Course syllabus
Course-PM
SSY061 Mechatronics, Sp1, Autumn semester 2025 (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:
Francesco Popolizio, frapop@chalmers.se, EDIT-building room 5336
Kilian Tamino Freitag, tamino@chalmers.se, EDIT-building room 5439
Martina Vinetti, vinetti@chalmers.se, EDIT-building room 5333
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. Participants learn how the most common sensors and actuators work, as well as 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
Course literature
Introduction to Mechatronics and Measurement Systems, 5th ed,
David G. Alciatore, Mcgraw-Hill. The book is available at The 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 designed to motivate and introduce the course literature, with references to real-world applications. The course is defined by the lectures, as well as the chapters mentioned in the course book. The course literature is followed relatively well during the lectures.
Tutorials:
Tutorials are conducted with a brief summary of the theory and methods, as well as a demonstration of how to solve problems. To get the most out of the tutorials, you should prepare for them, for example, by reading up on the problems that will 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-directed activity with opportunities to seek help from a teaching assistant. The problem-solving sessions can also be used to discuss the hand-in assignments.
Hand-in assignment:
The course consists of two assignments that you can solve either individually or in groups of up to two students each. 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 four students per 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
-
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.
AI tools
AI tools are allowed to be used during hand-in assignments and projects. If AI tools are used, they should be referenced in the written report for the hand-in assignment and project, respectively.
Examination form
Written exam and approved project and hand-in assignments.
The first written exam is on Tuesday, October 28, 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 points to pass the course with a grade 5. Solutions and answers should be written in English or Swedish and be clear, concise, and well-supported.
Allowed material during the exam:
- Type-approved calculator
- Beta or another mathematics handbook
- Cheat sheet, one single page, front and back, with your notes. No solutions to problems/exercises allowed.
Course summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|