Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field of science that includes a combination of mechanical engineering, electronics, computer engineering, telecommunications engineering, systems engineering and control engineering.
The types of students likely to be successful in this field of study include:
Students will describe the functions and physical properties of electrical components and their roles in a mechatronic system. They will apply troubleshooting techniques and strategies to analyze and repair a faulty system. Students will create technical documentation to report abnormalities and the process used to return the system to normal. They will be introduced to current occupational safety regulations and apply safe work practices.
Students will describe the functions and physical properties of mechanical components and electrical drives and their roles in a mechatronic system. They will compare the properties of, and the relationship between, alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) in electrical drives. Students will apply mechanical principles and analyze material and lubrication selections to increase efficiency in a mechanical system. They will apply troubleshooting techniques and strategies to analyze and repair a faulty system and produce relevant documentation. Students may be required to participate in field trips.
Students will describe the functions and physical properties of pneumatic, electro-pneumatic and hydraulic control circuits and their roles in a mechatronic system. They will calculate volumes, determine effective operating conditions and apply safe operating parameters of pneumatic and hydraulic components. Students will apply troubleshooting techniques to identify and correct malfunctions. They will create technical documentation to report abnormalities and the process used to return the system to normal.
Students will describe the role of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and trace the flow of information in a mechatronic system. They will apply the fundamentals of digital logic to write basic programs for PLCs and test these programs. Students will apply troubleshooting strategies to localize problems caused by malfunctioning PLC hardware and produce relevant documentation. They will complete a project to digitally control a mechatronic system.
Students will apply the principles of closed-loop control in a mechatronic system. They will create charts for time-based changes of process variables and establish controller operating parameters. Students will describe On/Off and Proportional/Integral/Derivative (PID) controllers and optimize the performance of each. They will apply troubleshooting techniques to analyze, repair and document a faulty system.
Students will utilize integrated automation software and write programs incorporating a variety of functions of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) to control equipment operation. They will connect sensors to PLC analogue modules and set up communication networks used in automation. Students will apply troubleshooting techniques to re-establish a faulty network.
Students will apply the principles of control circuits to connect and operate electric motors. They will employ speed control, motor loading and braking methods to optimize the performance of a mechatronic system. Students will analyze performance data to determine causes of motor failure and apply preventive strategies to protect electric motors.
Students will participate in a work placement practicum in a manufacturing environment. They will apply office procedures and software to perform professionally in the manufacturing industry. Students will apply time management procedures to work efficiently and employ stress management strategies to help maintain a healthy work/life balance. They will create a resume and an online portfolio of their training and give presentations to share their experiences in the manufacturing sector. Students may be required to participate in field trips.
