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What are the Basic Elements of Mechatronics System

“Mechatronics is the synergistic integration of mechanical engineering, electronics, and intelligent computer control in the design and manufacture of products and processes.”

Various elements in typical mechatronic systems are shown in Figure 1.2 and are described here under.

(i) Actuators and sensors
(ii) Signals and conditioning
(iii) Digital logic Systems
(iv) Software and data acquisition systems
(v) Computers and display devices.

(i) Sensors and actuators

Sensors and actuators mostly come under mechanical systems. The actuators produce motion or cause some action. The sensors detect the state of the system parameters, inputs, and outputs. The various actuators .used in the mechatronic system are pneumatic and hydraulic actuators, electro-mechanical actuators, electrical motors such as DC motors, AC motors, stepper motors, servomotors, and piezoelectric actuators. The various types of sensors used in the mechatronic system are linear arid rotational sensors, acceleration sensors, force, torque and pressure sensors, flow sensors, temperature sensors, proximity sensors, light sensors.

(ii) Signals and conditioning

The mechatronic systems deal with two types of signals and conditioning such as – input and output. The input devices receive input signals from the mechatronic systems via interfacing devices and sensors. Then it is sent to the control circuits for conditioning or processing. The various input signal conditioning devices used in the mechatronic system are discrete circuits, amplifiers, Analog-to-Digital (A/D) converters, Digital-to-Digital (DZD) convertors. The output signals from the system are sent to output/display devices through interfacing devices. The various output signal conditioning devices used in the mechatronic system are Digital-to-Analog (D/A) converters, Display Decoders (DD) converters, amplifiers, power transistors, and power op-amps.

(iii) Digital logic systems

Digital logic devices control overall system operation. The various digital logic systems used in the mechatronic system are logic circuits, microcontrollers, programmable logic controllers, sequencing and timing controls, and control algorithms.

(iv) Software and data acquisition systems

The data acquisition system acquires the output signals from sensors in the form of voltage, frequency, resistance etc. and it is inputted into the microprocessor or computer. Software is used to control the acquisition of data through DAC board. The data acquisition system consists of a multiplexer, amplifier, register, and control circuitry., and DAC board. The various data acquisition systems used in the mechatronic system is data loggers, computer with plug-in boards, etc.

(v) Computers and display devices

Computers are used to store a large number of data and process further through software. Display devices are used to give visual feedback to the user. The various display devices used in the mechatronic system are LEDs, CRT, LCD, digital displays, etc.

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