Instrumentation and Control first part introduces students to measurement and control systems. This includes capacitors, inductors and a wide range of sensors and their applications.

1. Design circuits to solve simple signalconditioning and interfacing problems
2. Describe the principle of operation, characteristics, and use of a selection of common electrical sensors and actuators
3. Describe the concept of measurement and control systems, explain associated terminology, and perform calculations
4. Design simple transistor switching circuits, using a loadline, and transistor parameters
5. Describe the concept of measurement and control systems, explain associated terminology, and perform calculations on actual systems

This module will give the students an introduction to pneumatic/electro pneumatic and hydraulic systems.It will cover basic pneumatic and hydraulic components and their use in complete systems. The student will also become acquainted with standard pneumatic and hydraulic symbols in accordance with IEC standards and be able to use a software simulation package to draw and simulate practical circuits.

This module will also cover advanced pneumatic and electro pneumatic circuits including sequencing of pneumatic cylinders. The circuits will be build and simulated in software.

1. Describe the components of a compressed air and air treatment system.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of pneumatic circuit operation, including sequence control.

3. Apply the cascade method to solve pneumatic sequentialproblems involvingcascade groups andcylinders.

4. Demonstrate an understanding ofbasic hydraulic systems.

5. Design and simulate electro-pneumatic circuits to sequence cylinders.

6. Employ formulae to calculate flow rate, piston force, system pressure and piston size.

This module is designed to develop key Professional Transferable Skills (PTS) such as creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship – the ability to think creatively and to see and exploit the business opportunity. Speakers from Industry and Government agencies (Enterprise Ireland) will be invited to present to the students.

The student will also be equipped with the skills to successfully implement a job search plan and to perform at interview. Websites such as Linkedin will be reviewed and students will have an opportunity to generate their profile.

The module will take a potential entrepreneur through the whole process of starting a business, from first thoughts about the business idea to the practicalities of start-up. The student will be required to work on a technical idea from their engineering discipline generate new business ideas and from that develop a new Business Plan for a start-up company.

1. Identify and apply the steps used in the creative process

2. Generate innovative ideas / inventionsin the students specific field of engineering and translate into a productor servicethat adds valueand for which customerswill pay.

3. Generate financial statements, operating budgets and break-even analysis.
4. Prepare a business plan presentation using appropriate software toolsfor a new manufacturing or service business.

5. Present (‘Pitch’) the business plan as a formal presentaion

Electrical Signals, Systems and Technology 201.

1. Predict the effect of AC circuit elements on circuit performance
2. Use phasor diagrams to solve ac problems and calculate ac voltages and currents in various circuit configurations
3. Use power triangle to calculate circuit current elements
4. Calculate power factor correction requirements calculate transformer efficiency and motor efficiencies
5. Wire a simple Electric circuit according to power wiring diagrams and in a safe manner

This module is designed to introduce students to engineering materials (including metals and polymers), their classification, their properties and how to alter those properties.

1. Explain the nature and structure of materials and determine the classification of various engineering materials.

2. Explain what properties of materials are in use, what they mean, and test them.
3. Determine how to alter properties of materials using heat treatment.
4. Describe the metallic alloys that exist and how to form them.

5. Analyse simple equilibrium phase diagrams and the IronCarbon system.
6. Describe the different categories of polymers, their applications and processing.

On completion, the learner will be able to design and implement a program-based control unit which will make decisions based on sensor input to drive actuators, e.g. Control unit detects temperature rise and display on an LCD. The module encourages self-directed learning and hardware development in the learner's own environment. An Arduino kit is needed for this module (K000007 Official Arduino Kit).

The learner will be exposed to small signal interfacing, controlling actuators such as different types of motors, using an LCD display, Internet communications between devices and data transmission.

1. Recall numbering systems (decimal, binary, hexadecimal) and to convert between them
2. Develop datatransmission programs based on a set of characters

3. Develop programs to control actuators based on interfacing via analog and digital methods toprescribed sensors using a variety of methods such as analog to digital conversion and pulse width modulation.

