Course Descriptions
for Automation Technologies
0891-210 Pneumatics and Hydraulic Systems
The basics of fluid power is the course focus. Areas of study include pressure, viscosity, turbulence, flow, thermal properties and displacement. Hydraulic/pneumatic components such as pumps, actuators, valves, accumulators, lines, directional controls, sealing devices and servomechanisms are introduced, as are the tools and procedures used to install and maintain hydraulic/pneumatic systems. (0885-201) Class 1, Lab 6, Credit 3 (S)
0891-212 Industrial Electronics
This course will introduce students to basic electrical concepts, circuits and devices used in automated systems. Students will study different forms of electrical power and the laws associated with them. Various electrical/electronic devices used in controlling, filtering and displaying power states will be studied. Safely and correctly connecting and installing devices and cables using schematic diagrams and electrical instrumentation will be included. (0813-222, 0890-214) Class 2, Lab 6, Credits 4 (S)
0891-214 Electromechanical Devices
This course introduces various devices used in the manufacturing environment for automation control. The most commonly used AC and DC motors, stepper motors, motor controllers and servomotor drives are used in laboratory set-ups along with sensors and transducers used in monitoring or controlling the manufacturing process. Relays, contactors, starters, symbols, ladder diagrams, motor connections, overload protection and interlocking schemes are studied. In addition, control loops, feedback, rate response, proportional control, process instruments and sensor interfaces as they apply to automatic control systems are studied in detail. (0805-240; corequisite: 0805-245) Class 2, Lab 6, Credit 4 (F)
0891-216 Programming Concepts
This course introduces problem-solving processes and programming concepts as they can be used to guide automation control systems and other automated system subsystems. Programming structure and flowcharting are studied. Students are exposed to programming applications with automated control systems and are expected to write simple programs. (0813-222, 0890-214) Class 3, Lab 3, Credit 4 (S)
0891-218 Robotics Fundamentals
Students begin to learn about industrial robots and their applications in automated manufacturing industries. Students learn robotic safety practices, robotic coordinate systems, basic mechanics and power systems for robots and some interfacing considerations. (0891-201) Lab 2, Credit 1 (W)
0891-220 Automated Systems I
This course reinforces previously learned subsystem-level skills while introducing additional concepts and skills at a system level. System assembly, wiring, programming, networking, monitoring (data collection and analysis) and troubleshooting are addressed. Basic robotic technology is introduced as part of an automated system. Students also work in a semiconductor clean-room environment in preparation for choosing a concentration in either the semiconductor or the applied robotics option. (0891-210, 214, 216) Class 2, Lab 6, Credit 4 (W)
0891-230 Automated Systems Troubleshooting I
This course introduces skills associated with performing basic system maintenance and troubleshooting. Maintenance sheets, along with the appropriate equipment manuals, procedures, tools and instrumentation to safely and correctly perform the maintenance functions, are considered. Data from system performance charts are interpreted and used to make necessary process or equipment adjustments. Skills needed to diagnose and repair a system fault in a safe and logical manner are introduced and performed according to manufacturer specifications. (0891-220) Class 2, Lab 6, Credit 4 (S)
0891-299 Co-op: Automation Technologies (0891-230)
Credit 0 (F, W, S)
0891-314 Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) Programming
Students begin to learn about the use of programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Content includes the concepts of PLC programming and interfacing and the development of PLC applications. Students use PLC program development software, test PLC applications and modify PLC programs to effect process changes as indicated. (0891-212) Class 2, Lab 6, Credit 4 (F)
0891-316 Mechanical Devices and Systems
This course builds on course work introduced in prior physics and automated system courses. Students learn about mechanical components found in transmission pathways of automated systems, including drive mechanisms, pallet changers, shifters, conveyers, gears and linkages. Students analyze factors contributing to mechanical failure such as load and torque. Effects of changes in pressure, direction, force, speed and other physical parameters are also studied. Students work with simulated modules and automated systems with mechanical components. (0885-201; corequisite: 0891-220) Class 1, Lab 6, Credit 3 (W)
0891-318 Applied Robotics
Students use, maintain, develop and debug robotic programs. Course content requires that students learn the concepts related to robotic programming and interfacing as well as the applications that use robotics. Using lab experiments and robotics program development software, students learn to set up, install, download, diagnose, write, manipulate and test programs in automated manufacturing environments. (0891-220) Class 2, Lab 6, Credit 4 (S)
0891-320 Automated Systems II
This course builds on the system-level skills developed in Automated Systems I and Automated Systems Troubleshooting I. Students encounter advanced robotic operations, process and equipment control using programmable logic controllers and material transport systems as they learn to work with product changeovers relative to upgrading or retooling a flexible manufacturing cell. Human machine interfaces (HMI) and electronic operator interfaces (EOI) are used for machine user interfacing. (0891-220, 314) Class 2, Lab 6, Credit 4 (S)
0891-330 Automated Systems Troubleshooting II
This advanced troubleshooting course not only incorporates all the maintenance and troubleshooting skills developed in Automated Systems Troubleshooting I for basic system maintenance, diagnosis and repair but also introduces maintenance and troubleshooting of the more difficult and advanced system areas such as networked controllers, vision systems, advanced robotics, programmable logic controllers, and other system and subsystem components where hardware and software are heavily integrated for system operation. (0891-320) Class 2, Lab 6, Credit 4 (F)
0891-398 Special Topics - Automation Technologies
Credit variable (F, W, S)
0891-399 Independent Study - Automation Technologies
Credit variable (F, W, S)