ENGR2772 Sensors and Actuators

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.

This topic aims to introduce 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.

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