Abschnittsübersicht

    • Students will need to acquire a copy of the following textbook for use in the course.

      We've created a Semesterapparat in our library for you. You can copy or scan the pages that we need.


      Alternatively:

      New and used copies are available at amazon.de for immediate delivery.  Link below.  

      Cambridge English for Engineering Student's Book with Audio CDs (2) Paperback – Student Edition, 31 Dec. 2008

      English edition  by Mark Ibbotson (Author), Jeremy Day (Author)

      Product details

      • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cambridge University Press
      • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 31 Dec. 2008
      • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
      • Language ‏ : ‎ English
      • Print length ‏ : ‎ 112 pages
      • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0521715180
      • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0521715188
      • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 18.54 x 1.27 x 23.88 cm


  • Verbindlicher Einstufungstest

    Legen Sie bitte den verbindlichen Online-Einstufungstest ab. Sie werden anhand Ihres Testergebnisses und Ihres Zuges (A oder B) in die passende Gruppe eingeteilt.

    • Geöffnet: Samstag, 6. September 2025, 00:00
      Geschlossen: Freitag, 31. Oktober 2025, 23:59
    • Geöffnet: Freitag, 31. Oktober 2025, 13:02

      Here you can sign-up for an appointment to give your presentation for "Academic Skills" in Mechatronics

      Topic: any topic of your choice in: 1.) engineering, 2.) IT, or 3.)  business.

      There will be fixed days on which you can give presentations at your class-time in the classroom. Please bring your own device and make sure it connects to the overhead projector. 

      You should familiarize yourself with the campUAS material on presentation for practical tips.  In addition, the Script materials on giving a presentation have useful language frames for you to use.  

      Each day will only have a fixed amount of appointments for presentations each class day (12 a day)--first come, first serve.  The presentation counts 25% of your grade.  It should be a minimum of 5 minutes long and not more than 10 Minutes long. 

      Sign up below for your appointment.

      Please upload your slides in campUAS on the day of your presentation.

    • Geöffnet: Dienstag, 16. Dezember 2025, 12:00
      Fällig: Samstag, 31. Januar 2026, 12:00
    • Please add the topic of your presentation here. Please make sure to check that no one else has already chosen the same topic. Please wait for my 'ok' for your topic.

      Please note that you will only be allowed to hold the presentation if you are registered for the exam.


    • General Tips for a Good Presentation

      Here you can find basic tips for a good presentation, including information about creating slides and body language.



    • Handouts

      If you have to (or want to) create a handout to accompany your presentation, then check out this section for a few hints and tips.

    • Topic: Corpus-based vocabulary research and the use of dictionaries

      This handout focuses on giving an overview of the presentation so that the audience has a summary of the points to look at afterwards.
    • Topic: Facebook - dangerous or not?

      This handout keeps text to a minimum. It offers the German translations to potentially difficult words and gives a very brief overview of the pros and cons that are discussed in the presentation. There are also questions on the sheet which the audience should discuss with each other at the end of the presentation before having a large discussion in class.
    • Topic: Old words and loan words in English

      This handout is another example of giving the audience an overview of the points discussed in the presentation. There is also a selection of important terms with their definitions, as well as a source at the bottom.


    • Presentation Language

      Stuck for words when giving a presentation? Take a look at this section to revise and learn new useful words and phrases that you can use at various points in your presentation.

    • We will work through the exercises in Unit 1 pages 6 to 9.  The audio files and additional videos for these pages is uploaded or linked below.

    • Geöffnet: Mittwoch, 22. Oktober 2025, 08:00
      Fällig: Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2025, 23:59
  • We will work through the exercises in Unit 1 pages 10 to 13.  The audio files and additional videos for these pages is uploaded or linked below.

    • We will work through the exercises in Unit 3, pages 22 to 25.

    • We will work through the exercises in Unit 3, pages 26 to 29.  

    • Case Study: Self-Driving Automobile Technology for Electrical Engineering Students

       

      Introduction:

      Self-driving automobiles, also known as autonomous vehicles (AVs), represent a revolutionary leap in transportation technology. These vehicles rely on a combination of sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and advanced electrical and electronic systems to navigate without human intervention. Electrical engineers play a crucial role in designing and optimizing the power systems, sensors, and embedded electronics that enable autonomous driving.

       

      Background:

      Autonomous vehicles operate using a combination of key technologies, including:

      Sensor Systems: AVs utilize LiDAR, radar, ultrasonic sensors, and cameras to perceive their environment.

      Embedded Systems: These vehicles rely on microcontrollers and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) for real-time data processing.

      Power Systems: Electric power distribution and battery management are crucial for sustaining long-duration operations.

      Communication Networks: AVs use vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications to enhance safety and efficiency.

       

      Levels of Self-Driving Vehicles:

      Self-driving vehicles are categorized into six levels based on the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) standard:

      Level 0 (No Automation): The human driver controls all aspects of driving, with no automated assistance beyond warnings (e.g., lane departure warnings).

      Level 1 (Driver Assistance): Basic automation such as adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist, but the driver remains fully engaged.

