Mechatronics: Electronics in products and processes

The need for an integrated approach to the design of complex engineering systems involving electronic engineering, mechanical engineering and computing has become increasingly apparent in recent years and has led to the growth of the concept of mechatronics. However, it is a concept which is as yet not particularly well defined; a broad range of interpretations has been placed upon it. The following definition has been adopted within the EEe: Mechatronics is the synergetic combination of precision mechanical engineering, electronic co. ntrol and systems thinking in the design of products and processes. From this definition it is clear that mechatronics is not itself a separate discipline within the overall spectrum of engineering but rather represents an integration across a number of different fields within engineering. This text is therefore an attempt to set out the nature of mechatronics for a broad engineering audience. In order to achieve this objective the text aims to provide an indication of the range and scope of a mechatronic approach to the design of engineering systems and to identify the major areas of technology involved in such systems. It has its origins in the engineering degree course at Lancaster University and, specifically, in Professor Michael French's concept that engineering design should form a connecting theme throughout the whole of this course.

Table of Contents:
1 What is mechatronics?.- One Sensors and Transducers.- 2 Measurement systems.- 3 Resistive, capacitive, inductive and resonant transducers.- 4 Optical measurement systems.- 5 Solid state sensors and transducers.- 6 Piezoelectric and ultrasonic sensors and transducers.- 7 Interference and noise in measurement.- 8 Signal processing.- Two Embedded Microprocessor Systems.- 9 Microprocessors in mechatronic systems.- 10 The microprocessor system.- 11 The central processing unit.- 12 Semiconductor memory, input and output, and peripheral circuits.- 13 Semi-custom devices, programmable logic and device technology.- 14 The development of microprocessor systems.- 15 Communications.- Three Motion Control.- 16 Drives and Actuators.- 17 Control devices.- 18 Linear systems.- 19 Rotational drives.- 20 Motion converters.- Four Systems and Design.- 21 Mechanical systems and design.- 22 Mechanisms.- 23 Structures.- 24 Man-machine interface.- Five Case Studies.- 25 Introduction to case studies.- 26 Canon EOS autofocus cameras.- 27 Fly-by-wire.- 28 British aerospace small parts flexible manufacturing system.- 29 Autohelm 800 boat autopilot.- Appendix A Definitions and terminology.- Appendix B Inertial loads.- B.1 Tangentially driven loads.- B.1.1 Systems with a ratio change.- B.2 Leadscrew driven loads.