CHAPTER-1
INTRODUCTION TO MECHATRONICS
Adama Science and Technology University
Department of Power and Control Engineering
Introduction to Mechatronics
EPCE-4306
Introduction to Mechatronics 1
WHAT IS MECHATRONICS?
• Mechatronics can be defined in different ways as follows:
• Mechatronics is a synergy of precision engineering
products, electronic control and mechanical systems.
• Mechatronics is an interdisciplinary area of engineering
that combines mechanical ,electrical engineering and
computer science.
• It is design and development of intelligent product by
using Hybrid Electro-mechanical systems with computer
control.
Introduction to Mechatronics 2
Cont.
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HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
• The Japanese were the first to recognize the limitations of
traditional mechanical engineering and introduced the term
“Mechatronics” to mean an integrative multidisciplinary
approach for design of mechanical systems and processes.
• The word mechatronics was first coined by Mr. Tetsuro Mori,
engineers at Yaskawa Electric company in 1969.
• Virtually every modern electromechanical system has an
embedded computer controller. Therefore, computer
hardware and software issues (in terms of their application to
the control of electromechanical systems) are part of the field
of mechatronics.
• With availability of microprocessors at lower cost and
electronic control in virtually all machinery and consumer
products, a mechatronics approach for design is becoming
indispensable.
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CHX OF MECHATRONIC SYSTEMS
• They are generally complex systems with high levels
of integration.
• They are more functionality than conventional
systems.
• Operation at the system level is generally transparent
to the user.
• Environmental friendly.
• And Others.
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PROS AND CONS OF MECHATRONIC SYSTEMS
Advantages of Mechatronics Disadvantages of Mechatronics
• Cost effective and good quality
products • High Initial cost
• Multi-disciplinary engineering
• High degree of flexibility to modify
or redesign background required to design
and implementation
• Very good performance • Need of highly trained workers
characteristics
• Complexity in identification an
• Wide area of application correction of problems in the
• Greater productivity in case of system
manufacturing organization
• Greater extend of machine
utilization
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ELEMENTS OF MECHATRONIC SYSTEMS
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1. SENSORS AND ACTUATORS
Sensor: an input transducer (i.e., a microphone)
Actuator: an output transducer (i.e., a loudspeaker)
Transducers: sensors and actuators
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Sensors:
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Data Acquisition Systems & Software
• Data acquisition system acquires the output signals from
sensors in the form of voltage, frequency, resistance etc.
and inputting into the microprocessor or computer.
• Data acquisition system consists of multiplexer, amplifier,
register and control circuits.
• Software is used to control the acquisition of data through
DAQ board.
• Software Examples: Ladder Logic, Visual C++, Visual
Basic, Lab VIEW, MATLAB, Lab Chart, LOX
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Actuating System : Pneumatic and Hydrolic
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Actuating System : Electrical
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Actuating System : Mechanical
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2. SIGNALS AND CONDITIONING
• Mechatronic system deals with two types of signals and
conditioning , i.e. Input & Output
• Input devices receive input signals from the mechatronics
system via interfacing devices an sensors.
• From sensors the signal is send to the control circuits for
conditioning or processing.
• Various input signal conditioning devices are amplifiers,
A2D, D2D converters .
• Output signals from the system are send to the output/display
devices through interfacing devices
• Various output signal conditioning devices are D2A, display
decoders, power transistors, op-amps.
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3. MECHATRONIC CONTROL ARCHITECTURE
two main
components
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Cont.
• Open-loop control system
• Closed-loop control system
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Cont.
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Digital Logic System
• It will control overall system operation
• Various digital logic systems are logic circuits, microcontrollers,
PLC, sequencing & timing controls
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PLC System
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4. GRAPHICAL DISPLAYS
• Computers are use to store large amount of data and process
further through software.
• Display devices are used to give visual feedback to the user.
• Display devices are LED, CRT, LCD, Digital displays etc.
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MECHATRONIC DESIGN PROCESS
• The mechatronic design process consists of three phases namely,
Modeling and simulation ,Prototyping and final product
development.
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APPLICATION OF MECHATRONICS
This revolution will create exciting career opportunities
in:
• Automotive and Aerospace Industries
• Medicine and Biomedical Industries
• Robotics and Automated Manufacturing
• Computer Hardware and Software Industries
• Telecommunication Industries
• Transportation Applications
• Military applications
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Transportation Applications
Automobiles Typical Applications
• Brake-By-Wire system
• Steer-By-Wire
• Integrated vehicle dynamics
• Cam-less engines
• Integrated starter alternator
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High Speed Trains
• Train Position and Velocity constantly monitored from main
command centre.
• Error margin in scheduling no more than 30 seconds
• Fastest trains use magnetic levitation
Magnetic Levitation
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Medical Applications
• Arms, Legs, and other
body parts can be
replaced with
electromechanical ones.
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Industrial Applications
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TRADITIONAL Vs MECHATRONIC APPROACH
Traditional Approach Mechatronic Approach
• Complex Mechanisms • Simple Mechanisms
• It uses conventional • It uses Hybrid
Components Components
• Conventional control • Flexible control
• No DAQ facility • DAQ facility
• Less complexity • More complexity
• System Response is low • System Response is high
• Project Lead time is more • Project Lead time is Less
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