Module overview
Practicing Mechanical and Acoustical Engineers require a working knowledge of aspects of electronics, electrical machines and control systems, as these elements are regularly encountered, for example, when instrumenting mechanical/acoustic structures with sensors, providing electro- mechanical actuation and ensuring stable system control and operation. This module provides students with the necessary theory of these elements, wor e domain, and two laboratory exercises to re-enforce the taught material.
Linked modules
Pre-requisite: FEEG1004
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- apply standard design techniques to achieve satisfactory closed-loop performance
- demonstrate a working knowledge of fundamental mathematical tools used in system analysis and design
- analyse time and frequency domain response characteristics from plots, determine stability and predict responses for modified plots.
- understand the use of design methods applicable in a range of situations other than electronic circuits
- appreciate the methods used in experimentation involving electronic circuits
- demonstrate a good grounding in the subject area of electronics
- demonstrate a working knowledge of the advantages, problems and limitations associated with a range of common digital and analogue circuits.
- understand the sensing, elementary machine and control issues surrounding closed loop motor speed control
- derive a model, making justifiable assumptions, from a description of a physical system
Syllabus
Electronics
1) Basic AC circuit theory: introduction of frequency response (magnitude and phase) of passive circuits. Introduction of Laplace notation (s = d/dt = jw) for system transfer functions.
2) Feedback amplifiers, detailed operational amplifier characteristics (e.g. GBP, phase shift, slew rate). Op Amp circuit designs: amplifiers, integrators, differentiators, simple first order filters (low, high and band pass). Comparison of time and frequency domain analysis of signals and circuits.
3) Review of power supply design. Voltage regulation and protection diodes.
4) Active filter circuit analysis and design, effects of damping (Chebyshev, Butterworth and Bessel), comparison of transfer functions with mechanical system analogies.
5) D to A converters (binary weighted, R-2R ladder). A to D converters (successive approximation, tracking, integrating, examples of algorithm implementation in hardware and software). Introduction to sampling and aliasing.
6) Digital circuits: analysis of CMOS circuits. Combinational circuit design. Introduction to microprocessors, memories and common digital devices. Interface circuits, relays etc.
7) Sequential logic: Design of simple counters and state machines.
8) Algorithmic State Machine design. Use of high level description languages for combinational and sequential logic design. Examples of decoders, counters, stepper motor driver etc.
Control
10) Linear systems theory:
a) Mathematical modelling of physical systems
b) review of time domain analysis of linear systems dynamics
c) stability, performance measures and design process
d) example control systems
11) System Representation in the s-domain
a) the Laplace transform and system transfer function,
b) free/forced behaviour and the characteristic equation,
c) system poles and zeros, relative and absolute stability, root loci,
d) steady-state error and the final value theorem.
12) Closed-loop control systems
a) open/closed loop transfer function definitions,
b) performance measures in control system design,
c) PID control system definitions and characteristics.
d) control system design examples,
e) stability in the s-domain, the Root locus method,
13) Frequency response of linear systems
a) sinusoidal excitation and Fourier Series,
b) forecasting gain and phase, the frequency response function
c) graphical representation of frequency response, Bode plots.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The teaching methods employed in the delivery of this module include:
- Lectures, tutorial problems, question sheets, worked examples.
- Supervision for problem solving classes supporting lecture materials.
- Laboratory exercises and reporting
The learning activities include:
- Individual reading of background material and course texts, plus work on examples, supported by examples in lectures.
- In-class tests and other formative computer based assessments covering core techniques and principles.
- Problem solving supervision
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Completion of assessment task | 8 |
Practical classes and workshops | 6 |
Wider reading or practice | 72 |
Revision | 22 |
Lecture | 36 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 2 |
Tutorial | 4 |
Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Feedback on in-class tests and other formative computer based assessments.
Verbal feedback in lectures on tests/assignments.
Discussions in tutorials and lab classes.
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Set Task Laboratory ReportSummative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Final Assessment | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Set Task | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External