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     ECE 556 Agent-based Mechatronics Systems
 

The study of electro-mechanical systems controlled by microcontroller technology. The theory, design and construction of smart systems; closely coupled and fully integrated products and systems. The synergistic integration of mechanisms, materials, sensors, interfaces, actuators, microcontrollers, and information technology. 3 credit hours

  
     

Prerequisite
  

Undergraduate courses in field of study (ECE435 equivalent at NCSU) or consent of instructor.

 
Course Objectives  

This course has been designed to:

  • Expose students to several basic mechatronics concepts and techniques.
  • Help students learn how to use mechatronics via microprocessor based PID control for autonomous vehicle speed control and path tracking (class project).
  • Help students learn and have hands-on experience of mechatronics and controls.


Course Requirements  

HOMEWORK: Assigned

EXAMINATIONS: Two (2) exams

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS: MATLAB/Simulink

MATLAB is accessible through the Virtual Computing Lab if you have a high speed internet connection. A Student version can be purchased from Mathworks http://www.mathworks.com/. This course will introduce how to use this software.

LABS: Seven labs (all optional)

LAB EQUIPMENT: Lego Mindstrom Kit - Information about ordering the kit will be provided by Engineering Online. Approximate cost of the kit is $300.

PROJECTS: One project

 
Textbook  

David G. Alciatore, Michael B. Histand, Introduction to Mechatronics and Measurement Systems, 3rd Edition, McGraw Hill, 2007, ISBN-13: 978-007-296305-2.

 
Computer and Internet Requirements  

NCSU has recommended minimum specifications for computers that are generally used for courses. Those specifications can be found here: http://www.ncsu.edu/it/compspecs/

Engineering Online recommends that your computer meets or exceeds the following minimum specifications below. A computer with greater capability (processor speed, RAM, internet bandwidth, disk capacity) will be more likely to properly display the video content of Engineering Online courses.

Windows:

  • Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 2003, or Windows Vista
  • Intel-compatible 1 GHz processor
  • 512 MB RAM
  • 60 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available
  • Video display at 1024 x 768 or greater
  • Sound output and speakers
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 SP1 or later, Firefox 2.0 or later, or Google Chrome 1.0
  • Windows Media Player 9.0 or later
  • Real One Player Basic (required for certain courses)
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Broadband Internet connection (256 Kbps or more)

Mac OS X:

  • Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later
  • G4 processor
  • 512 MB RAM
  • 60 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available
  • Video display at 1024 x 768 or greater
  • Sound output and speakers
  • Safari 2.0.4 (or later) or Firefox 2.0 (or later)
  • Silverlight  (viewers may be prompted to install this when first viewing a presentation)
  • Real One Player Basic (required for certain courses)
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Broadband Internet connection (256 Kbps or more)
  • NOTE:  The Flip4Mac plug-in causes problems when viewing Mediasite presentations and should be disabled.

Linux:

  • Playback of Mediasite presentations on Linux is accomplished via the Moonlight Project, an open source implementation of Microsoft Silverlight. For more installation on the installation and configuration of Moonlight, please visit http://www.go-mono.com/moonlight/. The compatible operating systems and browsers are listed on this page.
  • Microsoft Media Pack for Moonlight
  • Adobe Reader for Unix
  • Broadband Internet connection (256 Kbps or more)

 
Instructor  

Dr. Mo-Yuen Chow, Professor
Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering
North Carolina State University
Engineering Bldg II (COE II) 2056
Campus Box 7911
Raleigh, NC 27695-7911

Phone: (919) 515-7360
Fax: (919) 515-5523
E-mail: chow@ncsu.edu
Instructor Website: http://www4.ncsu.edu/~chow/