2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
MECH2650 Mechatronics and Measurement Systems
20 creditsClass Size: 300
Module manager: Dr Ali Alazmani
Email: A.Alazmani@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
Module replaces
ELEC1910MECH2140MECH2160This module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
The aim of this module is to provide a focussed interdisciplinary knowledge and experience for all undergraduate students in mechanical engineering. The summary objectives of the module are listed below. The module will cover:a) Understanding of and ability to apply a systems approach which concerns synergic and concurrent use of mechanics, electronics, computer engineering, and intelligent control;
b) An overview of electronic components and basic circuit theory and analysis;
c) An introduction to analogue signal processing;
d) An introduction to digital circuits;
e) Review of Boolean algebra and its application in digital circuit design;
f) An overview of computer hardware and software;
g) Microcontroller programming, interfacing and data acquisition;
h) A study of most widely used sensors in mechatronic and measurement systems;
i) Analysis of typical sensor systems;
j) A study of most widely used actuators covering DC and stepper motors, hydraulic, pneumatic, and smart actuators;
k) Analysis of typical actuator systems;
l) Computer control architectures;
m) Mechatronic systems design and analysis (case study examples).
Learning outcomes
At the end of this module, students will have learnt how to:
1. analyse electrical circuits
2. design and analyse electrical circuit and control algorithm for actuators
3. design and analyse data acquisition circuits for sensors
4. design and analyse hydraulic and pneumatic circuits
5. design and analyse smart actuators
Upon successful completion of this module the following UK-SPEC learning outcome descriptors are satisfied:
A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles and methodology necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline, and an understanding and know-how of the scientific principles of related disciplines, to enable appreciation of the scientific and engineering context, and to support their understanding of relevant historical, current and future developments and technologies (SM1m)
Knowledge and understanding of mathematical and statistical methods necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline and to enable them to apply a range of mathematical and statistical methods, tools and notations proficiently and critically in the analysis and solution of engineering problems (SM2m)
Ability to apply and integrate knowledge and understanding of other engineering disciplines to support study of their own engineering discipline and the ability to evaluate them critically and to apply them effectively (SM3m)
Awareness of developing technologies related to mechanical engineering (SM4m)
A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computational models relevant to the engineering discipline, and an appreciation of their limitations (SM5m)
Understanding of engineering principles and the ability to apply them to undertake critical analysis of key engineering processes (EA1m)
Ability to identify, classify and describe the performance of systems and components through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques (EA2)
Ability to apply quantitative and computational methods, using alternative approaches and understanding their limitations, in order to solve engineering problems and implement appropriate action (EA3m)
Demonstrate the ability to generate an innovative design for products, systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs (D8m)
Ability to apply relevant practical and laboratory skills (P3)
Apply their skills in problem solving, communication, information retrieval, working with others and the effective use of general IT facilities (G1).
Understanding of, and the ability to apply, an integrated or systems approach to solving engineering problems (EA4b)
Skills outcomes
Specific skills in basic analysis and design of circuits (digital and analogue), sensor systems, actuator systems and computer interfacing as well as simple mechatronic and measurement systems.
Syllabus
Introduction to mechatronics and measurement systems.
Electric circuits and components, basic circuit theory and analysis: DC and AC circuits, Kirchhoff's Laws, Thevenin and Norton Equivalent Circuits, DC and AC circuit analysis, power and energy;
Semiconductor electronics: Diodes and Transistors.
Systems response (frequency response, resonance and bandwidth).
Analogue signal processing using amplifiers, operational amplifiers and their applications in mechatronic and measurement systems.
Digital circuits: number representations, Combinational Logic, Sequential Logic
Microcontroller programming and interfacing: PIC16F84, programming a PIC, Interfacing to a PIC, Design of a Microcontroller-based system
Data acquisition: quantisation theory, Analogue to Digital Conversion, Digital to Analogue Conversion, sampling rate and aliasing, counter operations.
Sensors: position and speed measurement, stress and strain measurement, temperature measurement, vibration and acceleration measurement, pressure and flow measurement, analysis and design of a typical sensor system.
Actuators: Solenoids, relays, motors, hydraulics pneumatics and smart actuators, analysis and design of a typical actuator system.
Computer control architecture: open loop and close loop control, supervisory and sequential control.
Mechatronic systems: computer/microprocessor/microcontrollers and their applications in system control.
Case studies to provide the ability to generate innovative designs for systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Class tests, exams and assessment | 2 | 2.00 | 4.00 |
| Lecture | 44 | 1.00 | 44.00 |
| Practical | 2 | 2.00 | 4.00 |
| Tutorial | 4 | 1.00 | 4.00 |
| Private study hours | 144.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 56.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
Reviewing lecture notes, solving example sheets, preparing for tutorials, class test and assignment. Revising for final exam.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
An online discussion board will be monitored during specified times each week.Minerva/TopHat quiz after each topic.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Report | Lab report 1 (covering the lab in semester 1) | 20.00 |
| Report | Lab report 2 (covering the lab in semester 2) | 20.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40.00 | |
Students must satisfy certain threshold conditions of competence in order to be awarded the credits for this module. These additional competences relate to your participation in hands-on practical activities in Laboratory 2 to meet UK-SPEC Engineering Council learning outcomes required for accreditation that are uniquely assessed in this module, specifically EA4b.
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Unseen exam | 2 hr | 60.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 60.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 09/09/2023
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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