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MEC 330
Term 6
3 credits

Multi-Axis Servo Tuning and Motion Control

MEC 330 provides a comprehensive exploration of multi-axis servo system tuning and motion control for upper-division undergraduate students. The curriculum covers fundamental concepts such as interpreting and applying Bode plots for stability analysis, understanding the crucial role of inertia matching in achieving optimal performance, and mastering the intricate process of PID controller tuning. Students will learn to analyze system dynamics, predict performance characteristics, and systematically optimize control loops. The course also introduces advanced motion control strategies, including the theory and practical application of electronic gearing for synchronized motion and electronic camming for complex, non-linear motion profiles. Through a blend of theoretical instruction and practical laboratory experiences, participants will develop the expertise required to design, implement, and troubleshoot high-performance motion control systems in various industrial applications.

Prerequisites

Course outline

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

01Lesson 1: Introduction to Multi-Axis Servo Systems and Control Theorylecture
02Lesson 2: System Dynamics and Modeling for Motion Controllecture
03Lesson 3: Introduction to Frequency Response and Bode Plot Analysislecture
04Hands-on Lab: Generating and Interpreting Bode Plots for System Analysislab
05Lesson 5: Understanding Inertia and Inertia Matching Principleslecture
06Lesson 6: PID Control Fundamentals and Loop Componentslecture
07Lesson 7: Advanced PID Tuning Techniques and Stability Considerationslecture
08Hands-on Lab: PID Tuning for Optimal Servo System Performancelab
09Lesson 9: Introduction to Electronic Gearing and Synchronizationlecture
10Lesson 10: Advanced Electronic Gearing Applications and Implementationlecture
11Hands-on Lab: Implementing and Testing Electronic Gearing Functionslab
12Lesson 12: Principles and Applications of Electronic Camminglecture
13Lesson 13: Advanced Motion Profile Generation and Optimizationlecture
14Capstone Service Project: Designing and Tuning a Multi-Axis Motion Systemassignment

Syllabus

["Week 1: Lesson 1: Introduction to Multi-Axis Servo Systems and Control Theory","Week 2: Lesson 2: System Dynamics and Modeling for Motion Control","Week 3: Lesson 3: Introduction to Frequency Response and Bode Plot Analysis","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: Generating and Interpreting Bode Plots for System Analysis","Week 5: Lesson 5: Understanding Inertia and Inertia Matching Principles","Week 6: Lesson 6: PID Control Fundamentals and Loop Components","Week 7: Lesson 7: Advanced PID Tuning Techniques and Stability Considerations","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: PID Tuning for Optimal Servo System Performance","Week 9: Lesson 9: Introduction to Electronic Gearing and Synchronization","Week 10: Lesson 10: Advanced Electronic Gearing Applications and Implementation","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: Implementing and Testing Electronic Gearing Functions","Week 12: Lesson 12: Principles and Applications of Electronic Camming","Week 13: Lesson 13: Advanced Motion Profile Generation and Optimization","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Designing and Tuning a Multi-Axis Motion System"]