Overview
This course focuses on the foundational concepts around basic electricity and how circuits work. In this course, you learn how to use multimeters to measure various parts of a circuit to learn about concepts such as voltage and current. Along with learning about circuits, you also learn how to control signals using a microcontroller (inputs and outputs) to see how components react to it. Students learn how to utilize binary sensors like Limit Switches, and sensors that give you a wide range of values like an Ultrasonic/Distance sensor. The culminating project is an e-panel consisting of all of the components found in a typical robot.
Learning Outcomes
In this course, students will learn
- How to use multimeters to measure various parts of a circuit.
- 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.
Learning Chapters
Chapter 1: Wiring and Circuits
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.
Chapter 2: Voltage: Parallel and Series Circuits
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.
Chapter 3: Voltage and Current: Motors
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.
Chapter 4: Controlling Signals
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.
Chapter 5: Sensors
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, Receiving Signals, Programming, Isolating Voltages.
Concepts learned: Touch Sensors, Distance Sensors, Inputs, and Outputs.
Chapter 6: Hands-on E-Panel
Organizing and labeling wiring so that the system is easy to understand and troubleshoot is important. Students will create wiring harnesses using conduit, and also learn how to label wires in the system.
Skills Identified: Labeling and Organization, conduits.
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The CMRA Robotics Professional Micro-certifications are the result of a research project funded by the ARM Institute.