Syllabus 2007/2008 EDA190

Syllabus academic year 2007/2008

COMPUTER MECHATRONICS

EDA190

Higher education credits: 7,5. Grading scale: UG. Level: G2 (First level). Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish. Optional for: D4, D4dpd, E4, F4, F4rs. Course coordinator: Klas.Nilsson, Klas.Nilsson@cs.lth.se, Inst f datavetenskap. Prerequisites: EDA027 Algoritmer och datastrukturer, EIT020 Digitalteknik, EIT070 Datorteknik, ETI190 Elektronik för D eller motsvarande (ETI196 Elektronik för E eller ETE021 Kretsteori för F). The number of participants is limited to 25 Selection criteria: Average of final grades awarded in prerequisite courses. Assessment: Project. To pass, students must have completed the compulsory assignments. Further information: Access to a PC-compatible computer at home is preferable. Tools and components for the laboratory work will be sold by the department. Home page: http://www.cs.lth.se/EDA190.

Aim
To give basic knowledge in the design and debugging of small mechatronic systems, from a computer science point of view. To show how to rapidly and efficiently prototype advanced mechatronic systems, despite very limited resources. To provide a basis for further studies within mechatronics and related topics. To stimulate creation of devices without external support, such that methodology and self confidence is improved.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

understand the basic methods and theoretical principles, within computer technology, electronics, and simple mechanics.

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

be able to design and built a complete mechatronic system, and systematically be able to debug that system. The system should include feedback via a microprocessor that is connected to a mechanical system via sensors andactuators. All these parts, including embedded software and the hardware for programming the microprocessor, should be accomplished individually such that it comprises a fully functional system.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

be able to objectively compare the development methodology of computer mechatronics with related engineering methodologies as presented in other areas or courses. The student should furthermore be able to compare and evaluate the different engineering approaches in a self-critical manner. During the examination the student should, in addition to demonstration of the correctly working system that has been developed, be able to methodological debug and repair that system after some errors have been introduced.

Contents
PC interfacing. Basic analog electronics. Simulation. Debugging. Noise, protection, and safety. Power supplies. Electronics prototyping with environmental considerations. Communication protocols. Microprocessors. Device drivers. Sensors. Actuators. Mechanics prototyping. Searching for equipment and documentation.

Literature
Literature is included in the course kit of tools and materials sold by the department.