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.
Additional Resources
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
SMART Demographics Questionnaire
Introduction
Simplest Circuit
Quiz: Simplest Circuit
Conductors and Insulators
Mini-Challenge: An Unwanted Shortcut
Quiz: Conductors & Insulators
Wires
Quiz: Wires
Connectors
Mini-Project: Test Your Wire
Mini-Project: Electrical Tape
Quiz: Connectors
Simple Switches
Other Types of Switches
Unit Project: Lightbox
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.
Introduction: LED Sign
Failed Series Circuit
Quiz: Failed Series Circuit
Mini-Project: Voltage Investigation
Mini-Challenge: Parallel Circuits
Quiz: Parallel Circuits
Mini-Project: Shared Voltage Nodes
Wire Coloring
Quiz: Shared Voltage Nodes
Power Panels: Managing Parallel Circuits
Mini-Project: Mounting Terminal Block
Mini-Project: Attaching a Jumper Clip
Quiz: Power Panels
Unit Project: LED Sign
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
Introduction: Fan
Failed Motor Circuit: Insufficient Voltage
Quiz: Failed Motor Circuit
Mini-Project: Current Investigation
Quiz: Current Investigation
Mini-Project: Larger Battery
Quiz: Larger Battery
Motor Direction
Fuses
Quiz: Fuses
Rechargeable batteries
Quiz: Rechargeable Batteries
Unit Project: Fan
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.
Introduction: 2-Wheeled Cart
Brain Powered
Quiz: Brain Powered
Sending Signals
Quiz: Sending Signals
Faster Blinking
Relays: High and Low Signals (Part 1)
Quiz: High and Low Signals (Part 1)
Relays: High and Low Signals (Part 2)
Quiz: High and Low Signals (Part 2)
Motor Control Boards
Quiz: Motor Control Boards
Unit Project: 2-Wheeled Cart
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.