Sensor and Actuators

At the end of this course, the students should be able to: 1. itemise and discuss the characteristics and the components of mechatronic systems; 2. discuss recent trends in Mechatronics; 3. describe active & passive electrical circuits; 4. describe the techniques used to design a mechatronics process; and 5. suggest possible design solutions.

This course provides an introduction to sensors and actuators in mechatronics systems. The topics include sensing principles for measuring motion, force, torque, pressure, flow, and temperature using analogue and digital transducers; actuating principles for continuous drive actuators and stepper motors; power transmission systems; and methods for signal collection, conditioning and analysis. Various components will be experimentally tested and analysed. Others are basics of Energy Transformation: Transducers, Sensors and Actuators. Understanding of Sensor Interfacing with Microprocessor to build electronic system Week Static and Dynamic Characteristic Parameters for Sensors and Actuators, Calibration of Sensor-based electronics systems. Sensor performance criteria and selection, including: (a) Thermocouples (b) Resistive sensors (c) Inductive sensors (d) Capacitive sensors (e) Piezoelectric sensors (f) Encoders and tachometers. Actuator performance criteria and selection, including: (a) Fluidic actuators (b) Solenoids and voice coil motors (c) Stepper motors (d) DC motors (e) Piezoelectric actuators (f) Shape memory alloy actuators (g) MEMS sensors and actuators. Merits of Fluid power & its utility for increasing productivity through Low-Cost Automation, Transmission of Fluid Power through various types of Cylinders), Symbolic representation of Pneumatic elements (CETOP), Compressors and Air supply system including airline installations, Signalling & control system. Introduction to Industrial Hydraulics, Hydraulics Power System elements and standard symbolic Representation (CETOP symbols). Pneumatic & hydraulic control elements (control valves & hydraulic pumps, accessories), Basic circuits for controlling single & double-acting cylinder, Basic circuits, Advantages of Hydro- Pneumatics and its applications, Hydraulics system and their Classification. Hydraulics circuits Hydraulic Motors, Hydraulic Fluids and effective contamination control. Advanced pneumatic circuits for controlling multi-cylinders (operable & inoperable circuits), Electro pneumatics with relay logic, Pneumatics system with PID controls, Application of fluidics a non-moving part logic.