4. describe how IP packets are transmitted on the internet and outline the main elements of a network and the meaning of the IP packet header attributes.
5. Interface application programs to a given API with the corresponding documentation to implement automation solutions (e.g ArduinoAPI to control actuators based on sensor information)

This module has been designed to give the student an appreciation into how stress affects materials in practical situations. It is assumed that the student will have successfully completed the 1st year mechanics course and so understands how to represent forces, vector quantities, and understands stress / strain relationships.

In this module the student will look at applied mechanics problems such as Stress in compound bars, Shear force, shear stress, and shear strain, Poisson's ratio Shear force and bending moment diagrams. Centrifugal forces and rotation. Torsion Thermal strain Hoop stress in thin walled pressure vessels and thin rotating rings.

This module is taught by a number of lecturers and includes many real life examples of how mechanics is used.

1. Define the terms \”stress\” and \”strain\” and determine the stress and strainthat each material in a compound barexperiences
2. Be able to explain what shear force, shear stress and shear strain mean, plus calculate the shear stress components experience is certain practical situations

3. Construct a shear force and bending moment diagram for simply supported and cantilever beams, which are loaded with point loads or uniformly distributed loads.

4. Be able to calculate shear stress, angle of twist, and torque in rotating shafts.

5. Identify instances, effects and applications of thermal strain and calculate stresses resulting from changes in temperature
6. Determine the centrifugal forces set up in different scenarios.

7. Calculate the hoop stress set up in thin walled pressure vessels and in thin rotating rings.

Electrical Installation Technology 202

1. Describe construction and characteristics of DC motors

2. Choose DC motors to carry out particular tasks

3. Describe the national electrical transmission and distributions systems and networks.

4. Calculate line and phase currents and voltages in various configurations.

5. Wire and configure variable speed drives for single phase and 3 phase motors.

6. Construct, test and troubleshoot single phase and 3 phase motor control circuits using PLC control.

Instrumentation and Control second part introduces students to measurement and control systems. This includes more in depth control, transistors, op-amp circuits and signal conditioning.

1. Describe the types of sensors and control system required in specific situations
2. Design circuits to solve simple signalconditioning problems, using opamps and timer circuits
3. Describe actuator systems including open and closed loop control as well asmotor speed control

4. Use relevant software for measurement, instrument control, and process control

5. Program and use a PLC to provide solutions to a range of control problems
6. Present technical information in written/graphical form

Develop skills in calculus with further differentiation techniques.

Introduction to integration, and integration techniques including substitution rule, integration by partial fractions, and integration by part.

Factor and remainder theorems.

Complex numbers are important in many engineering applications.

First order differential equations.

1. Apply differentiation techniques for example, logarithmic, parametric, implicit, and partial differentiation .

2. Introduce complex numbers, graphing, Cartesian, polar forms, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of complex numbers, deMoivre’s theorem.

3. Introduction to integration, standard integrals, substitution rule, integration by parts.

4. Integration using partial fractions.

5. Solve first order differential equations using seperation of variables
6. Factor & Remainder theorems.

In this module students will be introduced to the concept of PLCs and their implementation in automation systems. Students will learn how to program brick type and modular PLCs and learn PLC relevant concepts of signal processing.

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1. Apply sequential function chart (aka Grafcet or state-transition) methods to control sequential processes including selective and parallel branching techniques.
2. Use simple programminginstructions to include the use of applied instructions and register use.

3. Produce ladder logic to solve electro-pneumatic sequential problems involving the use of two cylinders.

4. Employspecific addressing configuration of an industry standard PLC and apply same to practical automation problems.

5. Create ladder logic to solve industrial problems using timers, counters and flip flops.

6. Demonstrate an understanding of structured text programming.

On completion, the learner will have successfully implemented a mechatronics automation project which will take input from a set of sensors measuring real world parameters, use a program/logic to make decisions based on the input and drive a set of outputs to act in the real world based on the decisions made.

