Mechatronic Technician (EEV0753)

Course Description

EEV0753 – Mechatronic Technician is Occupational Completion Point (OCP) D of the Florida Mechatronics Technology program sequence, comprising 400 contact hours. This course represents the advanced technical tier of the sequence, following Electronics Assembler (EEV0010), Electronics Tester (EEV0100), and Electromechanical Assembler (EEV0752).

Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field that integrates electronics, mechanics, fluid power/pneumatic systems, electrical systems, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming, and computer technology for the maintenance and repair of PLC- and computer-controlled automated machines and robotic systems. Mechatronics technicians assist design, development, and engineering staff, working closely with others to install, maintain, operate, modify, and repair unmanned, automated, robotic, or electro-mechanical equipment and component parts. The course combines classroom instruction with extensive hands-on laboratory training and aligns with the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) industry standards.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

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

• Apply DC and AC circuit theory including Ohm's Law, series/parallel circuit analysis, inductance, and capacitance to industrial systems.
• Program, wire, configure, and troubleshoot Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), including ladder logic and function block programming.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot automated and robotic systems, including integration of PLCs with robotic applications.
• Diagnose and repair faults in electro-mechanical, fluid power, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems used in industrial manufacturing environments.
• Apply OSHA safety standards and environmental compliance practices relevant to advanced manufacturing, including industrial hygiene and hazard identification.
• Use precision measurement tools and instrumentation to perform mechanical measurements in manufacturing environments.
• Read and interpret technical schematics, blueprints, and wiring diagrams for industrial equipment and control systems.
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance procedures on automated machinery and control systems.
• Demonstrate proficiency in technical communications including documentation of maintenance activities and system modifications.
• Apply quality control and testing protocols in accordance with industry standards.

Optional Outcomes

The following outcomes may be included based on institutional resources and program emphasis:

• Configure and troubleshoot industrial networking systems including Ethernet protocols, communication between PLCs, VFDs, and HMIs.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma concepts including vibration analysis, alignment procedures, and process improvement work practices.
• Program industrial robots using teach pendant operations, including I/O interfacing, homing, looping, and effector operations.
• Use Computer-Aided Design (CAD/CADD) software to interpret and create basic technical drawings relevant to manufacturing applications.
• Analyze process control systems for flow, pressure, temperature, and level using open and closed-loop feedback control.
• Demonstrate understanding of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) concepts including smart sensors, data acquisition, and device communication.

Major Topics

Required Topics

The following content areas are covered across all identified Florida program offerings:

• DC Circuits: Series and parallel DC circuits, resistance, Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's Laws, and circuit analysis methods.
• AC Circuits: AC generation, inductance, capacitance, transformers, and AC circuit analysis; advanced AC concepts including semiconductors applied to industrial control.
• PLC Programming and Applications: PLC system architectures, ladder logic programming, function block programming, I/O module wiring and configuration, Allen-Bradley (Rockwell) platform applications.
• Robotics Systems: Basic robotic components, types of robots, safety protocols, robot programming, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting using error codes; integration of PLCs with robotic applications.
• Hydraulics and Pneumatics: Principles of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, fluid circuit analysis, component operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and electrical control of fluid power systems.
• Workplace Safety (OSHA): OSHA regulations for advanced manufacturing, environmental safety standards, workplace hazard identification, and industrial hygiene.
• Precision Measurement and Instrumentation: Mechanical measurement techniques, principles of instrument use, calibration, and sensor applications in manufacturing environments.
• Motors and Controls: Motor types, variable frequency drives (VFDs), relay logic, motor troubleshooting, and component sizing.
• Blueprint Reading and Schematics: Reading mechanical part prints, identifying and interpreting schematic symbols, cross-referencing technical drawings.
• Quality Control and Testing: Quality assurance concepts, testing protocols, process standards, and documentation practices aligned with MSSC standards.
• Maintenance Techniques: Preventive and corrective maintenance procedures for electro-mechanical and automated systems; material handling protocols and proper tool usage.

