ME 345 Mechatronics

This course is an introduction to the mathematical modeling and design of electrical, mechanical, and electro-mechanical systems. A system dynamical approach is used, which allows different energy domains to be modeled within a unified framework. Circuit elements covered include resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, and operational amplifiers. (Adopted from the course catalog.)

General Information

Instructor

  • Instructor: Dr. Rico Picone
  • Instructor Contact: rico@stmartin.edu
  • Instructor Office Hours:

    • Mon: 4–6
    • Tue: 12–2
    • Thu: 12–1

Course

  • Moodle Site
  • Meeting Times: Mon & Wed 2:30–3:50
  • Meeting Location: Cebula Hall 101
  • Synchronous Zoom is available (see button below), but in-person attendance is strongly encouraged.
  • Log in to Join Zoom

    Discord

    Everyone is required to join the messaging service called "Discord." We'll use it to communicate with each other during the semester. The Discord server you need to join is called drico. That's an invitation link.

    Be sure to join the channel #345.

    Textbooks

    The primary and only required textbook is Rowell and Wormley, 1997. The other books are optional, but supply additional information and exercises. Horowitz and Hill, 2015 is a book everyone interested in getting serious about electronics should read.

    1. [AL] Agarwal, A. and J. Lang. Foundations of Analog and Digital Electronic Circuits. , The morgan kaufmann series in computer architecture and design Elsevier Science.
    2. [HH] Horowitz, P. and W. Hill. The Art of Electronics. Cambridge University Press.
    3. [RW] Rowell, Derek and David N. Wormley. System Dynamics: An Introduction. Prentice Hall.

    Log in to Download RW Log in to Download HH Log in to Download AL

    Lecture Notes

    My lecture notes with fill-in-the-blanks are available at the following links:

    Cover: Electronics Primer

    Electronics Primer

    A primer on electronics with a focus on analog circuit analysis.
    EP
    Cover: System Dynamics

    System Dynamics

    System dynamics for engineers. Lumped-parameter, linear graph modeling. Energy domains: mechanical translational, mechanical rotational, electrical, thermal, and fluid.
    SD

    We'll do the entire EP text and the first four chapters of SD.

    Have a service such as that of the SMU Computer Resource Center print them in bulk for you (start with EP for now). Whichever printing service you use, I recommend binding them such that pages can be replaced (e.g. three-ring bindable) in case there are major revisions to a section during the term.

    In either case, you are required to have a binder (or equivalent) with Electronics Primer sections 1.1–1.3 ready to show by our second class to avoid a 10% deduction on your first homework grade. (Or you can show me those lectures on your note-taking tablet, if that's your preferred method.)

    Throughout the semester, you should be ready to show these (current) in any class, with threat of 10% homework grade deductions.

    Video pre-class lectures

    Before every class, there will be one or more video lectures you will be required to watch! See the Schedule. I've uploaded them all to YouTube. Watch them with the texts printed out , filling in the blank sections as you go.

    I recommend familiarizing yourself with the playlists for this course.

    Schedule

    The following schedule is tentative. Bonus lectures denoted "+" are optional, but so is this class.

    Day Date Topics Reading Due

    Assignments

    See the following assignments.

    View All Assignments

    Robotics Mentoring

    We will be mentoring local high school robotics teams, who will be participating in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) game. This will involve attending their meetings to provide guidance and support. They will be working in our Panowicz Foundry Robotics Lab. Schedule TBD.

    Homework and exam policies

    Homework policies

    Weekly homework will be due on Fridays at noon. Then I will post solutions to the problems and you will correct your mistakes.

    Your corrections will be due Sunday (before midnight). For each assignment, you will

  • Submit your initial solutions by Friday at noon
  • Check the boxes for each problem as you correct it
  • Submit your corrected solutions by Sunday at midnight
  • Working in groups on homework is strongly encouraged, but the self-assessment should reflect your own work.

    Exam policies

    Exams will be in class. If you require any specific accommodations, please contact me.

    Calculators will be allowed. Only ones own notes and the notes provided by the instructor will be allowed. No communication devices will be allowed.

    The final exam will be cumulative.

    Grading policies

    Total grades in the course may be curved, but individual homework quizzes and exams will not be.

    Homework: 35% Robot Mentoring: 5% Exam 1: 20% Exam 2: 20% Final Exam: 20%

    Correlation of course and program outcomes

    In keeping with the standards of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, each course is evaluated in terms of its desired outcomes and how these support the desired program outcomes. The following sections document the evaluation of this course.