Topics covered include data acquisition and interfacing, signal sampling, digital input/output techniques for data acquisition and the implementation of counters and timers.

1. Build circuits and interfaces for data acquisition.

2. Process data using common programming methods: case structures, for and while loops, shift registers, arrays, clusters and formula nodes.

3. Sample, store and process analog signals.

4. Implement digital input and output strategies.

5. Use software counters and timers to sample, store and process data.

6. Produce and demonstrate a working model of the project which achieves the project objectives.

7. Write a project report demonstrating the design, build and test processes.

Control Systems is all about plant and processes (systems) how they behave when subjected to certain inputs (system response) and how to get them to do what we want (system control). Control Systems 301 introduces the student to the characteristics of systems commonly encountered in mechatronics.

1. Use Laplace transform techniques to predict and interpret second order system response to step and ramp inputs.
2. Find the steady-state response of a system to a sinusoidal input by the substitution of j for s in the transfer function.
3. Use Laplace transform techniques to find the transient and steady-state response of a system to a sinusoidal input.
4. Use block diagram algebra, especially Mason’s theorem, to reduce elementary control system diagrams to canonical form.
5. Establish system stability or instability by the plotting of poles and zeros on the complex plane
6. Implement and tune control systems using aPID control strategy.

Industrial Data communication is the manipulation of variables that can be implemented into the technology that automatically processes data. The technology under investigation include computers and other communications electronics that can collect, store, influence, formulate and allocate data to serve or control exact processes examples are motor control, electric switching, analogue to digital conversion, digital sampling.

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1. Demonstrate a basic a basic knowledge of digital circuitry using logic.
2. Interface sensors and transducers
3. Explain the function of analogue communication.
4. Describe high-pass low-pass and band-pass filters
5. Understand Analogue to digital conversion and digital to analogue conversion.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of digital motor control

This is an introduction to robotics that entails the mathematical modelling of robotic movement as well as the programming of key movements for the building and design of basic robots.

1. Choose and integrate hardware components for a simple robotic system.

2. Design and synthesize simple software control systems for individual robotic joints

3. Develop and implement mathematical models of multi-link robots to describe the relationship between individual joints and the position and velocity of the robot’s end effector

4. Apply elementary computer vision techniques to control an intelligent robot.

5. Program simple paths and tasks on articulated robotic arm platform.

6. Design and report development of practical robotic systems that incorporate all of the above.

The subject aims to give the student the skills to design and build Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) and distributed control systems software using graphical programming techniques

1. Acquire the necessary skills to produce visual models of real world events
2. Demonstrate a proficiency in the design and development of a HMI
3. Broaden a knowledge of the theory behind and techniques employed in program design
4. Use visual programming techniques (i.e. Labview) to interface with industrial hardware
5. Understand the function and application of networkingprotocols

6. Understand the deployment of SCADA software for the development of increasingly complex tasks.
7. Be able to implement remote telemetry over a Client/Server architecture.
8. Understand OPC Server and Client communication.

Professional Development and Employability is an impending graduate skills module that offers a variety of professional skills to support the development of the graduate's early career.

1. Undertake a critical audit of their skills and capabilities for their professional career

2. Employ the correct communication approach (presentation, poster, report) and use reference material correctly.

3. Demonstrate professional ethics in engineering, including the role of an engineer in society, environmental and health, safety & risk issues.

4. Interpret the roles of teams and leadership.

5. Prepare a personal development plan and work preparation plan (including CV, Cover letter).

This module introduces Lean and Six Sigma principles through the DMAIC methodology to improve quality in manufacturing, with a focus on the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. It also covers process validation and quality standards, alongside Design Thinking as a human-centered approach. Students will apply theoretical knowledge through case studies, site visits, and work experiences, linking classroom learning to real-world applications.

