DC and AC Circuits for Automation

MEC 110 'DC and AC Circuits for Automation' is a foundational course designed for aspiring technicians in the automation field. This course delves into the core principles of direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) electricity, emphasizing their practical application in industrial settings. Learners will explore Ohm's Law, power calculations, and fundamental circuit analysis, progressing to the study of motor control circuits, including contactor and overload protection. A significant portion of the course covers three-phase power generation, distribution, and its utilization in industrial motors. Additionally, students will gain proficiency in understanding and troubleshooting control transformers. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with hands-on laboratory experiences to reinforce practical skills crucial for diagnosing and maintaining automation systems.

InstructorJacob Calhoun

Course outline

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

01Lesson 1: Fundamentals of Electricity and Basic DC Circuitslecture

02Lesson 2: Ohm's Law and Electrical Power Calculationslecture

03Lesson 3: Series, Parallel, and Combination DC Circuitslecture

04Hands-on Lab: DC Circuit Measurement and Analysislab

05Lesson 5: Introduction to Magnetism and Electromagnetismlecture

06Lesson 6: Introduction to Alternating Current (AC) Principleslecture

07Lesson 7: Inductance, Capacitance, and AC Circuit Characteristicslecture

08Hands-on Lab: AC Circuit Measurement and Component Identificationlab

09Lesson 9: Principles of Three-Phase Power Generation and Distributionlecture

10Lesson 10: Three-Phase Motor Theory and Connection Schemeslecture

11Hands-on Lab: Three-Phase Motor Wiring and Verificationlab

12Lesson 12: Control Transformers and Industrial Control Circuit Designlecture

13Lesson 13: Overcurrent Protection and Safety in Industrial Circuitslecture

14Capstone Service Project: Automation Control System Troubleshootingassignment

Syllabus

["Week 1: Lesson 1: Fundamentals of Electricity and Basic DC Circuits","Week 2: Lesson 2: Ohm's Law and Electrical Power Calculations","Week 3: Lesson 3: Series, Parallel, and Combination DC Circuits","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: DC Circuit Measurement and Analysis","Week 5: Lesson 5: Introduction to Magnetism and Electromagnetism","Week 6: Lesson 6: Introduction to Alternating Current (AC) Principles","Week 7: Lesson 7: Inductance, Capacitance, and AC Circuit Characteristics","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: AC Circuit Measurement and Component Identification","Week 9: Lesson 9: Principles of Three-Phase Power Generation and Distribution","Week 10: Lesson 10: Three-Phase Motor Theory and Connection Schemes","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: Three-Phase Motor Wiring and Verification","Week 12: Lesson 12: Control Transformers and Industrial Control Circuit Design","Week 13: Lesson 13: Overcurrent Protection and Safety in Industrial Circuits","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Automation Control System Troubleshooting"]