Outline

Overview

This unit of study aims to provide an introduction to the basic analog and digital elements of mechatronic systems. Basic electrical theory: Ohms law, Kirchoff's voltage and current laws. Characteristics and responses of circuits of passive components: resistors, capacitors, and inductors. Digital number systems, arithmetic, and Boolean algebra. Logic gates and combinatorial logic circuits. Flip-flops and sequential circuits including counters, registers and state machines. Integrated circuit logic families, interfacing, tri-state signals and busses, and power and timing considerations. Medium-scale integrated (MSI) logic circuits including multiplexers, demultiplexers, decoders and magnitude comparators. Programmable logic devices. The unit of study will include a practical component where students design and implement digital systems. Purchase of a basic laboratory tool kit as described in classes will be required.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Donald Dansereau, donald.dansereau@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Donald Dansereau, donald.dansereau@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Online task	Quiz: Introductory Online quiz	5%	Week 04 Due date: 26 Aug 2023 at 23:59	1 Hour
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Digital Logic Demonstration Demonstration of digital logic circuits	10%	Week 07	3 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Quiz: Sequential Logic Online quiz	15%	Week 07 Due date: 16 Sep 2023 at 23:59	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Analog interface demonstration Analog interface demonstration	20%	Week 10	3 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Quiz: Analog Systems Online quiz	15%	Week 10 Due date: 14 Oct 2023 at 23:59	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Major project Major project	20%	Week 13	3 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Quiz: Digital Systems Online quiz	15%	Week 13 Due date: 04 Nov 2023 at 23:59	2 Hours
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Lab Demonstrations must be demonstrated on the due day during a student’s scheduled lab session. Each of these assessment tasks must be repeated if a student misses it and is subsequently granted special consideration.

Grades will include assessement of appropriate use of lab facilities. This entails safe and considerate use of equipment including leaving facilities in neat and tidy condition during every lab session.

