Course Syllabus

MECHATRONICS____ ETECH-371

Instructor (Mechatronics)
Kevin Dietsche- Ed.D. Senior Lecturer
Engineering and Technology Department
College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Office Information
Phone: 715.232.2274
E-mail: dietschek@uwstout.edu
Location: 004 Fryklund Hall
Office Hours: Meeting times available by appointment. Arrangements made in advance
via e-mail or personal communication will ensure availability.
Course Description:
Mechatronics is the integration of mechanics with electronics and information
processing to control electromechanical systems. This course will focus on the
development of mechatronic systems to find an optimal balance between the
mechanical structure, sensor, and actuator implementation, automatic digital information
processing and overall control.
Prerequisites: Elect 204
Credits: 3
Course Goals

1. understand the fundamentals of electromechanical control systems

2. differentiate between various intelligent interfaces
3. apply principles of digital and analog controllers in designing control systems
4. execute rudimentary C programming
5. apply electromagnetic sensors, electromechanical actuators, magnetic sensors,
transducers, encoders, inductive sensors, and other sensor devices to design
mechatronic systems
6. utilize microcontrollers for control of assorted products
7. analyze and understand the differences in sensors for controls applications
8. understand computer system architecture used for controls
9. design and develop a working mechatronic system
Course Content Organization:

1. Design Graphical programming tools for mechatronic systems (objectives b, d, h)

2. Electricity Basic electrical physics using alternating and direct current sources
(objectives a, c)

Introduction to devices utilized in mechanical, electro mechanical,

and mechatronic systems (objectives a, b)
3. Computer Stepper and induction motors, linear actuators, fuzzy logic, control
schemas (objectives c, e). Introduction to devices utilized in mechanical, electro
mechanical, and mechatronic systems (objectives a, b)
4. Mechanical Integration of various mechatronic subsystems (objectives e, f, i)
Sensors and actuators (objectives f and g).
Safety glasses are required in the lab in accordance with the University protective
personal equipment policy.
Tests (approx. 30% of final grade)
Test 1: Midterm Final Project Review
Test 2: Final Project
Points for missed tests due to absence will be forfeited.
Assignments (approx. 60% of final grade)
Students must attend class in order to receive ANY points for lab
assignments. Students will be required to submit all assignments to the instructor in
hard copy (paper) format before the specified due date and time. Assignments
submitted after the due date/ time will be reduced by 10% of the total points
earned. After one week the assignment will be worth zero points.
Only original work performed by the student will be accepted for final grading on
assignments (see Misconduct). Students should copy/paste the last two pages of each
Lab Assignment from the corresponding Word documents in D2L and include all
questions in addition to their answers. Additionally, all assignments must be typed and
stapled by the student in order to receive ANY points.
Quizzes (approx. 10% of final grade)
Students must attend class in order to receive ANY points for a quiz.
Textbooks: Material will be handed out during class or posted on Canvas.
Location: Lab classes will be held in Fryklund Hall 13 classroom and or Comm Tech
230.
Required Attendance
Student attendance will be recorded at the start of each class. Please be on time. Due
to course content (machine operation and safety considerations), accommodations for
unexcused absences will not be made. A portion of the final grade reflects in class
activities and participation which requires student attendance during scheduled class
meeting times.
Misconduct
In order to provide all students with an equal opportunity to learn; those engaged in
academic misconduct, unsafe acts, and property theft will be subject to any and all
policies set forth by the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics,
and the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
Accommodations
UW-Stout strives for an inclusive learning environment. If you anticipate or experience
any barriers related to the format or requirements of this course please meet with me so
that we can discuss ways to ensure full access. If you determine that additional
disability-related accommodations are necessary please contact the Disability Services
office (206 Bowman Hall, 232-2995, http://www.uwstout.edu/disability (Links to an
external site.) ).
Bring to each class
-Positive attitude toward learning
-Laptop computer
-3 Ring binder for storing all course materials
Laboratory Safety Attire
Students are required to wear ANSI Z87.1 approved safety glasses, close toed shoes,
and cotton jeans at all times in the laboratory.
Evaluation
In the mechatronics course, the objective examinations will include assessing student
understanding of concepts, terminology, and methods utilized in
mechatronics. Laboratory activities and other assignments will be used to assess ability
to produce artifacts to specifications and reinforce understanding and appreciation of
content presented in the classroom. Additional evidence of student ability,
thoughtfulness, and productivity will be assessed. Within the Casting Unit, the grade
will be distributed as follows: Tests ≈30%, Assignments ≈60%, and Quizzes ≈10%.
A = 100 to 93 cumulative percent
B = 92 to 85
C = 84 to 70
D = 69 to 60
F = 59 or below