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Anode Technical Institute
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MEC 140
Term 3
3 credits

Motors, Drives and Motion Control

MEC 140 delves into the principles and practical applications of electric motors, including both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) motor technologies. The course covers the operation, control, and maintenance of variable frequency drives (VFDs) for AC motors, as well as the specialized characteristics and control methods for servo and stepper motors. Emphasis is placed on component identification, system integration, and performance optimization in industrial settings. Through a combination of theoretical instruction and hands-on laboratory exercises, students will develop the competencies required to effectively work with and maintain motion control systems, understand common industrial control architectures, and diagnose system malfunctions. This course prepares technicians to contribute to the installation, commissioning, and upkeep of automated equipment.

InstructorJacob Calhoun
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Prerequisites

MEC 110

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Lesson 1: Introduction to Electric Motors and Motion Control Systemslecture
02Lesson 2: Principles of DC Motors and Their Controllecture
03Lesson 3: AC Motor Fundamentals: Induction and Synchronous Typeslecture
04Hands-on Lab: DC Motor Connection and Basic Speed Controllab
05Lesson 5: Introduction to Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)lecture
06Lesson 6: VFD Parameters, Programming, and Motor Control Strategieslecture
07Lesson 7: VFD Application Considerations and Troubleshootinglecture
08Hands-on Lab: VFD Configuration and AC Motor Speed Controllab
09Lesson 9: Stepper Motor Principles, Drives, and Controllecture
10Lesson 10: Servo Motor Systems: Components, Operation, and Feedbacklecture
11Hands-on Lab: Stepper and Servo Motor Control with Basic Interfaceslab
12Lesson 12: Motion Control System Integration and Automation Conceptslecture
13Lesson 13: Motor Sizing, Selection, and Protective Deviceslecture
14Capstone Service Project: Integrated Motion Control System Analysis and Troubleshootingassignment

Syllabus

["Week 1: Lesson 1: Introduction to Electric Motors and Motion Control Systems","Week 2: Lesson 2: Principles of DC Motors and Their Control","Week 3: Lesson 3: AC Motor Fundamentals: Induction and Synchronous Types","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: DC Motor Connection and Basic Speed Control","Week 5: Lesson 5: Introduction to Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)","Week 6: Lesson 6: VFD Parameters, Programming, and Motor Control Strategies","Week 7: Lesson 7: VFD Application Considerations and Troubleshooting","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: VFD Configuration and AC Motor Speed Control","Week 9: Lesson 9: Stepper Motor Principles, Drives, and Control","Week 10: Lesson 10: Servo Motor Systems: Components, Operation, and Feedback","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: Stepper and Servo Motor Control with Basic Interfaces","Week 12: Lesson 12: Motion Control System Integration and Automation Concepts","Week 13: Lesson 13: Motor Sizing, Selection, and Protective Devices","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Integrated Motion Control System Analysis and Troubleshooting"]