2.737 Course Description



FALL `98 UPDATED INFORMATION: This page is now updated to reflect the significant course re-organization for the Fall of 1998. The most significant change is that the real-time processing will be done by dedicated DSP boards programmed graphically under Matlab/Simulink. Thus C-programming is no longer a prerequisite for the course. These boards reside in new Pentium II PC's. This change in the lab hardware allows us to implement more sophisticated algorithms and to bring in new material such as the use and operation of switching amplifiers, and the interfacing of signals in the presence of noise. We have also acquired lab kits for each student which will allow individual prototyping of the interface circuits required for each lab. In lieu of 1000 more words, check out the pictures of the new lab setups. We're really excited about teaching the course with this new hardware and expect it to make the lab experience more effective (and fun!). We will hold a lab open house on registration day, Tues. 9/8, from 8am-5pm, in Rm. 1-004. Please come by, see the lab setups, and ask questions of the teaching staff.

INSTRUCTORS

Prof. David Trumper
trumper@mit.edu
Room 35-016, x3-3481

Steve Ludwick
sjludwic@mit.edu
(Office) Room 1-004a, x8-5742
(Lab) Room 1-004, x8-8729


COURSE OVERVIEW

The course is lab-centered; you learn this material by working with real hardware. There are five focused labs on the topics of: signal processing, sampling, and quantization; analog feedback systems and power amplifiers; servo-motor control; switching amplifier design; and signal interfacing/real-time programming constructs. The class finishes with a 3-week final project. In past semesters, projects have included a laser light show, and a polar-coordinate plotter. The purpose of the project is to integrate the disciplines learned earlier in the course in order to design a working mechatronic system. There are no quizzes or final exam. The grading is based on the labs, lab checkoffs, and the final project.

CATALOG LISTING

Introduction to designing mechatronic systems, which require integration of the mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines within a unified framework. Significant laboratory-based design experiences form the core of the course. Final project. Topics include: Low-level interfacing of software with hardware. Use of C language and assembly language to implement real-time tasks. Digital logic. Analog interfacing and power amplifiers. Measurement and sensing. Electromagnetic and optical transducers. Control of mechatronic systems. Limited enrollment.

Lecture: Rm. 3-343, MW 10-11am

Lab: 1-004 (within d'Arbeloff Lab)
The lab is accessed by means of a key code which will be given to you in class. The lab is open from 9-5, with extended lab hours to be scheduled as the staff coverage allows.

PREREQUISITES:

COURSE TEXTS:
The course texts are available at Quantum Books, at the intersection of Ames and Broadway in Kendall Square, ph. 617-494-5042.
GRADING:
There are no quizzes or exams. The lab grades will depend upon the lab report/pre-lab and upon an individual oral checkoff with the teaching staff. The pre-lab will be due the week before the lab itself. The project will occupy the last three weeks of the course.

LAB TOPICS:

PROJECT:

The project this year will be done individually. The likely topic will be the use of galvanometer-driven mirrors to create a laser light show. More details forthcoming.
GRAD STUDENTS: to receive G credit

While the course is now an undergraduate elective at the senior level, graduate students may receive G credit by requesting this from Ain Sonin, the mechanical engineering graduate officer.

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