Mechatronics and Microprocessors(10ME65) Class Notes

from Yogeesha H.C.AP/Mech, NCET

1.

Define Mechatronics. Briefly explain various evolution stages of Mechatronics

- 10 marks
Mechatronics is the synergistic combination of Mechanical engineering, Electronic engineering, Computer engineering,
Control engineering, and Systems Design engineering in order to design, and manufacture useful products. The term
mechatronics is defined as a multidisciplinary engineering system design, that is to say it rejects splitting engineering into
separate disciplines.
A mechatronics engineer unites the principles of mechanics, electronics, and computing to generate a simpler, more
economical and reliable system. Mechatronics is centered on mechanics, electronics, computing, control engineering,
molecular engineering (from nanochemistry and biology), and optical engineering, which, combined, make possible the
generation of simpler, more economical, reliable and versatile systems. The word "mechatronics" was coined by Tetsuro
Mori, the senior engineer of the Japanese company Yaskawa in 1969. An industrial robot is a prime example of a
mechatronics system; it includes aspects of electronics, mechanics, and computing to do its day-to-day jobs.

Evolution of Mechatronics:
Mechatronics has evolved through the following stages:
Primary Level Mechatronics: Integrates electrical signaling with mechanical action at the basic control level for
e.g.fluid valves and relay switches
Secondary Level Mechatronics: Integrates microelectronics into electrically controlled devices for e.g. cassette tape
player.
Tertiary Level Mechantronics: Incorporates advanced control strategy using microelectronics, microprocessors and
other application specific integrated circuits for e.g. microprocessor based electrical motor used for actuation purpose
in robots.
Quaternary Level Mechatronics: This level attempts to improve smartness a step ahead by introducing intelligence
(artificial neutral network and fuzzy logic ) and fault detection and isolation ( F.D.I.) capability into the system
2.

What are the objectives of mechatronics? Explain with a block diagram, the key components in a
Typical mechatronic system
- 10 marks
Objectives of Mechatronics:
The primary objective of mechatronics is to integrate the mechanical systems with electrical, electronics and computer
systems and to provide multidisciplinary approach to product development and manufacturing system design.
As a discipline mechatronics encompasses electronics enhancing mechanics and electronics replacing mechanics. The
Secondary objectives of mechatronics are:
To improve efficiency of the system
To reduce cost of production
To achieve higher precision and accuracy
For easy control of systems
Customer satisfaction and comfort
Elements of a Mechatronics System

The different elements of a mechatronic system are as shown in the figure

The actuators produce motion or cause some action.
The sensors detect the state of system parameters, inputs, and outputs devices
Digital devices control the system.
Conditioning and interfacing circuits provide connections between the control circuits and the
input/output devices.
Graphical displays provide visual feedback to users.
3.

What are the advantages, disadvantages and applications of mechatronics

- 05 marks
Advantages:
a. Mechatronic products are better than the just the sum of its parts
b. They exhibit high performance characteristics
c. Mechatronic approach result in greater productivity, higher quality and production reliability.
d. Mechatronics provides high degree of flexibilities.
e. Mechatronics enhances plant/system utilization

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Mechatronics and Microprocessors(10ME65) Class Notes

from Yogeesha H.C.AP/Mech, NCET
f. Mechatronic products are cost effective and good durability.
Disadvantages:
a. Implementation cost is high
b. Knowledge of different engineering field is essential
c. Very expensive to incorporate to an existing or old system.
d. Expensive to repair and maintain.
e. Requires highly skilled man power
Applications:
Machine vision
Automation and robotics
Servo-mechanics
Sensing and control systems
Automotive engineering, automotive equipment in the design of subsystems such as anti-lock braking
systems
Computer-machine controls, such as computer driven machines like IE CNC milling machines
Expert systems
Industrial goods
Consumer products
Mechatronics systems
Medical mechatronics, medical imaging systems
Structural dynamic systems
Transportation and vehicular systems
Mechatronics as the new language of the automobile
Diagnostic, reliability, and control system techniques
Computer aided and integrated manufacturing systems
Computer-aided design
Engineering and manufacturing systems
Packaging
Microcontrollers / PLCs
Mobile apps
4.

