Minor in Mechatronics (ESE)
Advancements in power electronics, electronic sensors, and computer hardware and software have led to an expanding role for "smart" systems, which combine electronic and mechanical components. Automotive examples illustrate this point. The replacement of carburetors by fuel injection systems is almost universal, and hybrid/electric cars are replacing traditional automobiles. Not only are auxiliary devices such as fuel pumps, air bags and air-conditioner compressors driven by electric motors controlled by microprocessors, but fundamental components such as intake and outtake valves soon will be driven in this way. The internal combustion engine itself may be replaced by fuel cells and motors. Medical devices, micro-electromechanical systems, robots, fly-by-wire aircraft and wind turbines also all rely on electronic sensing of mechanical parameters and actuation of motion. These examples suggest strongly that engineers who are adept in the design, analysis and simulation of electromechanical systems will be in demand. The minor in mechatronics is created to encourage our students to study this important subject and provide recognition to those who do so.
This program is primarily designed for students in the ESE and MEMS departments and has been approved by the two departments. It is available for others as well.
The proposed minor program consists of four required courses, two electives and one prerequisite:
Four required courses:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ESE 4440 | Sensors and Actuators | 3 |
| ESE 4460 | Robotics: Dynamics and Control | 3 |
or MEMS 5206 | Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning and Control | |
| MEMS 2520 | Dynamics | 3 |
| MEMS 4110 | Mechanical Engineering Design Project | 3 |
| Total Units | 12 | |
Two electives chosen from the following:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ESE 4360 | Semiconductor Devices | 3 |
| ESE 4820 | Digital Signal Processing | 3 |
| MEMS 4320 | Modeling, Simulation and Control | 3 |
or ESE 4410 | Control Systems | |
| MEMS 4310 | Vibrations | 3 |
Prerequisite:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CSE 1301 | Introduction to Computer Science | 3 |
For more information about the minor, contact Dennis Mell (ESE) or Jackson Potter (MEMS).