Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - MSE 310 D100

Sensors and Actuators (3)

Class Number: 6487

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Surrey

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

    MSE 221, MSE 222, MSE 251, MSE 280.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course provides an introduction to sensors and actuators for electromechanical, computer-controlled machines and devices. Topics include operating principles, design considerations, and applications of analog sensors, digital transducers, stepper motors, continuous-drive actuators, and drive system electronics. Component integration and design considerations are studied through examples selected from various mechatronic applications. Laboratory exercises to strengthen the understanding of the course material are developed and required. Students with credit for ENSC 387 may not take MSE 310 for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

MSE 310 introduces advanced concepts in sensing and actuation for mechatronic systems, including all types of sensors and actuators. Students will learn how to use basic parameters in design or use sensors and actuators, learn differences between different classes of sensors and actuators and learn how to analyze and select the most appropriate sensor and actuator for the potential application.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

At completion of the mse310 course, students in SFU Mechatronics will have:

1. an ability to apply basic parameters to design or use sensors and actuators

2. an ability to describe the basic transduction mechanisms for sensors and actuators

3. Learn different sensor families and their differences

4. an ability to learn transfer function models for commonly employed sensors and actuators and analyze their
impact on the mechatronic system

5. Analyze and select the most appropriate sensor for the potential application.

6. Analyze and select the most appropriate actuator for the potential application.

 

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Textbook:

Sensors, Actuators, and Their Interfaces: A multidisciplinary introduction

Author(s): Nathan Ida

Publication Year: 2020

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.