      Level 2 (Partial Automation): The vehicle can control steering, acceleration, and braking under certain conditions, but the driver must stay alert (e.g., Tesla Autopilot, GM Super Cruise).

      Level 3 (Conditional Automation): The car can handle all driving tasks in specific scenarios (e.g., highway driving) but requires the driver to take over if needed.

      Level 4 (High Automation): The vehicle can drive itself without human intervention in predefined areas (e.g., autonomous taxis in geofenced locations).

      Level 5 (Full Automation): The car is fully autonomous and does not require human input, operating in all conditions where a human driver would.

       

      Case Study: Tesla's Autopilot System

      Tesla's Autopilot is an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) that exemplifies the practical application of self-driving technology. It integrates:

      Neural Networks: AI models process data from cameras and sensors to make driving decisions.

      Vision-Based Perception: Unlike some AVs that rely heavily on LiDAR, Tesla emphasizes camera-based object recognition.

      Electrical System Architecture: A high-voltage electrical system supports sensor operation and vehicle performance.

      Over-the-Air Updates: Tesla continuously refines its autonomous capabilities through wireless software updates.

       

      Challenges and Future Prospects:

      Power Efficiency: AVs require energy-efficient processing and battery optimization.

      Sensor Fusion: Integrating data from multiple sensors is complex and requires advanced signal processing.

      Safety and Regulations: Compliance with global safety standards and ethical considerations is a significant hurdle.

      AI Decision-Making: Ensuring AI-driven decisions are safe and ethical in unpredictable environments.

       

      Conclusion:

      Self-driving automobile technology represents an interdisciplinary domain where electrical engineers contribute significantly. From designing energy-efficient power systems to enhancing sensor integration and real-time processing, electrical engineers drive the innovation in autonomous mobility. As research advances, AVs are expected to become safer, more efficient, and increasingly integrated into everyday transportation systems.

       

      Group Discussion Questions:

      1.  What role do electrical engineers play in improving the reliability of AV power systems?

      2.  What are the key challenges in ensuring AI-driven decision-making is both ethical and safe?

      3.  When do you estimate Tesla will reach Level 5 in its self-driving automation?

      Upload a text with answers to the above 3 questions with all group member names on it.  Your answers should reflect the consensus opinion of the group.

    • Geöffnet: Freitag, 21. November 2025, 00:00
    • In-Class Group Work Assignment:
      Electrifying Innovation: Analyzing the Role of Electrical Engineering in the Hyperloop Transportation System


      Background:

      The Hyperloop is a proposed high-speed transportation system that uses pressurized pods traveling through reduced-pressure tubes. Originally conceptualized by Elon Musk in 2013, the Hyperloop combines various engineering domains—mechanical, civil, and especially electrical—to revolutionize ground transport.

      As future electrical engineers, you are expected to understand the critical role that electrical systems play in enabling the safe, efficient, and sustainable operation of next-generation transportation technologies.


      Assignment Objectives:

      • Understand and analyze the electrical systems involved in the Hyperloop concept.

      • Apply electrical engineering principles to real-world transportation challenges.

      • Evaluate design considerations, sustainability, and feasibility.

      • Propose innovative enhancements or alternatives to current designs.


      Tasks:

      1. System Overview (10%)
      Provide a brief technical summary of the Hyperloop project, including its history, objectives, and current prototypes (e.g., Virgin Hyperloop One, SpaceX test pod).

      2. Electrical Engineering Scope (20%)
      Identify and explain the major electrical engineering components of the Hyperloop, such as:

      • Linear induction or synchronous motors

      • Power supply and distribution

      • Magnetic levitation and propulsion control systems

      • Communication and control networks

      • Safety and emergency electrical systems

      3. Power and Energy Analysis (20%)
      Analyze the power requirements of the system:

      • Estimate energy consumption for a standard trip (assume a route of 300 km).

      • Discuss possible sources of power (solar, grid, battery).

      • Evaluate power efficiency and energy storage technologies.

      4. Design and Implementation Challenges (20%)
      Discuss the main challenges in implementing electrical systems in a vacuum environment, such as:

      • Cooling and heat dissipation

      • Electromagnetic interference

      • Fault tolerance and redundancy

      • High-voltage insulation

      5. Case Study: Virgin Hyperloop One or a Comparable Prototype (15%)
      Choose a real-world Hyperloop prototype and analyze:

      • The electrical systems used

      • Innovations and improvements

      • Challenges faced and how they were addressed

      6. Innovative Proposal (15%)
      Propose one significant electrical engineering innovation or optimization that could enhance Hyperloop performance, reduce cost, or improve safety.


      Deliverables:

      • A written report of 1-2 pages to be uploaded on CampUAS before end of class.



    • Geöffnet: Freitag, 21. November 2025, 00:00
    • We will work on scientific writing.

    • Geöffnet: Dienstag, 3. Juni 2025, 00:00
      Fällig: Donnerstag, 5. Juni 2025, 00:00
    • Will space tourism take off in 2018? The Economist has some information on that.

    • Short video describing how a wave power station in Scotland works.

    • Not a video, but some recent information on the idea of a space elevator (January 2018).

    • Man flying over South Africa with 100 helium-filled balloons strapped to a garden chair.

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