Module manager: Dr Ali Alazmani
Email: A.Alazmani@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module introduces students to the principles of mechatronics, including basic analysis and design of circuits (digital and analogue), sensor systems, actuator systems and computer interfacing as well as simple mechatronic and measurement systems.
On completion of this module, students will have;
a- Understanding of and ability to apply a systems approach which concerns synergic and concurrent use of mechanics, electronics, computer engineering, and intelligent control;
b- An overview of electronic components and basic circuit theory and analysis;
c- An introduction to analogue signal processing;
d- An introduction to digital circuits;
e- Review of Boolean algebra and its application in digital circuit design;
f- An overview of computer hardware and software;
g- Microcontroller programming, interfacing and data acquisition;
h- A study of most widely used sensors in mechatronic and measurement systems;
i- Analysis of typical sensor systems;
j- A study of most widely used actuators covering DC and stepper motors, hydraulic, pneumatic, and smart actuators;
k- Analysis of typical actuator systems;
l- Computer control architectures;
m- Mechatronic systems design and analysis (case study examples).
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1- analyse electrical circuits
2- design and analyse electrical circuit and control algorithm for actuators
3- design and analyse data acquisition circuits for sensors
4- design and analyse hydraulic and pneumatic circuits
5- design and analyse smart actuators
These module learning outcomes contribute to the following AHEP4 learning outcomes:
6- Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to broadly-defined problems. Some of the knowledge will be informed by current developments in the subject of study. [C1]
7- Analyse broadly-defined problems reaching substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles. [C2]
8- Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of broadly-defined problems. [C6]
9- Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate broadly-defined problems. [C12]
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
a- Problem solving & analytical skills
b- Laboratory practice
Introduction to mechatronics and measurement systems.
Electric circuits and components, basic circuit theory and analysis: DC and AC circuits, Kirchhoff's Laws, Thevenin and Norton Equivalent Circuits, DC and AC circuit analysis, power and energy;
Semiconductor electronics: Diodes and Transistors.
Systems response (frequency response, resonance and bandwidth).
Analogue signal processing using amplifiers, operational amplifiers and their applications in mechatronic and measurement systems.
Digital circuits: number representations, Combinational Logic, Sequential Logic
Microcontroller programming and interfacing: PIC16F84, programming a PIC, Interfacing to a PIC, Design of a Microcontroller-based system
Data acquisition: quantisation theory, Analogue to Digital Conversion, Digital to Analogue Conversion, sampling rate and aliasing, counter operations.
Sensors: position and speed measurement, stress and strain measurement, temperature measurement, vibration and acceleration measurement, pressure and flow measurement, analysis and design of a typical sensor system.
Actuators: Solenoids, relays, motors, hydraulics pneumatics and smart actuators, analysis and design of a typical actuator system.
Computer control architecture: open loop and close loop control, supervisory and sequential control.
Mechatronic systems: computer/microprocessor/microcontrollers and their applications in system control.
Case studies to provide the ability to generate innovative designs for systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs.
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Lecture | 33 | 1 | 33 |
| Practical | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Seminar | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Independent online learning hours | 148 | ||
| Private study hours | 0 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 52 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Minerva quiz after each topic
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team