BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE, PILANI

WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING PROGRAMMES

Digital Learning
Part A: Content Design

Course Title MECHATRONICS AND AUTOMATION

Course No(s) ET ZC323

Credit Units 4

Credit Model

Course Author Arshad Javed

Version No 1.0

Date 30/6/2016
Course Description

This course is intended to a comprehensive knowledge of the technology related to

Mechatronics and Automation. The necessity of integrating and embedding electronics and
microprocessor into mechanical systems have been long felt, due to rapid progress in
microprocessor computer based technology, in domestic products to manufacturing systems.
Mechatronics is a recently defined engineering field that builds on the traditional mechanical
engineering studies, combines it with technologies from the electrical, electronics, computer
and control fields, using techniques such as simultaneous engineering to provide solutions in
manufacturing applications. Also, mechatronics has been applied to manufacturing and other
industrial automation: robotic automation found in car automated production lines, such as
welding, and assembly line in computer integrated manufacture etc. This course will develop
overall background of the student in interdisciplinary mechatronic technology and a broad
introduction to the issues encountered and techniques required in developing mechatronic
products and automation systems.
Course Objectives
No. Course Objectives

CO1 Understand the process of interdisciplinary learning

CO2 Understand the role of Mechatronics in Automation

CO3 Investigate the working principle and applications on actuator, sensor, and controllers

CO4 Gain an understanding of how to integrate the present technologies to develop automation system

Teaching Methodology
The pedagogy for this course consists of class-room instruction explaining formal methods
and techniques of design of experiments enriched with discussion of case-problems
experienced by real time problems of the engineering industry. The course plan concerns in the
basics of electronics and electrical engineering including the computation and process
application of computer systems and control engineering theory. The theoretical parts are
reinforced with the practical learning through various lab equipment, sensors their basic
circuits, actuators with their driver card and controllers such as programmable logic controller
and micro controller.

Text Books
T1 W. Bolton, Mechatronics, 3rd Ed., Pearson, 2004.

T2 A. Smaili and F. Mrad, Applied Mechatronics, Oxford University Press, 2008.

Reference Books & other Resources

R1 M.P. Groover, “Automation, Production systems, and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing”, PHI,
2008.
R2 W. Stadler, Analytical Robotics and Mechatronics, McGraw Hill, 1995. [4]

Modular Content Structure

M1. Introduction of Mechatronics and Automation systems

1.1. Introduction
1.1.1. Mechatronics systems-examples
1.1.2. Introduction to automation,
1.1.3. Key issues,
1.1.4. Approach to Mechatronics and automation
1.1.5. Some typical applications of experimental design
1.1.6. Measurement systems
1.1.7. Examples of mechatronic systems

M2. Sensors and Instrumentation

2.1. Sensors and transducers
2.1.1. Performance terminology
2.1.2. Displacement, position and proximity Velocity and motion
2.1.3. Force
2.1.4. Fluid pressure
2.1.5. Liquid flow
2.1.6. Liquid level
2.1.7. Temperature
2.1.8. Light sensors
2.1.9. Selection of sensors

2.2. Signal conditioning

2.2.1. Protection
2.2.2. Filtering
2.2.3. Wheatstone bridge
2.2.4. Pulse modulation
2.2.5. Problems with signals
2.2.6. Power transfer

M3. Actuation Systems

3.1. Pneumatic and hydraulic actuation systems

3.1.1. Actuation systems
 3.1.2. Pneumatic and hydraulic systems
3.1.3. Directional control valves
3.1.4. Pressure control valves
3.1.5. Cylinders
3.1.6. Servo and proportional control valves
3.1.7. Process control valves
3.1.8. Rotary actuators
3.1.9. Electro pneumatic systems
3.1.10. Examples
3.2. Mechanical actuation and systems
5.2.1. Mechanical systems
5.2.2. Mechanisms and transmission systems
5.2. Electrical Actuators
5.2.1. Electrical systems
5.2.2. Mechanical switches
5.2.3. Solid-state switches
5.2.4. Solenoids
5.2.5. D.C. motors
5.2.6. A.C. motors
5.2.7. Stepper motors
5.2.8. Servo motors
5.3. Torque estimation, Performance & Selection of actuation system

M4. Theory of control systems

4.1. Open-loop and close-loop systems
4.2. Proportional derivative
4.3. Integral
4.4. PID controller
4.5. Multivariable, digital, adaptive control systems

M5. Controller systems and logics

5.1. Digital logic
5.1.1. Digital logic
5.1.2. Logic gates
5.1.3. Applications of logic gates
5.1.4. Sequential logic
5.2. Programmable logic controllers
 5.2.1. Programmable logic controllers
5.2.2. Programmable logic controllers
5.2.3. Basic PLC structure
5.2.4. Input/output processing
5.2.5. Ladder programming
5.2.6. Instruction lists
5.2.7. Latching and internal relays
5.2.8. Sequencing
5.2.9. Timers and counters
5.2.10. Shift registers
5.2.11. Master and jump controls
5.2.12. Data handling
5.2.13. Analogue input/output
5.3. Microprocessor and microcontrollers
5.2.14. Microprocessors and microcontrollers
5.2.15. Microprocessor systems
5.2.16. Microcontrollers
5.2.17. Applications
5.2.18. Programming
M6. Industrial manipulator
6.1. Introduction
6.2. Types, configuration and specification
6.3. Selection and programming of industrial manipulator
M7. Case studies on Industrial automation
7. Case studies

Experiential learning components (Case-Problems / Topics for Discussion in the class)

