Page 1021 - The Mechatronics Handbook

35

Introduction to

Computers and Logic

Systems

35.1 Introduction: The Mechatronic
Use of Computers
35.2 Mechatronics and Computer Modeling
and Simulation
Kevin Craig 35.3 Mechatronics, Computers, and Measurement
Systems
Rennselear Polytechnic Institute
35.4 Mechatronics and the Real-Time Use
Fred Stolfi of Computers
Rennselear Polytechnic Institute 35.5 The Synergy of Mechatronics

35.1 Introduction: The Mechatronic Use of Computers

Mechatronics is the synergistic combination of mechanical engineering, electronics, control systems, and
computers. The key element in mechatronics is the integration of these areas through the design process.
Synergism and integration in design set a mechatronic system apart from a traditional, multidisciplinary
system. In a mechatronic system, computer, electronic, and control technology allow changes in design
philosophy, which lead to better performance at lower cost: accuracy and speed from controls, efficiency
and reliability from electronics, and functionality and flexibility from computers. Automotive engine-
control systems are a good example. Here a multitude of sensors measure various temperatures, pressures,
flow rates, rotary speeds, and chemical composition and send this information to a microcomputer. The
computer integrates all this data with preprogrammed engine models and control laws and sends com-
mands to various valves, actuators, fuel injectors, and ignition systems so as to manage the engine’s
operation for an optimum combination of acceleration, fuel economy, and pollution emissions.
In mechatronics, balance is paramount. The essential characteristic of a mechatronics engineer and
the key to success in mechatronics design is a balance between two sets of skills:

• Modeling (physical and mathematical), analysis (closed-form and numerical simulation), and
control design (analog and digital) of dynamic physical systems
• Experimental validation of models and analysis and understanding the key issues in hardware
implementation of designs

In mechatronic systems, computers play a variety of roles. First, computers are used to model, analyze,
and simulate mechatronic systems and mechatronic system components and, as such, are useful for
control design. Second, computers, as part of measurement systems, are used to measure the performance

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