ME 3484 Mechatronics (Spring 2003)

Instructor: Dr. Vikram Kapila

Office Hrs.: Monday and Wednesday 4:00-5:00 P.M. (RH 508)

Class Hrs.: Tu 11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.

Text: Mechatronics class notes, V. Kapila, Polytechnic University, Brooklyn, NY, 2003.

Course Syllabus

Week 1.Essentials of mechatronics and mechatronics design process

Week 2.Introduction to data acquisition and control platforms

Week 3.Introduction to Basic Stamp 2 (BS2) microcontroller

Week 4.BS 2 hardware consideration

Week 5.Basic Electricity and Electronics

Week 6.Interfacing sensors to BS2 including signal conditioning

Week 7.Interfacing actuators to BS2 including power electronics

Week 8.Basic Mechanics

Week 9.Sensor theory

Week 10.Actuator theory

Week 11.Electro-mechanical systems modeling

Week 12. Integrated mechatronics design: Student project presentations

Week 13.Integrated mechatronics design: Student project presentations

Reading Assignments: To fully understand the lectures. DO NOT wait until the week before exams to start reading the text.

Grading Policy: This is a 4 credits course. The following grading policy will be followed.

Structured mechatronics projects:20

Integrated mechatronics design:30

Quizzes (4):20

Final exam:30

Letter Grade Policy: A: 95+, A-: 90+, B+: 87+, B: 83+, B-: 80+, C+: 77+, C: 73+, C-: 70+, D+: 65+, D: 60+, F: <60.

Homework/project submission and other policies:

  • You are responsible for course readings.
  • Homework will be assigned periodically. However, homework will neither be collected nor graded. You are responsible to do homework on you own.
  • During quizzes and exams, before beginning to solve assigned problems, restate the problem and list the data given. Also, list the important concepts and formulae used to arrive at the final solution.
  • Submit all detailed work to arrive at final solutions.
  • Illegible work will not be graded.
  • Do not turn in loose sheets.
  • You must complete all exams and quizzes on your own. You may not consult or collaborate with other students. Violation of these rules will be reported to the appropriate university committee.
  • If you cannot attend a quiz or exam due to a medical condition, certified by a doctor, you must notify the instructor prior to the quiz/exam. In such a case, no makeup quiz/exam will be offered to you. Instead, the weight of the missed quiz/exam will be added to the following quiz/exam (if there is one remaining).
  • Unexcused absence from a quiz/exam will result in a grade of 0 for that quiz/exam.

Course web site: It is your responsibility to regularly check the following web site for course related material and announcements (e.g., homework assignment, solutions, schedules, reading material, etc.).

Course Objectives:

  1. The students will acquire and apply instrumentation fundamentals to analyze and design measurement instrumentation.
  2. The students will learn fundamental operational aspects of measurement instruments and will be able to appropriately calibrate any given measurement device.
  3. The students will utilize modern computer-aided analysis and design tools to perform measurement system analysis and design.
  4. The students will be able to use a computer-based data acquisition hardware and software to acquire, condition, and analyze experimental data.

ABET a-k criteria compliance

ABET a-k criteria / ME ABET / ME Program Outcomes
a / b / c / d / e / f / g / h / i / j / k / 1a / 1b / 1c / 1d / A / B / C / D / E / F / G / H
ME 3484 Mechatronics / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X

ABET a-k criteria:

(a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering

(b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data

(c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs

(d) an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams

(e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems

(f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility

(g) an ability to communicate effectively

(h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context

(i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning

(j) a knowledge of contemporary issues

(k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

ME Program Outcomes:

  1. The graduates of the program will demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental disciplines of mechanical engineering including dynamical systems, fluid mechanics, structures and thermal systems.
  2. The graduates of the program will possess analytical skills to be able to identify a real-life engineering problem and formulate a methodology for solution.
  3. The graduates will demonstrate computational and experimental skills in order to solve mechanical engineering problems.
  4. The graduates will demonstrate verbal and written communication skills as professionals.
  5. The graduates will demonstrate an ability to work as part of a team towards achieving goals.
  6. The graduates will demonstrate knowledge of the tools needed for engineering design.
  7. The graduates will have an ability to make decisions based on societal needs, contemporary issues and ethical considerations.
  8. The graduates will know and appreciate the need for life-long learning and will possess the skills necessary for life long learning.