EXPLORE/STUDY/DISCUSS (Discuss the topic to arrive answers to
# Problem / Topic
these questions—however, not limited to these…)
Identifying, a product is a mechatronic
1 Basics of mechatronics
product or not.
Discussion on creating a mechatronics
2 Basics of mechatronics
(“smart”) product with add-on functions
Selecting a proper sensor for many house
3 Sensor technology
hold equipment’s
Comparing the various sensors based on
4 Sensor technology
specification
5 Analysis of sensor data sheets Sensor technology
Developing pneumatic circuits for various
6 Hydraulics and pneumatics
realistic application
7 Selection of motor for a given application Actuation systems
 Calculation of motor specification for the
8 Actuation systems, Mechanics
given application
9 Selection of a control strategy Control theory
Design a semi-automatic system based on
10 Digital electronics
digital logic
Develop a PLC ladder logic for an
11 Theory of PLC
automatic process
Comparing different manipulator
12 Basics of Robotics
configuration
13 Simulation of Pneumatic circuit Hydraulics and pneumatics (Laboratory Exercises)
14 Simulation of a Hydraulic circuit Hydraulics and pneumatics (Laboratory Exercises)
Coding and simulation of PLC
15 Theory of PLC (Laboratory Exercises)
programming
Simulation of a manipulator based
16 Basics of Robotics and automation (Laboratory Exercises)
automation system
Learning Outcomes

No Learning Outcomes
LO1 Student will be able to appreciate the application of mechatronics and automation for rela time
industrial problems

LO2 Student will be able to differentiate and select a proper sensor and actuator for an industrial
process

LO3 Student will be able to program controllers, such as micro controllers and PLC

LO4 Given a manual process student will be able to design an automation architecture for the
process
 Part B: Course Handout

Academic Term Second Semester 2017-2018

Course Title Mechatronics and Automation

Course No ET ZC323

Lead Instructor Arshad Javed

Session Schedule / Plan of Self-Study

(Each Contact Session is of 2 Hours duration)

MODULES / CASE-PROBLEMS
CS # SESSION TOPIC REF
(Sub-Topics) (for Discussion)

1. Introduction M1 T1, R1 1, 2
2. Sensors and Instrumentation M2: 2.1.1-2.1.5 T1, T2 3
3. Sensors and Instrumentation M2: 2.1.6-2.1.9 T1, T2 4
4. Sensors and Instrumentation M2: 2.2 5
5. Actuation Systems M3:3.1.1.-3.1.6 T1, T2 6
6. Actuation Systems M3:3.1.7.-3.1.10 T1, T2 13, 14
7. Actuation Systems M3: 3.2, 5.2.1-5.2.5 T1, T2 ---
8. Actuation Systems M3: 5.2.6-5.2.8 T1, T2 7
9. Actuation Systems M3: 5.3 T1, T2 8
10. Theory of control systems M4: 4.1-4.3 T1, T2 ---
11. Theory of control systems M4: 4.4-4.5 T1, T2 9
12. Controller systems and logics M5: 5.1, 5.2.1-5.2.7 T1, T2 10
13. Controller systems and logics M5: 5.2.8-5.2.13, 5.3 T1, T2 11, 15
14. Industrial manipulator M6 R1, R2 ---
15. Industrial manipulator M6 R1, R2 12
16. Case studies on Industrial automation M7 T1, T2, R2 16

CS: Contact Session (2Hrs); ISM: Instructor Supplied Material;

CASE-PROBLEM: Discussion on typical situational problems experienced by practising software project
managers
Assignments
 Each student is given an individual assignment on any of the topics discussed
in the class
 Assignment Topics are based on practical problems experienced or part of
work-items or tools used by collaborating organization’s project managers
 Assignments are take-home and deadline-driven (typically of 2 weeks
duration) announced post Mid-semester examination
 Students to spend at least 16 hours of work in study, research, discussion and
preparation of the report and presentation.
 As part of deliverables, the student is expected to prepare a report and make
a short-presentation in the class

Laboratory Exercises
 The lab will be conducted based on the online simulation software.
 Proper training aids (video and literature) will be provided.
 In certain contact hours, lab related exercise problems will be taught.

Evaluation Scheme

Evaluation Name Type Weight Duration Schedule

Component
February 1 to
10, 2018
EC - 1 Assignment Individual / 10% 2 Weeks
Take-home

January 10 to
March 31, 2018
Lab / Assignment Online 20% 2 Weeks (Lab Calendar
will be upload
in your course
page)

EC - 2 Mid-Semester Closed Book 30% 2 Hrs. 04/03/2018

Examination (FN) 10 AM –
12 Noon

EC - 3 Comprehensive Open Book 40% 3 Hrs. 22/04/2018

Examination (FN) 9 AM – 12
Noon

Closed Book No reference material of any kind will be permitted inside the exam hall.
Open Book: Use of any printed / written reference material (books and notebooks) will be
permitted inside the exam hall. Loose sheets, Photocopies and Laser printouts of any material
willL not be permitted. Computers of any kind will not be allowed inside the exam hall. Use of
calculators will be allowed in all exams. No exchange of any material will be allowed.

Note:
It shall be the responsibility of the individual student to be regular in maintaining the self study
schedule as given in the course handout, attend the online/on demand lectures as per details that
would be put up in the BITS eLearn (Taxila) website elearn.bits-pilani.ac.in and take all the
prescribed components of the evaluation such as Assignments/Quizes, Mid Semester and End
Semester Examination according to the Evaluation Scheme given in the respective Course
Handout. If the student is unable to appear for the Regular Examination due to genuine
exigencies, the student must refer to the procedure for applying for Make-up Examination, which
will be available through the Important Information link on the eLearn website on the date of the
Regular Examination. The Make-up Tests/Exams will be conducted only at selected exam centres
on the dates to be announced later.

Instructor-in-Charge