Optional Topics

The following topics may be covered depending on institutional focus and available equipment:

• Advanced PLC Programming: Tag-based programming in RSLogix 5000/Studio 5000, Structured Text (ST), and Function Block Diagram (FBD) languages.
• Industrial Networking: Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, and other industrial communication protocols; configuration of managed/unmanaged switches, servers, and routers in an automation environment.
• Process Control: Open and closed-loop feedback systems, PID controller tuning, process control for flow, pressure, temperature, and level.
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD/CADD): Basic CAD drafting for technical drawings applicable to manufacturing and maintenance contexts.
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma: Continuous improvement tools, vibration analysis, alignment, and predictive maintenance practices.
• Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT): Smart sensors, actuators, device communication architectures, data visualization, and Industry 4.0 concepts.
• Human-Machine Interface (HMI): HMI configuration, operation, and integration with PLCs and automation systems.

Resources & Tools

• Laboratory Equipment: Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation PLC trainers (RSLogix / Studio 5000), robotic arm workstations, hydraulic and pneumatic training systems, motor control trainers, VFD panels, and HMI terminals.
• Software: Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 / RSLogix 5000, AutoCAD or equivalent CADD software, simulation software for PLC and robotic systems.
• Measurement Tools: Digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, clamp meters, pressure gauges, calipers, micrometers, and precision measurement instruments.
• Reference Standards: OSHA 29 CFR 1910 (General Industry Standards), National Electrical Code (NEC), and MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT) 4.0 content modules.
• Textbooks / Curriculum: MSSC CPT training materials covering Safety, Quality, Manufacturing Processes and Production, and Maintenance Awareness; publisher texts aligned to PLC and mechatronics instruction (e.g., Amatrol, Festo Didactic, Rockwell Automation courseware).

Career Pathways

Graduates of EEV0753 are prepared for direct employment in advanced manufacturing and industrial automation. Typical roles include:

• Mechatronics Technician – Installation, maintenance, and repair of automated and electro-mechanical systems (O*NET 17-3024.00)
• Industrial Maintenance Technician – Preventive and corrective maintenance of production equipment
• PLC / Automation Technician – Programming and maintaining PLC-controlled manufacturing systems
• Robotics Technician – Operation, programming, and maintenance of industrial robotic systems
• Controls & Instrumentation Technician – Sensor calibration, instrumentation, and process control
• Electro-Mechanical Technician – Repair and maintenance of electro-mechanical assemblies

Starting salaries for program completers typically begin at $20+ per hour, with advancement potential in industries including aerospace, defense, medical device manufacturing, food processing, and general advanced manufacturing. This OCP (D) credential may also articulate toward an Associate in Science (A.S.) in Engineering Technology at participating Florida colleges.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

This course aligns with the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) curriculum framework. The MSSC awards the Certified Production Technician (CPT) 4.0 certification to students who pass four manufacturing modules: Safety, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing Processes and Production, and Maintenance Awareness. Completion of EEV0753 prepares students to sit for the CPT exam administered through the MSSC.

Additional industry certifications that may be pursued include:

• Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification – Level 1 (Mechatronics Systems Assistant) and Level 2 (Mechatronics Systems Associate), covering Electrical Components, Mechanical Components & Electrical Drives, Electro-Pneumatic & Hydraulic Control Circuits, and Digital Fundamentals & PLCs.
• Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley Certifications – Competency-based credentials for PLC programming and automation systems.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 (General Industry) – Industry-recognized safety certification.

Program Sequence Note

EEV0753 is OCP D — the terminal Occupational Completion Point of the Mechatronics Technology program. Students should have completed or be concurrently completing the prior OCPs (EEV0010, EEV0100, EEV0752) before enrolling. A minimum grade of "C" or better is typically required in all professional core courses to continue in the sequence and to qualify for industry certification exams.