MEC3027 : Introduction to Instrumentation and Drive Systems
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Dr John Hedley
- Lecturer: Dr Francis Franklin, Dr Andrew Smith
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
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.
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Non synchronous online structured presentation of syllabus |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | Non synchronous Computer based tutorials and trial exams |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Computer based Assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 2 | 16:00 | 32:00 | Completion and submission of assignments |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | Non synchronous online - Presentations & Exercises to introduce necessary skills for module. |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 8 | 12:00 | 96:00 | Recommended reading for required knowledge of module. |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 10 | 4:00 | 40:00 | Practical application of material learnt towards a goal orientated project (assignments) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 14 | 1:00 | 14:00 | Synchronous online / PiP - Academically supported discussion to address any specific questions |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
After an introductory presentation, the students work at their own pace through a series of guided 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) skills are introduced through a series of presentations. Knowledge and skills are developed at a student's own pace via the tutorials and are complimented by regularly timetabled academically supported Q&A sessions to 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.
Alternatives will be offered to students unable to be present-in-person due to the prevailing C-19 circumstances.
Students should consult their individual timetable for up-to-date delivery information.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 60 | Part A and Part B |
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | 40 | Computer based Assessment |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The assignments are 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 assignments. It assesses a broader range of material than the assignment and under time constraint conditions.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MEC3027's Timetable