook
  • Cheat sheet, 1 single page, front and back, with your own notes. No solutions to problems/exercises allowed.

Course summary:

Date Details Due