Year
2015
Units
4.5
Contact
3 x 1-hour lectures weekly
5 x 1-hour tutorials per semester
8 x 2-hour practicals per semester
4 x 2-hour project works per semester
Prerequisites
1 1 of ENGR1201, ENGR1205
2 1 of COMP1102, COMP1201, ENGR1203, ENGR1721
Must Satisfy: (1 and 2)
Enrolment not permitted
ENGR8772 has been successfully completed
Topic description
Programming microcontrollers in C, direct and modulated infra red (IR) sensors, absolute and incremental encoders, quadrature encoders, strain gauge, bridge circuits, temperature sensors, Hall-effect sensors, interfacing different sensors to a controller and writing control programs in C, serial communication including wireless, using DC motor and controlling its speed with PWM in both directions, using stepper motors and servomotors.
Educational aims
The topic introduces the students to sensors, processor, and motors, which are the building blocks of most systems including robots. It also covers the interfacing and programming techniques for these components, as well as communicating the information to other systems.
Expected learning outcomes
At the completion of the topic, students are expected to be able to:

  1. Understand various sensors, how they work, and different techniques to use them
  2. Understand the use and application of different motors
  3. Interface different sensors to a controller
  4. Develop programs in C for microcontrollers to control interfaced modules
  5. Acquire the knowledge of basic serial communications, and be able to communicate between two processors
  6. Use a temperature chip to control the heat inside a system
  7. Control the speed of DC motors using microcontrollers