Electro-Mechanical Systems

Course Description

ETS2511C — Electro-Mechanical Systems is a combined lecture and laboratory course (denoted by the "C" lab indicator) in the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS) under the taxonomy of Engineering Technologies > Specialty Engineering Technology. The course prepares students to support the installation, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of high-tech, automated electro-mechanical systems used in modern manufacturing and industrial environments. Students integrate knowledge of electronics, mechanical power transmission, fluid power, motor controls, sensors, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to understand and work with complete industrial systems. The course delivers a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory exercises aligned with Florida college Engineering Technology program standards and industry frameworks such as the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC).

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify and explain the fundamental principles of AC and DC electrical circuits as applied to electro-mechanical systems, including resistive, capacitive, and inductive circuit analysis.
• Install, wire, troubleshoot, and replace AC, DC, and three-phase motors, motor starters, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
• Identify, test, and apply industrial sensors and input/output devices, including proximity sensors, photo-eyes, thermocouples, RTDs, and magnetic switches.
• Describe the operating principles and apply basic Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming using ladder logic, including discrete I/O, timers, and counters.
• Explain and work with hydraulic and pneumatic fluid power systems, including component identification, circuit analysis, and troubleshooting of actuators and valves.
• Demonstrate proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, schematics, and electrical/mechanical diagrams.
• Apply systematic troubleshooting techniques to identify, isolate, and correct faults in electro-mechanical systems and components.
• Follow applicable industrial safety standards, including OSHA regulations relevant to advanced manufacturing and electrical work environments.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis, students may also be expected to:

• Configure and program Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for status monitoring and process control.
• Demonstrate basic principles of robotics and automated assembly systems, including robot frames, system I/O, and program control.
• Apply PID process control concepts and loop tuning for industrial process variables such as temperature, level, and flow.
• Use computer-aided design (CAD) or simulation software to develop and verify basic electrical and fluid power circuit diagrams.
• Demonstrate skills in mechanical power transmission alignment, including shaft, belt, gear, and chain drive systems using real-world components.

Major Topics

Required Topics

The following content areas are commonly covered across Florida college offerings of this course:

• AC/DC Circuit Fundamentals: Circuit analysis and measurement in resistive, capacitive, and inductive circuits; use of test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes).
• Electric Motors and Motor Controls: Operating principles of single-phase, three-phase, and DC motors; reduced-voltage starting; braking; DC electronic drives and AC variable frequency drives (VFDs); motor nameplate data interpretation.
• Industrial Sensors and Transducers: Types, installation, and troubleshooting of proximity sensors, photo-eyes, magnetic switches, thermocouples, and RTDs; analog signal standards (0–10 V, 4–20 mA).
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): PLC hardware architecture; basic ladder logic programming; discrete and analog I/O modules; timers, counters, and latching circuits; wiring of PLC input/output modules to field devices.
• Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems: Fundamental principles, component identification (pumps, actuators, valves, cylinders), circuit symbols, fluid circuit construction and troubleshooting; safety procedures for fluid power.
• Industrial Wiring and Electrical Safety: Electrical wiring practices; conduit and raceways; National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements for conductors and disconnects; OSHA lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures.
• Technical Documentation: Reading and interpreting electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, ladder diagrams, and P&ID diagrams; documentation of test results.
• System Troubleshooting and Maintenance: Systematic diagnostic techniques for electro-mechanical equipment; component-level and system-level fault isolation; preventive maintenance practices.

Optional Topics

The following topics may be included at the instructor's or institution's discretion:

• Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI): Configuration and programming of touchscreen HMI panels for process monitoring and control integration with PLCs.
• Industrial Robotics and Automation: Fundamentals of robotic system operation; programming pick-and-place and conveyor control applications; integration with PLC-controlled systems.
• Mechanical Power Transmission: Shaft couplings, belt drives, chain drives, and gear drives; alignment techniques; vibration analysis basics and predictive maintenance.
• Process Control and PID: Open and closed-loop control concepts; PID tuning for temperature, level, and flow processes; introduction to industrial control instrumentation.
• IEC 61131-3 PLC Programming Standards: Introduction to structured text, function block diagram, and other IEC 61131-3 compliant programming languages beyond ladder logic.
• Industrial Communications and Networking: Overview of industrial network architectures; serial and fieldbus communication protocols; introduction to SCADA concepts.

Resources & Tools

• Laboratory Equipment: PLC trainers (Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation ControlLogix or MicroLogix series), motor control panels, hydraulic/pneumatic bench trainers, multimeters, oscilloscopes, and industrial sensor kits.
• Software: Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 / RSLogix 500 for PLC programming; AutoCAD Electrical or equivalent for schematic drafting; fluid power simulation software.
• Reference Standards: National Electrical Code (NEC / NFPA 70); NFPA 79 (Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery); OSHA 29 CFR 1910 (General Industry Safety Standards); IEC 61131-3 (PLC Programming Languages Standard).
• Recommended Texts: Electro-Mechanical Systems or equivalent publisher-provided course materials; manufacturer documentation from Allen-Bradley, SMC Pneumatics, Parker Hannifin, and similar industrial suppliers.
• Online Platforms: Rockwell Automation's FactoryTalk Training; Amatrol e-learning modules for mechanical drives and fluid power; Florida College System LMS (Canvas or Blackboard) for course materials delivery.

Career Pathways

Successful completion of ETS2511C supports employment and advancement in the following occupational areas (aligned with O*NET SOC 17-3024.00 — Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians):

• Electro-Mechanical Technician: Maintains and repairs drive systems, position sensors, cabling, and automatic production equipment; installs and evaluates electro-mechanical systems.
• Automated Equipment Technician: Maintains and repairs electronically-controlled automatic production equipment, including servo-hydraulic systems, programmable controllers, motor controllers, and robotic equipment.
• Industrial Maintenance Mechanic / Millwright: Installs, aligns, and repairs mechanical and electrical equipment across manufacturing and processing facilities.
• Manufacturing Process Technician: Supports high-tech automated assembly, packaging, and production operations in aerospace, electronics, food processing, and automotive industries.
• Field Service Technician: Services, repairs, and overhauls industrial equipment at customer facilities; works with sales and engineering personnel.

This course also articulates toward the Associate in Science (A.S.) in Engineering Technology (Advanced Manufacturing Specialization) at multiple Florida colleges, including Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) and Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ).

Special Information

Certification Preparation

Content in this course supports preparation for the following industry-recognized credentials:

• MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT): Course content aligns with Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) industry framework standards adopted by Florida college Engineering Technology programs.
• Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley PLC Credentials: Hands-on PLC lab work supports preparation for Rockwell Automation Certified Technician (RACAT) and similar vendor credentials.
• OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Card: Safety module content (LOTO, electrical hazards, PPE) may satisfy partial requirements for OSHA 10-hour General Industry certification.

Lab Safety Notice

Due to the combined lecture and laboratory format ("C" designation), students must adhere to all institutional laboratory safety policies. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required during all hands-on lab sessions involving live electrical circuits, fluid power systems, and rotating machinery. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures must be followed at all times per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147.