Mechatronics Laboratory
In the laboratory portion of the Mechatronics class, students progress through a series of exercises that result in the design and fabrication of a mechatronic system that will perform a specified task. The laboratory exercises include the following elements:
- The design and implementation (programming) of a mechatronic system controller using National Instruments LabVIEW software.
- Interfacing a computer with electromechanical and electronic devices using analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters (A/D and D/A) and digital input and output (DIO).
- Fabrication of an 'H-bridge' circuit which in conjunction with a PWM (pulse width modulation) LabVIEW driver will control the speed and direction of a DC motor using two digital outputs from the computer.
- The design and fabrication of the mechanical portions of the system which often include the use of gearmotors, solenoids, sensors, switches and various structural elements.
