Mechatronics Laboratory

Facilities

The mechatronics laboratory of the UT Tyler Department of Mechanical Engineering supports student projects and research in microprocessor/microcontroller applications, process controls, automation and electro-mechanical systems design.

Available equipment in the Mechatronics Laboratory includes:

• PC work stations with Keithley-Metrabyte data acquisition cards
• 60 MHz digital oscilloscopes (Tektronix)
• Sweep function generators (BK Precision)
• Full-featured electronic breadboards (Global Specialties)
• Digital multi-meters (Tektronix)
• Variable dual channel power supplies (BK Precision)
• Optical tachometers (Monarch)
• X-Y / X-T plotter (Omega)
• Soldering stations (Weller), tools, electronic components, integrated circuit chips, and breadboards

A variety of new and used DC and stepper motors, solenoids, pneumatic cylinders and valves, as well as sensors have been accumulated and are available to students for hands-on development projects. The laboratory is home to the instructional industrial robot, a CRS Robotics A255 5-axis articulated robot arm obtained through the NSF Product Realization grant. The lab houses 8085-based EMAC Primer Trainers to support microprocessor applications and Programmable Logic Controllers from Cutler-Hammer and Allen-Bradley. A mobile data acquisition system (National Instruments) is also available.

The majority of mechatronics equipment is portable and stored in lockers until required. The laboratory resources are available for students to realize electro-mechanical systems designs.