MECT06014 2019 Programming and Interfacing
On completion, the learner will have successfully implemented a mechatronics automation project which will take input from a set of sensors measuring real world parameters, use a program/logic to make decisions based on the input and drive a set of outputs to act in the real world based on the decisions made.
Topics covered include data acquisition and interfacing, signal sampling, digital input/output techniques for data acquisition and the implementation of counters and timers.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Build circuits and interfaces for data acquisition.
Process data using common programming methods: case structures, for and while loops, shift registers, arrays, clusters and formula nodes.
Sample, store and process analog signals.
Implement digital input and output strategies.
Use software counters and timers to sample, store and process data.
Produce and demonstrate a working model of the project which achieves the project objectives.
Write a project report demonstrating the design, build and test processes.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
1 hour per week will be spent learning LabVIEW software.
4 hours /week designing, interfacing and building project
Module Assessment Strategies
Continuous assessment
Project interview/demonstration
final written report
Repeat Assessments
.
Indicative Syllabus
The main goal is that the learner will be able to develop a sensor/actuator based project which will be connected to a program (e.g. via a signal conditioning unit to a PC) which will make decisions based on the sensor input and drive actuators.
Ideas a wide and varied and can include:
- reading different temperature sensors and informing a user via text message.
- Controlling the humidity of a room.
- Water level detection with warning indicators/shut off operation
The learner should complete the learning outcomes given the following guidelines.
Project Proposal
- A one page document consisting of title, essence (2-3 sentences) and a 3-5 paragraph description of operation
- A sketch/diagram
Project Diagram/circuit + components needed
- Developed at design time
Analysis of sensors/actuators needed
- decide on the most appropriate components based on cost/data sheet specifications/delivery time
Development of sub-systems
- Breadboarding of electronics
- interfacing to various systems (e.g. texting system, signal conditioning box)
- developing a monitoring program
Implementation of working solution
Demonstration/Interview
Submission of project report
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Assignment Submission of Project Proposal/System diagram | Formative | Written Report/Essay | 0 % | OnGoing | 7 |
2 | Project Project Assemble/Program/test project | Coursework Assessment | Project | 70 % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4,5 |
3 | Interview Interview/Demonstration | Coursework Assessment | Assessment | 10 % | End of Term | 6 |
4 | Report | Coursework Assessment | Written Report/Essay | 20 % | End of Semester | 7 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tutorial | Computer Laboratory | LabVIEW exercises | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Practical / Laboratory | Engineering Laboratory | Project build | 5 | Weekly | 5.00 |
Module Resources
None
None
The learner will need access to a set of components (sensors, actuators) which may need to be purchased on behalf of the learner. in a timely manner.