    Desired course outcomes

  • Students will have a clear and thorough understanding of concepts, principles, and methods of modeling mechanical, electrical, and electro-mechanical systems;
  • Students will be familiar with the operation and input and output characteristics of the following electrical circuit elements:
  • resistors,
  • capacitors,
  • inductors,
  • diodes,
  • transistors, and
  • operational amplifiers;
  • Students will understand the designs of basic circuits;
  • Students will be able to model electrical and mechanical systems with a unified modeling technique;
  • Students will be able to construct state-space models (including state equations) of electrical, mechanical, and electro-mechanical systems;
  • Students will be able to analyze the characteristics of system models;
  • Students will be able to solve for first- and second-order linear (time-invariant) system responses;
  • Students will be able to solve for general linear (time-invariant) system responses;
  • Students will understand the larger contexts of electro-mechanical system dynamics, especially with regard to technology development and society; and
  • Students will be able to communicate what they are learning and its broader contexts.
  • resistors,
  • capacitors,
  • inductors,
  • diodes,
  • transistors, and
  • operational amplifiers;
  • Desired program outcomes

  • An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  • An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
  • An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  • An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  • An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
  • An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  • An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
  • Correlation of outcomes

    desired program outcomes
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7
    desired course outcomes

    Academic Honesty/Professionalism

    What is Academic Integrity?

    Saint Martin's University is a community of faculty, students and staff engaged in the exchange of ideas in the ongoing pursuit of academic excellence. Essential to our mission is a focused commitment to scholarly values and intellectual integrity, and a respect for the ideas, beliefs and work of others. This commitment extends to all aspects of academic performance. All members are expected to abide by ethical standards both in their conduct and their exercise of responsibility to themselves and toward other members of the community. As an expression of our shared belief in the Benedictine tradition, we support the intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual nurturing of students.

    What is Academic Dishonesty?

    Saint Martin's University defines academic dishonesty as violating the academic integrity of an assignment, test and/or evaluation of any coursework. This dishonest practice occurs when you seek to gain for yourself or another an academic advantage by deception or other dishonest means. You have a responsibility to understand the requirements that apply to particular assessments and to be aware of acceptable academic practice regarding the use of material prepared by others. Therefore, it is your responsibility to be familiar with the policies surrounding academic dishonesty as these may differ from other institutions.

    The Acceptable Use of AI in Coursework

    Any use of technology that misleads a reviewer in assessing the student's mastery of a specific set of skills or knowledge is a type of intellectual dishonesty, that is, a type of cheating. Students who are unsure about the appropriateness of using an artificial intelligence tool (or "AI") must check with the instructor before using it. This includes the use of tools that generate text, images, video, code, and other works. If you are permitted by your instructor to use one or more AI tools in producing your work, you must disclose the use of that tool. You should say which tool you used and how you used it. Then if you use specific AI generated content (text, images, videos, audio, code, and so on) you must cite it in the style (APA, MLA, and so on) specified by your instructor.

    University-Sanctioned Activities

    If you are absent from class due to university-sanctioned activities, such as sports, it is your responsibility to request that the absence be excused; otherwise, the absence will be recorded as unexcused. Absent students are responsible for catching up with the class, and if any assignments are due on the day of the absence, it is your responsibility to turn in the assignments on time (prior to class). Assignments may be submitted as an attachment to the instructor's email address.

    Counseling and Wellness Center

    There may be times, as a college student, when personal stressors interfere with academic performance and daily life. The Counseling and Wellness Center supports students by addressing mental and emotional well-being with FREE and CONFIDENTIAL services. To schedule an appointment, call 360-688-2016, or email counselingcwc@stmartin.edu, or stop by the CWC (1st floor St. Raphael Center). If you would rather not go to the CWC or need support in the evenings and weekends, please consider using the TimelyCare app (timelycare.com/smusaints) to speak with a mental health provider, free, 24/7, from your phone or computer. We are honored to provide individual and group therapy to hundreds of students every year. Please reach out if you feel our services might support your wellness.

