Sensors and actuators
- Class 15
- Practice 30
- Independent work 105
Course title
Sensors and actuators
Lecture type
Elective
Course code
23-02-518
Semester
2
ECTS
5
Lecturers and associates
Course overview
This module introduces students to transducers, both sensors and actuators as a mean of IoT devices interaction with the real world, as well as to their usage and communication protocols as a fundamental aspect of the IoT field.
This module is builds on Embedded Platforms and Operating Systems module and provides students with skills and knowledge of the correct type of sensor and actuators for a specific use case, thus furthermore enhancing the usability and quality of the data collected. Skills learnt in this module will contribute significantly to students’ development as professionals in respecting fields.
Students will learn:
• About analogue and digital interfaces used for connecting sensors to the processing unit.
• About different types of sensors, covering both principles of working and different variants of such sensors.
• About different types of actuators (standard types, different kinds of motors and standard displays).
• How to use signal processing methods to create synergetic effects.
• About sensor fusion.
The module is taught in C++ programming language. The module assessment is based on solving a series of smaller embedded practical tasks in the defined programming language and software development tool and on individual student projects. In these projects, students must create an embedded solution with sensors and actuators to the given specifications.
Literature
Essential reading:
1. Ida, N. (2020) Sensors, Actuators, and Their Interfaces: A multidisciplinary introduction (Control, Robotics and Sensors). 2nd edn. Stevenage: The Institution of Engineering and Technology.
Recommended reading:
1. Wolf, M. (2019) Embedded System Interfacing: Design for the Internet-of-Things (IoT) and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). Burlington: Morgan Kaufmann.
2. De Silva, C.W. (2016) Sensors and Actuators Engineering System Instrumentation Second Edition. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Professional Master in Computer Engineering
Professional Master in Computer Engineering
Minimal learning outcomes
- Use the optimal serial protocol for the embedded computer to communicate with sensors and actuators.
- Apply methods for error detection in data transmission.
- Create your own embedded computer software solution using synchronous and / or asynchronous serial protocol.
- Select sensors and actuators that are compatible with the embedded computer for the intended purpose.
- Create your own embedded computer software that will process sensor signals and generate actuator control signals.
- Apply sensory data fusion in own software and / or hardware solution of the embedded computer.
Preferred learning outcomes
- Use the optimal serial protocol for the embedded computer to communicate with sensors and actuators and analyse the selected serial protocol.
- Apply complex methods for error detection in data transmission.
- Create your own complex embedded computer software solution using synchronous and / or asynchronous serial protocol.
- Select optimal sensors and actuators that are compatible with the embedded computer for the intended purpose.
- Create your own complex embedded computer software that will process sensor signals and generate actuator control signals.
- Apply sensory data fusion in own complex software and / or hardware solution of the embedded computer.