MR25C02 Electrical Drives and Actuators – Semester IV – Mechatronics / MechAuto / Robotics – R-2025

Subject Code & Name: MR25C02 – Electrical Drives and Actuators

Regulation: R-2025

Semester: IV (Fourth Semester)

Branch: B.E. Mechatronics Engineering (Mechatronics) / B.E. Mechanical and Automation Engineering (MechAuto) / B.E. Robotics and Automation (Robotics)

Credits / L-T-P: 3 Credits | L-T-P: 3-0-0

Course Objectives

• This course enables students to understand the principles, types, and selection criteria of electrical and mechanical actuators, switching devices, and motors, and to apply drive and control techniques such as rectifiers, choppers, and AC/DC motor controls for automation systems.

Full Unit-wise Syllabus

Unit I – Actuators

Need for Actuators, Types of Actuators: Linear, Rotary, Logical and Continuous Actuators and Electro Mechanical Actuators. Selection of Actuators.

Activities: Identify and Visit an Industry works on Actuators. Solving GATE Questions.

Unit II – Switching Devices

Push Buttons, Limit Switches, Relays: Electro Magnetic Attraction Relay, Electro Magnetic Induction Relay, and Thermal Relay. Solid-state switches: Diodes, Transistors, Thyristors, TRIAC and MOSFET.

Activities: Virtual Demonstration of electromagnetic induction in Relays. Solving GATE Questions.

Unit III – Solenoids and Motors

Linear and Rotary Solenoids, Electric Motor Actuators Applications of Solenoids and Motors in Factory Automation Robots.

Activities: Demonstration of Tank Level Control System using Solenoid Valve and Automatic Door Actuation system using Stepper Motor.

Unit IV – Drives and Control

Half controlled and Fully controlled Rectifiers, Chopper, Switching Mode Regulators, Rectifier and Chopper control of DC drives, Principles of v/f Control of AC drives, Vector control of AC drives.

Activities: Virtual demonstration of Controlled Rectifiers and Choppers. Virtual demonstration on Speed control of DC Motor.

Course Outcomes (COs)

• CO1: Explain the principles, types, selection criteria, and working of actuators, relays, motors, and drive systems used in automation.
• CO2: Apply knowledge of actuators, relays, solenoids, and drives to implement and control automation tasks efficiently.
• CO3: Analyze performance, operation, and control methods of electrical actuators and drives for industrial automation applications.
• CO4: Evaluate the suitability, efficiency, and reliability of actuators and drives in automation systems for practical engineering solutions.

Assessment Pattern (Quick Note)

• Weightage: Continuous Assessment 40% | End Semester Examinations 60%
• Internal methodology: Quiz (5%), Assignments (25%), Review of GATE/ESE Questions (20%), Internal Examinations (50%)

Source: Official Anna University – B.E. Mechatronics Engineering R-2025 Syllabus
Last Updated: October 2026