Functional Modules For Teaching Mechatronics To Non Ee Engineering Students

The Department of Mechanical Engineering of the University of South Carolina has embarked upon a project to enhance the Mechatronics education of non-EE engineering students. NSF funds the project with cost-share by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the College of Engineering and Information Technology. An essential part of this project is the construction of functional modules for teaching hands-on skills related to the interfacing of mechanical, electrical, and electronic components of a Mechatronics system. Non-EE engineering students have the need for hands-on experience to increase their ability and confidence in tackling electrical and electronics concepts, especially during the realization phase of a Mechatronics project. To address this need, we started developing a suit of functional teaching modules. These functional modules are intended as bolt-on building blocks with clearly defined inputs and outputs, and an explanation of the underlying operational principles. The students are expected to use the functional modules as a learning tool. After understanding their functionality, they are expected to duplicate the circuitry on their own breadboards to be incorporated into their Mechatronics class projects, as well as into other hands-on projects, as appropriate.