Course code MašZ3019

Credit points 4.50

Mechatronics

Total Hours in Course120

Number of hours for lectures24

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes8

Number of hours for laboratory classes16

Independent study hours72

Date of course confirmation22.03.2016

Responsible UnitInstitute of Mechanics and Design

Course developers

author prof.

Aivars Kaķītis

Dr. sc. ing.

author lect.

Guntis Gailums

Mg. sc. ing.

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to gain an understanding of the principles of mechatronics, a systemic approach to the design and maintenance of mechatronic systems. Students learn the structure, dynamical properties and transmission functions of mechatronic systems. Students learn the principles of sensor operation and their use for measuring various physical quantities and controlling industrial process automation. Students learn the basics of electronic devices and programmable logic controllers programming.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge - students understands the working principles of mechatronic systems. Gain in-depth knowledge of proportional hydraulic drive, electro-pneumatics and sensor applications, electronics, and PLC applications. The acquired knowledge serves as a basis for working with mechatronic systems. Knowledge is evaluated in tests and laboratory works.
Skills - students are able to use the acquired knowledge creatively in designing and servicing mechatronic systems. Able to perform system diagnostics and troubleshooting. Assessment - Execution of laboratory work.

Competence - students are able to use the acquired knowledge creatively in the evaluation and design of the operation of mechatronic systems. Students are able to justify their decisions and integrate the knowledge gained in this and other study courses with work with complex mechatronic systems. Competences is evaluated in tests and laboratory works.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Introduction to mechatronics, its development history and prerequisites - 2h.
2. Basic principles of systems theory. System definition, parameters and properties. Principles of systemic thinking - 2h.
3. Static and dynamic systems, their parameters and characteristics - 2h.
4. Test on introductory part of mechatronics, systems and systems dynamics.
5. Actuators for mechatronics systems. Electric actuators, their construction and use - 1h.
6. Hydraulic and pneumatic actuators, conditions of their use - 1h.
7. Proportional hydraulic and pneumatic drive - 2h.
8. Sensors for automation. Physical principles of sensor operation - 2h.
9. Proximity Sensors, Types and Uses - 2h (Practical work)
10. Protection of sensors and semiconductor switches against switching overloads - 2h. (Laboratory work)
11. Design and calibration of force measurement system 2h. (Laboratory work)
12. Signals and their digital processing - 2h.
13. Signal transmission and disturbances suppression - 1h.
14. Test on measuring systems and signals.
15. Applied Electronics. Transistors and their characteristics - 2h.
16. Transistor Operation Mode Calculations Based on Their Characteristics - 2h. (Practical Work)
17. Semiconductor Switches and their usage - 2h.
18. Investigating Transistor and Triac Switch Control Circuits and Setting Operating Mode - 2h. (Laboratory Work)
19. Use of optotriac for actuator control - 2h. (Laboratory work)
20. Operating principles of amplifiers. Operational and instrumental amplifiers - 2h.
21. Automatic control systems, types and basic principles – 2h.
22. PLC programming principles - 4h. (Practical Work)
23. PLC programming and experimental testing of its operation - 4h. (Laboratory work)
24. Control of Electropneumatic Equipment with Microcontroller - 4h. (Laboratory work)

25. Diagnostics of mechatronic systems - 1h.

Requirements for awarding credit points

The course ends with an exam.
In order to pass the exam, must be defended laboratory works and completed homework.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

During the independent work the students acquire in-depth the topics discussed in the lectures, carry out the necessary calculations for practical tasks and laboratory work.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The student successfully defends the laboratory works, if he has made the necessary calculations and is able to answer any control question for the job.

Compulsory reading

1. Janschek K. Mechatronic systems design: methods, models, concepts. Heidelberg: Springer, 2012. 805 p.
2. Boukas El-Kébir, AL-Sunni Fouad M. Mechatronic systems: analysis, design and implementation. Berlin: Springer, 2011. 501 p.

3. Kaķītis A., Galiņš A. Leščevics P. Sensori un mērīšanas sistēmas. Jelgava: LLU, 2008. 396 lpp.

Further reading

1. Dynamic systems. Modeling, analysis and simulation. Trondheim: Tapir academic press, 2004. 213 p.

2. Proporcionālā hidrauliskā piedziņa. A. Kaķītis, A. Kirka, A. Galiņš, Ē. Kronbergs, R. Puronas. [B. v.: b. i.], 2001. 121 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

Lekcijas un e-studiju materiāli.

Notes

The study course is included in the Compulsory part of the Bachelor’s study program “Agricultural Engineering”. 2nd study year 4th semester.