Content
Bachelor course of mechatronics studies
General
Female and male mechatronics engineers are experts in the development and application of machines and systems combining mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering as well as data processing principles. Therefore the courses have to provide a profound understanding in all these fields of knowledge. But like in all engineering disciplines it is beyond the bounds of possibility to train and educate engineers with a complete all-round qualification in only six semesters. A lot of specific on-the-job knowledge has to be acquired later. Professional experience can only be gathered in practice. Owing to the fast technological development engineers are expected to update their knowledge continuously. “Lifelong learning” is a natural part of your profession. The course of studies is therefore focussing attention on the provision of solid fundamental knowledge and working methods. Product-related applications are taught by examples.
- Devising a microcontroller control system
The examination regulations of the mechatronics course of studies include the following description of the purpose of the studies: “In consideration of the professional requirements and changes the course of studies is intended to furnish to the students the required knowledge and skills in such a manner that they are qualified to use scientific conclusions and methods, to critically assess and classify such scientific conclusions and to act in a responsible fashion.”
Apart from furnishing special technical knowledge, the course of studies is also focussing on training the “engineering” way of thinking and on developing the skill to get used to new working fields as quickly and efficient as possible. Therefore the choice of the field of study or subject is by no means equivalent to a specialization within limited bounds or even a final setting of the course with respect to any future professional opportunities. A wide variety of career opportunities is open to students leaving this particular course of studies.
Mechatronics – What is this exactly?
Mechatronics is an artificial word made up of mechanics, electronics and informatics. And this is what it really means: a technical field characterized by the equally graded application of mechanics, electronics and informatics.
It is best explained by using examples of “mechatronics” products:
- Bus connection of a frequency converter
Example: the photo-camera
30 years ago the 35 mm camera exclusively was a mechanical/optical precision product. The case, lenses and shutter blades are the only components that survived. A modern camera contains sensors detecting the light intensity of the object, the definition and the film speed. It contains actuators, i.e. electromagnets/solenoids and motors, transporting the film, operating the shutter and diaphragm, setting the penetration and focal distance. And it contains a processor controlling the camera functions in accordance with a stored program. And the development goes on: some time in the near future the film will finally be replaced by a scanner and an electronic memory.
Example: diesel engine
Modern diesel engines powering vehicles are top-of-the-line mechanical engineering products. Here, too, mechatronics has made an entrance: today both injection and charging are controlled by an “electronic engine management” with sensors, actuators, processors and the appropriate software. The results are convincing: this generation of engines is extremely powerful and efficient and has very little impact on the environment, quality standards which were thought to be impossible only a few years ago. In most instances an adaptation of the behaviour to specific operating conditions only requires minor software changes.
Many other examples could be given here, such as the washing machine which no longer requires an electromechanical switchgear but is program-controlled (with a software that can be updated), vehicles the chassis of which is equipped with an ESP system (Electronic Safety Program) to increase safety, planes flying “by wire”, i.e. without mechanical connection between the control stick and the rudder, astronomical telescopes the giant mirrors of which are equipped with an active computer-controlled deformation corrector.
All these examples have something in common: they refer to machines and devices in which major functions are no longer controlled in a traditional or mechanical manner but with the help of electronics (hardware and software). Owing to developments achieved in microelectronics, these new solutions usually are more cost-effective and especially more efficient and adaptable than the traditional ones. In a wide variety of applications featuring conventional technology the mechatronics concepts symbolize the decisive innovation strategy which will secure the significance of the German mechanical engineering and plantmaking sector on the global market in the future.
Engineers who develop mechatronics systems must know about the opportunities and restraints of mechanical components , electronics and informatics in order to be able to meet the requirements in the most optimum manner. The mechatronics course of studies with its universal orientation reflects the professional reality in many fields of modern technology.