    Center for Student Success

    The Center for Student Success offers free academic services for all Saint Martin's students. The Center provides subject-area peer tutoring in science, technology, nursing, engineering, math, business, accounting, economics, world languages and other subjects. At the Writing Center, students meet with writing tutors to discuss their academic, personal, and professional writing. The Advising Center works with students on academic advising, connecting with campus support resources, transition and self-exploration guidance, personalized academic improvement plans, learning workshops, and support for changing majors. Disability Support Services is also located in the Center for any student with a disability who needs accommodations. For more information on the Center for Student Success, or to sign up for a tutoring, advising, or DSS meeting, see the website: https://www.stmartin.edu/directory/offices-departments-directory/center-student-success

    Saints Care

    Saints Care is a student support network bringing together campus partners—faculty, staff, families and students—to foster the success of each student in their navigation of campus life. Faculty, staff, students, and community members are welcome to submit a Saints Care Referral at https://www.stmartin.edu/saints-care for any reason; including, but not limited to:

  • Academic concerns
  • Personal health issues
  • Not attending classes
  • Death or health concerns in the family
  • Behavioral concerns or changes
  • Safety concerns
  • Personal, emotional, or financial issues
  • Substance use concern
  • Disability support or assistance, either short or long term, including medical accommodations
  • Disturbing, distressing, or disruptive behavior or statements
  • Suicide ideations (verbal and/ or written, including class assignments and social media)
  • Aggressive or violent behaviors
  • Stalking, dating or domestic violence
  • Diversity and Inclusion Statement

    Recognizing and embracing diversity is an essential part of academic life and learning. At Saint Martin's, our Catholic mission and Benedictine charism call us to welcome and embrace all who enter our university. We promote the transcendent dignity of the human person and commit ourselves to fostering an inclusive and global learning environment. Our respect for persons means we welcome the similarities and differences that comprise our students, faculty, and staff; we open ourselves to the profound change that different cultures, traditions, and beliefs can have on our practice of community; and we educate students to transform our world for peace and justice. We support our students in their navigation of university life, addressing issues of conflict through the ARC Reporting System (Accountability, Responsibility, and Community) to restore community. Saint Martin's offers multiple offices and resources to promote diversity across campus. The Chief Diversity Officer, Dr. John P. Hopkins, is available at jhopkins@stmartin.edu. All are welcome in the Dignity Center Lounge, located in Harned Hall, 207.

    Religious Accommodation Statement

    Saint Martin's University, in honor of the sacredness of the individual, and being deeply rooted in the Catholic Benedictine tradition of higher education, values the many religious and spiritual practices of our campus community. Saint Martin's University supports our students in their ongoing journey of becoming. In compliance with Washington State Law RCW 28B.137.010, Saint Martin's University reasonably accommodates students for reasons of religious observances.

    Access and Accommodations

    Your experience in this class is important to me. If you have already established accommodations with Disability Support Services (DSS), please communicate your approved accommodations to me at your earliest convenience so we can discuss your needs in this course. If you have not yet established services through DSS, but have a temporary health condition or permanent disability that requires accommodations (conditions include but are not limited to mental health, attention-related, learning, vision, hearing, physical or health impacts), you are welcome to contact DSS at 360-438-4580 or smu.dss@stmartin.edu. DSS offers resources and coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and/or temporary health conditions. Reasonable accommodations are established through an interactive process between you, your instructor(s) and DSS. It is the policy and practice of Saint Martin's University to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with federal and state laws.

    Sexual Misconduct/Sexual Harassment Reporting

    Saint Martin's University is committed to providing an environment free from sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence. There are Title IX/sexual harassment posters around campus that include the contact information for confidential reporting and formal reporting. Confidential reporting is where you can talk about incidents of sexual harassment and gender-based crimes including sexual assault, stalking, and domestic/relationship violence. Confidential resources include the Counseling and Wellness Center (1st floor St. Raphael Center) or the Student Health Center (Burton Hall 102). These confidential resources can help you without having to report your situation to the formal reporting process via the Interim Dean of Students – Ms. Ann Adams, Title IX Coordinator & Associate VP of Human Resources – Ms. Cynthia Johnson, and/or Public Safety – Ms. Sharon Schnebly unless you request that they make a report. Please be aware that, in compliance with Title IX and under the Saint Martin's University policies, educators must report incidents of sexual harassment and gender-based crimes including sexual assault, stalking, and domestic/relationship violence. I appreciate that you feel comfortable talking with me. No one deserves to experience such behavior. Please know that our conversation is not confidential, but it is private. As someone who cares about your safety and well-being, I want you know that I have a responsibility to tell a member of the Title IX Team (listed above) so that he/she is aware and can provide you with information about options available to you regarding your safety and access to support services