Module: Electromechanical Systems

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Electromechanical Systems
Module Code	EEN1029 (ITS: EE319)
Faculty	Electronic Engineering	School	Engineering & Computing
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

Introductory concepts of DC electricity, Kirchhoff's current and voltage laws, series-parallel combination circuits, bridge circuits, complex numbers, introductory AC theory (AC waveforms, magnitude and phase, AC circuit calculations, phasors), reactance and impedance (inductive, capacitive), RLC circuits, basic bipolar and FET transistor operation, loading, pull-up and pull down resistors

Learning Outcomes

1. Design and implement a computer-controlled electromechanical system
2. Specify the appropriate sensor types and signal conditioning to meet design specific requirements
3. Select and specify a suitable electromechanical actuator or motor to meet given design requirements
4. Do accurate calculations for the configuration of given motor control circuits for DC, AC and stepper motors.
5. Describe how issues concerning responsibility towards people and the environment might impact on the design, implementation or operation of an electromechanical system, and working safely in high-voltage contexts.
6. Do calculations of the operating characteristics of real transformer-based circuits.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Laboratory	27	No Description
Workshop	3	Completion of in-class self/peer-assessment
Independent Study	71	Study of materials, preparation for labs, write-up time
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11023	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Niall Cullinane	Module Teacher	Marissa Condon, Noel Murphy

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Laboratory Portfolio	Each student will implement a set of circuits and programs to demonstrate their knowledge in key topic areas. There will be three tasks to be completed. Deliverables will be distributed evenly through the semester.	33%	Other
Assignment	After completion of each task-based practical exercise, each student will carry out an in-class peer/self-assessment exercise.	11%	Other
Loop Quiz	Short multiple choice-style quizzes designed as formative assessment.	6%	Every Second Week
Formal Examination	End of semester formal written exam paper.	50%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Computer-based Instrumentation systems
Measurement concepts and sensors Sensor types Signal conditioning A/D conversion

AC Power
Phasors Complex impedances Real and apparent power Power factor

Magnetic Circuits & Transformers
Transformers Magnetic fields Inductance & mutual inductance Magnetic materials Magnetic circuits Transformers (ideal and real) Measurements of transformers

Overview of Motors
Nomenclature Power flow and loss in motors Torque-speed characteristics General characteristics and selection of motors for particular applications

DC Machines
DC Motors (Shunt-connected, Separately Excited, Series-connected, Speed Control)

Synchronous Machines
AC Synchronous machines, stepper motors, brushless DC Motors

Introduction of Power Electronic Devices
Thryister TRIACs Opto-coupled TRIAC drivers Phase-synchronised switching Pulse-width modulation

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Allan R. Hambley: 2018, Electrical Engineering: Principles & Applications, Global Edition, Pearson Higher Ed, 894, 9781292223209

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Website, All About Circuits Vol. I - Direct Current (DC),
396803: 1, Website, All about Circuits Vol. II - Alternating Current (AC),
https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/alternating-current/: 396804, 1, Website, All About Circuits Vol. III - Semiconductors
https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/semiconductors/: 418818, 1, Book, D. Molloy, 2019, Exploring BeagleBone: tools and techniques for building with embedded Linux
Wiley: