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 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)

PROJECTS: One project (optional)
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 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 1 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 1024x768 (min.) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system should be Windows XP Pro. 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 G4 processor with firewire and USB factory built-in, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB with 1GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 1024x768 (min) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system must be MacOS 10.4 (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

 

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/