Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Minimum English Language to IELTS 6.0 or Pearsons 54 or equivalent. Satisfy progression or admissions requirement for entry to Stage 3 of CEng-accredited BEng/MEng Honours degree programme (or EU Bologna-compliant equivalent) by satisfactory completion of Stage 2 or equivalent at NQF Level 5 normally with two years of prior study related to this topic).

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The module aims to equip students with the knowledge and understanding of the operating characteristics and design of a range of sensors and motors and their integration into appropriate control systems within a specific mechanical design.

Outline Of Syllabus

-       Introduction to basic types of sensors and actuators.
-       Sensor types for a range of measurands including force, strain, pressure, position, velocity,
acceleration, temperature and luminosity.
-       Basis of selection of sensor type to meet application requirements, e.g. analog versus digital,
response, range and resolution.
-       Functional static and dynamic characteristics of a range of analog and digital sensors, including
accuracy, sensitivity, and calibration.
-       Principle of operation of motors including brushed, brushless, servo and stepper motors.- Introduction
to motor control.
-       Introduction to data acquisition systems.
-       Selection and integration of sensors and software tools for data capture and analysis, to include signal
conditioning, filtering and sampling.
-       Introduction to control system design and integration including PID controllers and tuning strategies.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of this module students should be able to:

-       Develop an understanding of measurement principles, signal conditioning and data acquisition systems.
-       Understand the design concepts and operation of a broad range of electro-mechanical actuator devices.
-       Give in depth consideration of the performance envelopes and basis of selection of different actuator
types.
-       Understand the integration of system components, and controller hardware for open and closed-loop
control systems.

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of this module students should be able to

-       Recognise both static and dynamic requirements of transducers and measurement systems.
-       Specify and select appropriate sensors for a wide range of systems and applications.
-       Apply acquired knowledge to the design and modelling of control systems.
-       Undertake a detailed analysis of appropriate types of control systems and their performance.
- Develop and implement control strategies using Arduino as controller.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Learning outcomes are addressed by a series of introductory lectures on each topic supplemented by academically supported tutorials. The tutorials address each of the required learning outcomes of the module. Essential reading references are given to direct the students to the required knowledge needed for the module. The required practical (computer simulation and lab) skills are introduced through a series of tutorial exercises. Regularly timetabled academically supported Q&A sessions help students with any areas of difficulty. The assignments support the student learning by giving the opportunity for practical implementation of the material covered in the module whilst helping the student to a focus on what needs to be learnt.


Students are given a range of NUMBAS based tutorial questions during the teaching aspect of the module to practise on, these give immediate feedback on marking and advice on how to answer the question. The NUMBAS exam is a selection of these tutorial questions. The students are also required to do exercises during the module, advice and feedback is available to any student needing help with these exercises. The assignment for this module is again based on these exercises in which the student needs to piece together different exercises they have done to complete the assignment. Thus all assessment in this module is based on formative practise of the material.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assignment is based around utilising the knowledge and skills developed throughout the module and a means of assessing how well the students can apply these skills and knowledge. The computer based assessment covers the engineering material learnt over the duration of the course and the skills learnt during completion of the exercises. It assesses a broader range of material than the assignment and under time constraint conditions.

General Notes

N/A