Learn how circuits and signals work in a robotic system
Electrical Foundations focuses on the foundational concepts around basic electricity and how circuits work. In this course, students learn how to use multimeters to measure various parts of a circuit. Students learn how to control signals using a microcontroller, how to utilize binary sensors like Limit Switches, and analog sensors like an Ultrasonic Sensor. The culminating project is an e-panel consisting of all of the components found in a typical robotic system. SMART is an ARM Endorsed program
Exploring Circuits and how they work! Skills Identified: Identifying Parts & Components, Crimping, Wire Construction, Conductors & Insulators, Multimeters (Continuity), Hand Tool Use. Concepts learned: Voltage, Conductors, Loads, Crimping, Multimeter use with Continuity
Understanding voltage and how parallel and series circuits work! Skills Identified: Identifying Parts & Components, Crimping, Wire Construction, Conductors & Insulators, Multimeters (Voltage), Hand Tool Use. Concepts learned: Parallel and Series Circuits, Voltage Drops, Wiring Panels.
Understanding Voltage and Current, and why that's important to power motors! Skills Identified: Identifying Parts & Components, Crimping, Wire Construction, Conductors & Insulators, Multimeters (Current), Hand Tool Use. Concepts learned: Motors, Motor Direction, Amperage, Fuses
Understanding how to control signals that go in and out of a microcontroller. Skills Identified: Identifying Parts & Components, Crimping, Wire Construction, Conductors & Insulators, Multimeters (Continuity, Voltage, Current), Hand Tool Use, Sending Signals, Programming, Isolating Voltages. Concepts learned: Using an Arduino as a voltage source, Relays, Motor Control Boards to send High and Low signals.
Understanding how digital and analog sensor values are read by a microcontroller. Skills Identified: Wire preparation and attachment, Circuit assembly and connection, Motor control using sensors, Distance measurement using ultrasonic sensors. Concepts Covered: Limit Switch operation and its application in motor control, Understanding of COM, NO, and NC terminals in a switch, Distance sensing using ultrasonic sensors and its limitations. Utilization of sound waves for distance measurement, Real-time motor control based on sensor input.
Organizing and labeling wiring so that the system is easy to understand and troubleshoot is important. In this unit, students will create wiring harnesses using conduit, and also learn how to label wires in the system. Skills Identified: Labeling and Organization, conduits.
