Fall 2009
Mechatronics is the synergistic integration of mechanism, electronics, and computer control to achieve a functional system. The annually offered Mechatronic Design course centers requires small teams of students to configure, design, and implement a succession of mechatronic subsystems, leading to a main project. In this project, I will perform the following tasks in support of the Mechatronic Design course: 1) thoroughly characterize PIC18 motor control behavior, to include simultaneous control of multiple motors and timing issues; 2) document pros and cons of a possible transition from the PIC to higher-end PIC or other microcontrollers; and 3) assist in creating the hardware and software for class demonstrations.