The integration of mechanical systems and microelectronics opens many new possibilities for process design and automatic functions. After discussing the mutual interrelations between the design of the mechanical system and digital electronic system the different ways of integration within mechatronic systems and the resulting properties are described. The information processing can be organized in multi levels, ranging from low level control through supervision to general process management. In connection with knowledge bases and inference mechanisms, intelligent control systems result. The design of control systems for mechanical systems is described, from modeling, identification to adaptive control for nonlinear systems. This is followed by solving supervision tasks with fault diagnosis. Then design tools for mechatronic systems are considered and examples of applications are given, like adaptive control of electromagnetic and pneumatic actuators, adaptive semiactive shock absorbers for vehicle suspension, and electronic drive-chain damping.

Modeling and design methodology for mechatronic systems

This paper describes a new circuit topology based on duality of the well known voltage-mode Wheatstone bridge. This topology can implement ratiometric current measurement which is a vital aspect of current-mode instrumentation and signal processing. The theory of the proposed circuit is developed and its advantages and limitations are discussed. The new circuit (called AZKA cell) may be thought of as the current-mode alternative of traditional voltage-mode Wheatstone bridge. It presents the current-mode circuit designers and engineers their own relevant interface cell. The advantages of the new circuit are stated and some conditioning circuits for its output signal are proposed. Finally, a linearization circuit based on CCII+ is introduced.

AZKA cell, the current-mode alternative of Wheatstone bridge

The integration of mechanical systems and microelectronics opens new possibilities for mechanical design and automatic functions. After a discussion of the mechanical and electronic design the organization of information processing in different levels is described. Within this frame "low-degree-intelligent" mechatronic systems can be developed which comprise adaptive control, supervision with fault diagnosis, and decisions with regard to further actions. This requires the realization of knowledge-based systems with learning abilities. Some aspects of the design of information processing including modeling and estimation, control, and supervision methods are considered. Finally as an example an adaptive semiactive shock absorber or vehicle suspension systems is shown.

On the design and control of mechatronic systems-a survey

In the present paper, in order to estimate the response of both a wheel speed sensor and an accelerometer placed in a car under performance tests, robust and optimal multivariable estimation techniques are used. In this case, the disturbances and noises corrupting the relevant information coming from the sensors' outputs are so dangerous that their negative influence on the electrical systems impoverish the general performance of the car. In short, the solution to this problem is a safety related problem that deserves our full attention. Therefore, in order to diminish the negative effects of the disturbances and noises on the car's electrical and electromechanical systems, an optimum observer is used. The experimental results show a satisfactory improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio of the relevant signals and demonstrate the importance of the fusion of several intelligent sensor design techniques when designing the intelligent sensors that today's cars need.

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Robust Multivariable Estimation of the Relevant Information Coming from a Wheel Speed Sensor and an Accelerometer Embedded in a Car under Performance Tests

There is disclosed a method for depositing a multilayer of semiconducting organic polymers wherein the first layer of semiconducting organic polymer is polymerised by exposing an oxidising agent to a vapour containing the monomer and at least one layer of semiconducting organic polymer is polymerised electrochemically. Application: Gas Sensors.

Semiconducting organic polymers for gas sensors

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B. A. Gregory

Papers

An Introduction to Electrical Instrumentation and Measurement Systems