ABSTRACT

Mechatronics has evolved into a way of life in engineering practice, and it pervades virtually every aspect of the modern world. In chapters drawn from the bestselling and now standard engineering reference, The Mechatronics Handbook, this book introduces the vibrant field of mechatronics and its key elements: physical system modeling; sensors and actuators; signals and systems; computers and logic systems; and software and data acquisition. These chapters, written by leading academics and practitioners, were carefully selected and organized to provide an accessible, general outline of the subject ideal for non-specialists.

Mechatronics: An Introduction first defines and organizes the key elements of mechatronics, exploring design approach, system interfacing, instrumentation, control systems, and microprocessor-based controllers and microelectronics. It then surveys physical system modeling, introducing MEMS along with modeling and simulation. Coverage then moves to essential elements of sensors and actuators, including characteristics and fundamentals of time and frequency, followed by control systems and subsystems, computer hardware, logic, system interfaces, communication and computer networking, data acquisition, and computer-based instrumentation systems. Clear explanations and nearly 200 illustrations help bring the subject to life.

Providing a broad overview of the fundamental aspects of the field, Mechatronics: An Introduction is an ideal primer for those new to the field, a handy review for those already familiar with the technology, and a friendly introduction for anyone who is curious about mechatronics.

chapter 1|10 pages

What is Mechatronics?

chapter 2|16 pages

Mechatronic Design Approach

chapter 6|20 pages

Modeling Electromechanical Systems

chapter 7|18 pages

Modeling and Simulation for MEMS

chapter 9|14 pages

Introduction to Sensors and Actuators

chapter 10|18 pages

Fundamentals of Time and Frequency

chapter 11|14 pages

Sensor and Actuator Characteristics

chapter 12|18 pages

The Role of Controls in Mechatronics

chapter 13|12 pages

The Role of Modeling in Mechatronics Design

chapter 14|14 pages

Design Optimization of Mechatronic Systems

chapter 15|12 pages

Introduction to Computers and Logic Systems

chapter 16|14 pages

System Interfaces

chapter 17|14 pages

Communications and Computer Networks

chapter 19|4 pages

Introduction to Data Acquisition

chapter 20|4 pages

Computer-Based Instrumentation Systems

chapter 21|18 pages

Software Design and Development