Give the origin of Mechatronics

- 05 marks
The genesis of mechatronics began in 1969 in Japan when Tetsura Mori, a senior engineer for Yaskawa Electric Corp.,
coined the term. Back then, mechatronics was viewed strictly as electromechanical systems or control and automation
engineering. As is evident, the term mechatronics is a combination of words, which is nothing new for Yaskawa; a
company that has been combining words and concepts since the 1950s. One of the first terms they created was minertia,
which was named for a servomotor line that used minimum inertia to develop super-fast starting and stopping ability. Next
came, mochintrol short for motor, machine and control which boasts electrical actuators capable of freely controlling
mechanical arms and fingers.
Yaskawa applied for a registered trademark for mechatronics in 1970 and won the rights to the term in 1973. Although the
foundation was set for the study of mechatronics, it failed to take off to its full potential; Yaskawa and its engineers were
ahead of their time, and so they did not pursue widespread publicity.
It wasnt until the mid-1980s that the term began to gain popularity. Yaskawa decided not to renew its trademark and
relinquish the rights to the term so as not to limit the industrys research and advancement of the technology.
During the 1970s, mechatronics focused on servo technology, in which simple implementation aided technologies related
to sophisticated control methods such as automatic door openers and auto-focus cameras. In the 1980s, mechatronics was
used to focus on information technology whereby microprocessors were imbedded into mechanical systems to improve
performance, such as antilock braking and electric seats. Finally, in the 1990s, mechatronics centered on communication
technology to connect products into large networks, including the production of air bags and other related technologies
The field of mechatronics has received the international recognition only within the last few years. The word originated in
Japan in late 1970s to describe the philosophy adopted in designing subsystem of electro mechanical products. At the
Research and Development level, ten technical areas are classified under mechatronics discipline.
a. Motion control
b. Robotics
c. Automatic systems
d. Intelligent control
e. Actuators and Sensors
f. Modelling and Design
g. System integration
h. Manufacturing
i. Micro devices and opto electronics
j. Vibration and noise control

5.

State the functions of basic elements of a closed loop control system with a block diagram
- 08 marks
A system in which input is dependent on the output i.e variation of the output influences the input by some means of
controlling on the input is called a closed loop control system. A closed loop control system is characterized by the
presence of feedback system. The feedback system permits the output to be compared with the reference input so that
appropriate controlling action can be achieved. The main feature of the closed loop control system is the comparison of the
actual value of the variable with the desired value of that variable and any difference between these two values causes
action to be taken in such a manner that it eliminates this difference or make the error zero. The basic elements of a closed
loop control system are shown in the figure.

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Mechatronics and Microprocessors(10ME65) Class Notes

from Yogeesha H.C.AP/Mech, NCET

1. Comparision Element : This element compares the required or reference value of the variable condition being
controlled with the measured value of what is being achieved and produces an error signal. The error signal is the
difference between the reference and mesured values.
2. Control Element : This element analyses the error signal and decides what action to be taken, may be to operate a
switch or valve. The manipulation of the control unit is such that the error will approach zero.
3. Correction Element : It produces a change in the process to correct tor change the controlled condition. Change in the
process may be, allowing more power to the room heater to increase the temperature or vice versa.
4. Process Unit : It is the one which is being controlled. It could be a room in a house with its temperature being
controlled or a tank of water with its level being controlled.
5. Measurement unit : This produces a signal related to the variable condition of the process that is being controlled. It
might be , for example, a switch which switched on when a particular position is reached or a thermo couple which
gives the emf related to the temperaute.
Example 1: Room Heater
Controlled variable: Room temperature
Reference Value : Required room temp
Comparision Element : The person comparing the measured and actual temp
Error Signal : Difference between measured and actual temp
Control Unit : The Person
Correction unit: The switch
Process : The heating of the room
Measuring device: Thermo meter.
Example 2: Water Level control of a Tank

6.

Mention the differences between open loop and closed loop control system

- 05 marks

7.

Explain with block diagram, the basic elements of a measurement system

- 08 marks

8.

Explain with a block diagram the working of a microprocessor controlled washing machine

- 10 marks

9.

Compare the traditional design approach with that of the mechatronic design approach

- 04 marks

10. Explain with a block diagram, how a microprocessor control system is used to control the focusing
and exposure in an automatic camera
- 12 marks
11. Define microprocessor based controllers. Explain with a block diagram the working of an engine
management system
- 07 marks

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Mechatronics and Microprocessors(10ME65) Class Notes

from Yogeesha H.C.AP/Mech, NCET

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