Module manager: Dr David Peacock (TBC)
Email: D.C.Peacock@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module: (1) 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. (2) helps students develop an understanding of how vibration energy is managed to improve the performance and stability of mechanical devices and structures. Topics include the behaviour and significance of free and forced vibrations in machines and their frequency response, examples of open loop and feedback control, and briefly introduce digital control systems. Students can expect extensive use of practical and computer simulation of control systems.
On completion of this module, students will have;
1. Understanding of and ability to apply a systems approach which concerns synergic and concurrent use of mechanics, electronics, computer engineering, and intelligent control;
2. An overview of electronic components and basic circuit theory and analysis;
3. An introduction to analogue signal processing;
4. An introduction to digital circuits;
5. Review of Boolean algebra and its application in digital circuit design;
6. An overview of computer hardware and software;
7. Microcontroller programming, interfacing and data acquisition;
8. A study of most widely used sensors in mechatronic and measurement systems;
9. Analysis of typical sensor systems;
10. A study of most widely used actuators covering DC and stepper motors,
11. Analysis of typical actuator systems;
12. Computer control architectures;
13. Mechatronic systems design and analysis (case study examples);
14. Derive differential equations of motion for single degree of freedom mechanical systems;
15. Derive transfer function models of electro/mechanical systems and manipulate block diagrams; appreciate the relationship between transfer functions and step/impulse/ramp responses;
16. Specify main control system performance criteria in the time domain;
17. Design controllers such as P, PD, PI and PID;
18. Use computer simulation to assess controller performance;
Subject specific learning outcomes:
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
Measurement systems
1. analyse electrical circuits
2. design and analyse electrical circuit and control algorithm for actuators
3. design and analyse data acquisition circuits for sensors
Vibration and control:
4. generate and solve differential equations of motion for single degree of freedom mechanical systems
5. derive transfer function models of electro/mechanical systems and manipulate block diagrams;
6. analyse the relationship between characteristic equation roots and step/impulse/ramp responses;
7. determine the characteristic equation from measured transient performance criteria
8. specify system performance criteria in the time domain;
9. use computer simulation to assess system and controller performance;
10. collect, produce and submit data accurately and reliably using modern data analysis and capture techniques and software.
These module learning outcomes contribute to the following AHEP4 learning outcomes:
11. 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]
12. Analyse broadly-defined problems reaching substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles. [C2]
13. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model broadly-defined problems, recognising the limitations of the techniques employed. [C3]
14. Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate broadly-defined problems. [C12]
Skills learning outcomes:
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
a. apply a logical, evidencebased approach to interpret data and understand underlying relationships (analytical).
b. apply structured problemsolving strategies to identify, evaluate and address challenges (problem solving).
c. develop laboratory skills
Measurement systems:
• Introduction to measurement systems.
Electric circuits and components, basic circuit theory and analysis: DC and AC circuits, Kirchhoff's Laws, Thevenin 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
• Microcontroller programming and interfacing: Microcontroller-based system.
• Data acquisition
Sensors: position and speed measurement, stress and strain measurement, analysis and design of a typical sensor system.
Actuators: motors, analysis and design of a typical actuator system.
Computer control architecture: open loop and close loop control.
Mechatronic systems: 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.
Vibration:
• Nature and significance of vibration in machines;
• Free motion of first order single-degree-of-freedom systems;
• Free vibration of second order single-degree-of-freedom systems;
• Forced vibrations of single-degree-of-freedom systems: Transient and steady state part;
Control
• Simple examples of open loop and feedback control systems;
• Modelling: transfer functions and block diagrams;
• Response: step impulse and ramp response;
• Controller design and performance using time domain;
• Computer simulation of control systems
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 49 | 1 | 49 |
| Practical | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Independent online learning hours | 30 | ||
| Private study hours | 115 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 55 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
145
Worked solutions to lecture based examples and example sheets.
Minerva/TopHat quizzes during each topic.
Online discussion board monitored by PGR.
FAQs answered via Minerva announcements.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team