1. Introduction

Syllabus Points Covered

Programming mechatronics

Understanding mechatronic hardware and software

• Outline applications of mechatronic systems in a variety of specialised fields

• Identify the hardware requirements to run a program and the effect on code development

  • assessing the relationship of microcontrollers and the central processing unit (CPU)

  • the influence of instruction set and opcodes

  • the use of address and data registers

• Identify and describe a range of sensors, actuators and end effectors/manipulators within existing mechatronic systems

  • motion sensors

  • light level sensors

  • hydraulic actuators

  • robotic grippers

Chapter Contents

• 1.1. Mechatronics
  • 1.1.1. Recommended Video
  • 1.1.2. Contributing Fields of Mechatronics
  • 1.1.3. Mechatronics vs Robotics
  • 1.1.4. Applications
• 1.2. Embedded Systems
  • 1.2.1. Components of an Embedded System
• 1.3. Microcontrollers
  • 1.3.1. Hardware
  • 1.3.2. Software
• 1.4. History of Microcontrollers
  • 1.4.1. Early Days
  • 1.4.2. Maker Era
  • 1.4.3. Maturation
• 1.5. Bootloader and Firmware
  • 1.5.1. Firmware and Interpreted Languages
• 1.6. Interacting with the Real World
  • 1.6.1. Example: Toaster
• 1.7. Sensors
  • 1.7.1. Types of Sensors
  • 1.7.2. Sensor Data
• 1.8. Actuators
  • 1.8.1. Types of Actuators
  • 1.8.2. Controlling Actuators
• 1.9. Control Systems
  • 1.9.1. Example: Washing Machine
• 1.10. Exercise: Applications
• 1.11. Exercise: Extension