Module Code - Title:
DM6001
-
LOW COST AUTOMATED SYSTEMS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To introduce the student to Low Cost Automated Systems and their applications in a manufacturing situation. These systems usually cost significantly less than a turnkey solution and are typically designed and realised on-site using pre-manufactured electronics modules combined with bespoke electromechanical interfaces to the systems they control. The module will concentrate on the Arduino and Raspberry Pi platforms.
Syllabus:
Hardware: Sensors types and applications, correct selection, Analogue to Digital Conversion, Digital to Analogue Conversion. The Raspberry PI processing platform, the python language, techniques for integration with other systems. The Arduino platform, Programming and Simulation. Interfacing techniques., Input buffers and sensor circuits for Arduino. Output and Driver systems for Arduino. Extensions to Arduino - GSM, GPS, Ethernet.
Design of electronic circuits for sensor and driver circuits, Half-H drivers, Op-Amps, distance, temperature and light sensors.
Breadboard prototyping of interface circuits. Design and one-off manufacture of PCBs. Assembly and testing of circuits.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Students will be able to set up and program Raspberry Pi computing system using the Python language.
Create software to monitor and control external processes, Interface the system to touch screens, cameras and output devices.
Configure and Program Arduino based automation kits to control electromechanical systems, respond to external sensor inputs.
Specify and design the input and output electromechanical sub-systems needed to interface an Arduino board with its surroundings.
Use extension modules to interface an Arduino board with GPS, GSM or Ethernet networks.
Interact with or control a process or vehicle using these networks.
Configure a low cost CNC system such as MACH 4 to control a robot or machine tool.
Design and make a PCB using PCB design software and Isolation routing or etching.
Troubleshoot and test the systems.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Will have an appreciation of the application of low cost automated systems in a manufacturing context.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module students will be able to: Assemble and debug a simple PCB based circuit.
Will be able to assemble and set up sensors and interface circuitry using breadboard.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will comprise lectures and practical in-lab sessions where the students will work hands on with the hardware and software. There will be an emphasis on problem solving and the students will complete design and make project based on the technologies involved.
On completion of the module successful participants will be:
Knowledgeable and creative in the use and application of novel low cost automated systems to the solution of automation problems.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Savasgard, A (2015)
Arduino: 101 Beginner's Guide
,
Massimo, B (2009)
Getting Started with Arduino
, O'Reilly
Monk, S. (2015)
Programming the Raspberry Pi, 2nd ed:
, Mc.Graw Hill
Bishop, O (2011)
Electronics, Circuits and Systems
, Elsevier
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Gerard.Dooly@ul.ie