Quizzes must be completed by 23:59 on the due day.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Work of exceptional standard. Work demonstrates mastery of the concepts and principles covered in class, as well as initiative and ingenuity in applying concepts to new situations. Work shows pointed and critical analysis of material as well as thoroughness and thoughtfulness. Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the unit material and its relevance in a wider context.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work of superior standard. Work demonstrates initiative, complex understanding and original analysis and application of subject matter in context; shows critical understanding of the principles and values underlying the unit of study. In particular, students who aim for a Distinction and higher will have to accomplish the requirements of a Credit and should be able to: Demonstrate in-depth understanding of material beyond the immediate scope of the lecture material. Generalise and apply concepts to more complicated scenarios. Analyse mechatronic systems, and apply a systems engineering approach in order to develop and demonstrate working systems following principled design practices.
Credit	65 - 74	Competent work. Evidence of initiative in learning, sound grasp of subject matter and appreciation of key issues and context. Engages critically and creatively with the material and attempts synthesis and application of material. Goes beyond solving of simple problems to seeing how material in different parts of the unit of study relate to each other by solving problems drawing on concepts and ideas from other parts of the unit of study. In particular, students who aim for a Credit will have to accomplish the requirements of a Pass and should be able to: Relate between the various components of the course and understand their interaction in terms of design and integration of mechatronic systems. Understand the taxonomy and limitations of key components of mechatronic systems. Understand and apply the principles of mechatronic design to design basic mechatronic systems. Implement mechatronic systems that include analog and digital subsystems.
Pass	50 - 64	Work of acceptable standard. Work meets basic requirements in terms of reading and research and demonstrates a reasonable understanding of subject matter. Able to solve relatively simple problems involving direct application of particular components of the unit of study. In particular, students who aim for a Pass should be able to: Understand the principles of analog and digital circuits and basic mechatronic systems Analyse an existing mechatronic system and the underlying system design choices. Synthesise and communicate basic system designs using standard tools including block diagrams and digital and analog circuit diagrams. Make basic use of standard circuit prototyping and diagnostic tools.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Intro to mechatronic design; 2. Basic electronics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Review mini-lectures for introduction to mechatronic design. Review lab sheets for week 2 lab.	Independent study (5 hr)
Week 02	1. Intro to breadboards and prototyping; 2. Signals and their representation	Lecture (2 hr)
	Basic electrical measurements	Computer laboratory (3 hr)
	Review mini-lectures on basic logic concepts, review the lab sheet for the week 3 lab. Try building your own circuits at home.	Independent study (5 hr)
Week 03	1. Logic 1 - components for logic; 2. Logic 2 - intro to logic functions	Lecture (2 hr)
	Generating signals and basic logic circuits	Computer laboratory (3 hr)
	Review mini-lectures on more advanced logic concepts, review the lab sheet for the week 4 lab. Try building your own circuits at home.	Independent study (5 hr)
Week 04	1. Simplifying truth tables; 2. More simplification	Lecture (2 hr)
	Practical logic design	Computer laboratory (3 hr)
	Review lectures for introduction to state machines, digital inputs/outputs. Review the lab notes for week 5. Practice building circuits at home	Independent study (5 hr)
Week 05	1. Visualising logic tables and Karnaugh maps ; 2. Storing information	Lecture (2 hr)
	Introduction to state machines	Computer laboratory (3 hr)
	Review the mini-lectures for capacitors, inductors and op amps. Review the lab notes for week 6. Practice building circuits at home.	Independent study (5 hr)
Week 06	1. Sequential logic; 2. State machines	Lecture (2 hr)
	Design and development for assignment 1	Computer laboratory (3 hr)
	Review mini lectures on analog sensors and control. Review the lab sheet for next week. Practice building circuits at home.	Independent study (5 hr)
Week 07	1. Real circuits 1; 2. Interfaces 1	Lecture (2 hr)
	Demonstration of assignment 1	Computer laboratory (3 hr)
	Review the mini-lectures on encoders, counters and busses. Review the lab sheet for week 8. Practice building circuits at home	Independent study (5 hr)
Week 08	1. Interfaces 2; 2. Real Circuits 2	Lecture (2 hr)
	Op amp lab	Computer laboratory (3 hr)
	Review mini-lectures on motors and PWM, review the assignment requirements and work on this during the week. Try building your own circuits at home.	Independent study (5 hr)
Week 09	Op amp	Lecture (2 hr)
	Design and development of assignment 2 circuit	Computer laboratory (3 hr)
	Review mini-lectures on DAC and ADC, review the assignment requirements and work on this during the week. Try building your own circuits at home.	Independent study (5 hr)
Week 10	1. Brushless DC motors; 2. Transistors as switches (PWM)	Lecture (2 hr)
	Demonstration for assignment 2	Computer laboratory (3 hr)
	Review mini-lectures on binary arithmetic, review the assignment requirements and work on this during the week. Try building your own circuits at home.	Independent study (5 hr)
Week 11	1. Motor configurations (and datasheets); 2. Feedback control	Lecture (2 hr)
	Major project week 1	Computer laboratory (3 hr)
	Review the online tutorials, work on the major project. Practice building circuits at home.	Independent study (5 hr)
Week 12	1. Power supplies; 2. Analogue to digital (and back)	Lecture (2 hr)
	Major project week 2	Computer laboratory (3 hr)
	Review the online tutorials, work on the major project. Practice building circuits at home.	Independent study (5 hr)
Week 13	1. Review - digital; 2. Review - analog	Lecture (2 hr)
	Demonstration of major project	Computer laboratory (3 hr)
	Review the online tutorials, work on the major project. Practice building circuits at home.	Independent study (5 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. analyse and design combinational and sequential logic circuits from basic logic elements
LO2. analyse and design applications circuits based on operational amplifiers
LO3. read and understand manufacturers' data sheets describing digital and analog electronic circuit elements and DC motors
LO4. breadboard, test and troubleshoot practical digital and analog circuits in the laboratory using standard electronics lab instruments and tools.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

In response to feedback we will help student manage time commitment by placing more emphasis on and examples of debugging skills early in the unit, including clearer division bewteen prework and lab work, providing more unworked example practice questions, and more content on electronic prototyping including correct use of breadboards. We will also be more judicious with parts distribution to address issues with shortages, and have removed the historical extra lecture timeslot that was causing scheduling difficulties, moving to in-preson delivery. Some content is updated to use more modern tools and to cover more sophisticated digital design concepts.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Students are always expected to follow university and lab guidelines to maintain safety, including monitor email closely for any changes in policy. Students are required to complete an online lab safety induction prior to entry into the lab.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

MTRX1705: Introduction to Mechatronic Design

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect