Date Approved: August 2012
Course Syllabus
Syllabus for:
MECH
Former Course(s):
2400
Motor Control
none
Catalog Description: This course covers the principles of AC and DC motors, motor control,
and general machine operations in a complex mechatronic system. Students will learn the
functions and properties of machine control elements and the roles they play within the system.
Topics covered will include general machine operations and motor control techniques;
mechanical components and electric drives; motor sensors, braking and loads; motor efficiency
and power; preventive measures and troubleshooting techniques. Technical documentation
such as data sheets, circuit diagrams, schematics, displacement step diagrams and function
charts will also be covered. By understanding and performing measurements on motors and
motor control circuits, students will learn and apply troubleshooting strategies to identify, localize
and correct malfunctions. Safety issues within the system will also be discussed.
Credit Hours:
4
Contact hours: 5
lab hours: 2
Prerequisites: MECH 1200 Mechanics and Electric Motors; Math 1710 Algebra/pre-calculus
Required Text(s): Understanding Motor Controls, 2nd ed., Stephen L. Herman (2013)
Delmar Cengage Learning, ISBN 978-1-111-13541-6
Required Supplies/Materials: calculator, jump drive
Recommend Supplementary material: handouts as appropriate
Student Group for Whom Course is Required/Intended: This course is intended for students
pursuing the following degrees and programs of study.
Associate of Applied Science, Mechatronics Technology
Student Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will demonstrate the
ability to:
1. Demonstrate and explain how AC and DC motors and their control mechanisms interact
with other components in a mechatronic system.
2. Describe the principles of AC and DC motors and machine operation.
3. Identify common motor control components and their symbols.
4. Explain the roles of motors and motor control components within a given system.
Student Learning Outcomes (continued):
5. Demonstrate motor control strategies, including voltage and frequency control.
6. Carry out measurements and adjustments on motors and motor control components in a
mechatronic system.
7. Demonstrate and explain how to protect motors and prevent motor failure.
8. Correctly localize, identify and document causes of malfunctions in motor circuits, based
upon the technical documentation.
9. Correct malfunctions in motorized systems.
10. Apply safety rules and procedures while working on the system.
Suggested Evaluation Plan:
Task
Mid Term Exam
Final Exam
Quizzes (qty 4)
Lab work
Weight
25%
25%
25%
25%
Student Learning Outcomes
1-7, 10
all
all
all
Final Grading Plan: The grading scale for all examinations and the final course grade
will be based on the following percentages:
A = 90 - 100%
D = 60 - 69%
Additional Comments: none
B = 80 - 89%
F = 0 - 59%
C = 70 - 79%
INSTRUCTIONAL SCHEDULE
For
Motor Control MECH 2400
Week #
1
2
3
Student
Learning
Outcomes
1, 4, 5, 10
2, 4
2, 3
Content to be covered
Student assignments,
supplementary material
Introduction to motors and motor
applications in a mechatronic
system.
Siemens General Machine
Operation handout.
Assigned review questions from
Chapters 1-2
Review of mechatronic safety
and electrical safety. Review of
relays, contacts and other
control elements.
Identify motors used in
mechatronic trainer.
Basic operation of DC and AC
motors.
DC Drives handout. AC motors
handout.
Review principles of AC current.
Lab assignment
Manual starters, contactors,
motor starters, control
transformers, current protection
and overload relays.
Assigned review questions from
Chapters 3-6.
Siemens Motor Failures and
Protection handout
Quiz 1
4
3-6
Basic Control Circuits
Lab assignment
Assigned review questions from
Chapters 9-12.
Lab assignment
5
3-6
Motor Starting Methods
Assigned review questions from
Chapters 23-25; Siemens Motor
Control Techniques handout
Lab assignment
6
3-6
Motor Starting Methods
Assigned review questions from
Chapters 26-27
Quiz 2
Lab assignment
7
1, 2, 4
DC Motors
Assigned review questions from
Chapter 28
Study system applications.
Lab assignment
Syllabus: MECH 2400
Instructional Schedule (continued):
8
1, 2, 4
Single-phase motors. Braking
techniques
Assigned review questions from
Chapters 29-30
Study system applications
Mid-term Exam
9
1, 2, 4
Wound rotor motors and
synchronous motors
Assigned review questions from
Chapters 31-32
Lab assignment
10
1, 2, 4
Consequent pole motors
Assigned review questions from
Chapter 33
Study system applications
Lab assignment
Quiz 3
11
3-6
Variable voltage and magnetic
clutches
Assigned review questions from
Chapters 34-35
Solid state DC motor controls
Lab assignment
Assigned review questions from
Chapter 36
12
3-6
Variable Frequency Control
13
3, 4, 6, 10
Motor installation and motor
specifications
Lab assignment
Assigned review questions from
Chapter 37
Quiz 4
Lab assignment
Assigned review questions from
Chapters 41-42
14
7-10
Development of control circuits
and troubleshooting
15
ALL
FINAL