Lecture 3-1 Introduction to Sensors and Sensing

We overviewed the key elements of a mechatronic system and discussed about the role of sensors in mechatronic system.

At first, we studied human sensing capacities and sensors inspired by human sensing capacity. We extended our knowledge with animal sensing capacities and compared them with human sensing capacities.

We reviewed the existing sensors and classified them in terms of what they are and how they work.

Common characteristics of sensors in terms measured values were covered and interfacing were briefly explained. The role of sensor calibration (offline and online) were emphasized.

Mini-project 2 released

The mini-project 2 has been released. Click on this link!

Lab 2-1 Principles of actuators and its drivers

Click on Lab assignments to access Lab 2-1.

Note that this lab is to set the foundation for your mini-project 2, so you should follow the guidance and hints to complete all the requirements. 

Lecture 2-2: Principles of Actuators and Drivers

We have studied the electromagnetic principle for generating forces/motion of actuators.

The working principle of a DC motor was illustrated. The relationship between the current and torque, torque and speed was explained.

The key driver, named H-bridge, and PWM control signal for DC motor was introduced and analyzed. In addition, we introduced the working principles of DC motors and Stepper motors, and how to control it, especially with Arduino board (using PWM signal generated by the Timers/Counters).

Lab exercises will be given to strengthen learnt knowledge.

Lecture 2-1: Introduction to Actuators and Drivers

We moved to the Module 2 to learn basics of actuators and their drivers.

In the first lecture, we studied the definitions and concepts of actuators. We now know fundamental knowledge of types and working principles of actuators, and compare their advantages and disadvantage in operations through real-world examples.

We will learn how to control different types of actuators in the Lecture 2-2.

Lecture 1-6: Arithmetic computation and a simple processor

We studied an important lecture of Module 1 about how an ALU of CPU is built up and functioning.

The key components such as half-adder and full-adder are introduced. An example of 4-bit Ripple-Carry Binary Adder (RCBA) is illustrated to show how a computer can do Addition in general.

Complement concept is refreshed to remind about how to do subtraction, then a RCBA-based circuit for both Addition and Subtraction is introduced. Based on the circuit, other functional circuit such as incrementer/decrementer, multiplier/dividers are discussed. 

To wrap up Module 1, we summarized knowledge learnt from lecture 1 to 5 in order to understand how a CPU works. After that, we studied how ISA are used by CU to control all operations of the CPU, e.g load data from registers, then select the bus to transfer it to ALU or Shifter for computational operations, and then transfer back to another register. 

Mini-project 1 released!

Mini-project 1 has been released. You can click HERE to find it (or in the folder of Labs and Mini-Projects on https://ssde3340.blogspot.com/). 

Your work (report, codes, and narrative demo video) will be submitted via email to me and Tuan by the deadline (14:00 October 21. 2026). 

You should pay attention to the requirements and hints stated in the mini project. You should also pay special attention to how and where AI is allowed and prohibited with the mini-project.  

The oral exam will be conducted from 1:30-5:30 on October 22, 2026 (we will send the schedule later). You will be examined through questions related to this project requirements and your performance of project work. You may be required to give live demonstration of your work. 

Lab on Oct 08 will be dedicated to help you understand and start the project!