1. Relate the history of quality development to Lean, Six Sigma, Validationand Quality Management Standards

2. Evaluate and discuss the key principles of Six Sigma programmes and their application for manufacturing

3. Evaluate and discuss the key principles of Lean Manufacturing and their typical application for manufacturing.

4. Explain how validation principles are applied in a process validation.

5. Interpret the Quality Management StandardISO9001 and connect how Lean and Six Sigma work together with the process approach.

This module consists of topics from Integral and Differential Calculus, Linear Algebra and Complex Numbers. These topics include differential equations and applications, Laplace Transforms, De Moivre's Theorem, Fourier Transforms, Gaussian Elimination and z-transforms.

1. Solve first order differential equations using separable variables technique and the integrating factor method
2. Solve first and second order differential equations using Laplace transforms
3. Solve second order differential equations using the complementary function and particular integral methods.
4. Calculate powers of complex numbers using theorems of DeMoivre and Euler.
5. Solve linear systems using Gaussian Elimination and apply this to engineering problems

6. Be able to obtain the z-Transform of some standard functions and solve first order difference equations.
7. Evaluate eigenvalues and eigenvetors and solve matrix transformation problems

Control Systems is all about plant and processes (systems) how they behave when subjected to certain inputs (system response) and how to get them to do what we want (system control). Control Systems 302 introduces the student to analog and digital strategies for controlling these systems

1. Carry out practicals using analog control techniques on mechanical and fluid equipment.

2. Derive the difference equations for numerical integrators and differentiators.
3. Test for discrete system stability by location of the z-plane poles.
4. Design digital controllers using cancellation pole placement, one-step-ahead and Kalmanand Diophantine pole placement strategies.

5. Implement simple machine learning strategies in linear regression, logistic regression and neural networks using Matlab/Octave software.

6. Use software (e.g. LabView, Simulink) to tune PID controllers.

Review of Data Acquisition, Automation System Architecture – Hierarchical Levels, Functional Layered Models – OSI reference model, System engineering approach, Input / Output Structures, Control Unit Structure, Protocols, Communication principles and modes: network topology, transmission media, noise, cable characteristic and Instrumentation and control devices..

1. Understand the function of a bus protocol.
2. Perform the ID and IO check of an ASI Bus.
3. Explain alternating pulse modulation
4. Explain the functionality of Ethernet

5. Display an understanding of how the microprocessor computes data.
6. Demonstrate IEEE-488 devices and programming

7. Use LabVIEW client/server software

This 10 credit module involves the design, construction and reporting of a mechatronics project which will typically involve the following elements:

1. Visual interface . e.g. computer screen, lcd readout, control panel with indicator lights

2. Data acquisition . i.e. measurement using appropriate sensors with conversion of signals where necessary from analog to digital and vice versa.

3. Control . The project should be capable of maintaining a measured property within defined limits and be able to cope with small disturbances. Alternatively there could be decision-making based on machine vision or counting/sorting functions. Switching something on and off is not sufficient.

1. Design a system typically incorporating a visual interface, data acquisition and control to meet a defined aim
2. Demonstrate the application of theory covered in Level 7 in the design of hardware for the project. Students are encouraged to use 3-D printing technology either in prototyping or the manufacture of final components.

3. Research and select components/software/control methods
4. Assess the potential safety hazards associated with the project and complete the corresponding risk assessment form.
5. Demonstrate the ability to plan and manage the project (inc.budget and time)
6. Build and test a system typically incorporating a visual interface, data acquisition and control to meet a defined aim
7. Evaluate the project and made recommendations as appropriate
8. Effectively communicate the project concept, project plan and design via areport, presentation and interview

This module deals with various automation technologies ranging from:

Advanced PLC Programming

Scripting to interface with PLC

Embedding C# or other languages into PLC applications

Safety BUS PILZ stop buttons

Apply these technologies to routine industry scenarios

1. Apply advanced PLC programming

2. EmbedC# or other languages into PLC applications

3. Apply scripting to interface with PLC

4. Implement machinery safety using Pilz SafetyBUS p standard

5. Apply the above technologies to routine real-life industry scenario