ECE 556 Agent-based Mechatronics Systems (formerly ECE 592R Mechatronics)
 

 
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 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 (available by remote access to EOS system). 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)

PROJECTS: One project (optional)
   
Computer and Internet Requirements
  

NCSU has recommended minimum specifications for computers used for classes. Depending on your computer needs, we recommend your computer meet or exceed the following minimum specifications below.

PCs must have an Intel-compatible 800 MHz processor, 256 MB RAM, 8 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 800x600 (min.) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system should be Windows 2000 or XP. Real One Player Basic (available free online) and high speed Internet connection such as cable, DSL, T1 or LAN will be required for EOL courses.

MAC users must have a G3 processor with firewire and USB factory built-in, 256 MB RAM, 10 GB with 1GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 800x600 (min) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system must be MacOS 10.3 (minimum) along with the above RealOne and Internet specifications above.

For more detailed information on computer specifications and recommendations, please refer to our website at: http://engineeringonline.ncsu.edu/currentstudents/computeraccess.htm
   
Course Outline by Topical Areas
See COURSE OBJECTIVES
   
Textbook
  
Bolton, W. Mechatronics: Electronic Control Systems in Mechanical Engineering, Prentice Hall, 1999. ISBN: 0-582-35705-5
     
Instructor
  

Dr. Mo-Yuen Chow, Professor
Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering
North Carolina State University
1506 Flex Laboratory Building
Campus Box 7911
Raleigh, NC 27695-7911

Phone: (919) 515-7360
Fax: (919) 515-5108
E-mail: chow@ncsu.edu
Instructor Website: http://www4.ncsu.edu/~chow/
     
Registration
  

All students must register through the Engineering Online registration site at http://www.ncsu.edu/project/engonline/index.php. You do not have to be admitted to a degree program to enroll in an online course. However, you must have completed a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or related area from an accredited institution. Full-time, employed individuals are limited to enrollment in two graduate courses for each semester. On-campus degree seeking students must have approval from their Director of Graduate Programs to register for an Engineering Online course.

Tuition and Fees per credit hour:

Residents of NC
Non-Residents of NC
Undergraduate Tuition / cr hr Fees / cr hr Tuition / cr hr Fees / cr hr
$108
$17
$216
$17
Graduate Tuition / cr hr Fees / cr hr Tuition / cr hr Fees / cr hr
$167
$22
$645
$22