INTRODUCTION

All technological processes in the industry are controlled. Control systems are formed of the basic devices. Most products are made up of independent electronic and mechanical components. Mechatronics is defined as the synergistic combination of precision mechanical, electronic, control, and systems engineering, in the design of products and manufacturing processes. Mechatronics responds to industry’s increasing demand for engineers who are able to work across the boundaries of narrow engineering disciplines, to identify and use the proper combination of technologies for optimum solutions to today’s increasingly challenging engineering problems. Mechatronics covers a wide range of application areas including consumer product design, instrumentation, manufacturing methods, motion control systems, computer integration, process and device control, integration of functionality with embedded microprocessor control, and the design of machines, devices and systems possessing a degree of computer-based intelligence. Robotic manipulators, aircraft simulators, electronic traction control systems, adaptive suspensions, landing gears, air-conditioners under fuzzy logic control, automated diagnostic systems, micro electromechanical systems (MEMS), consumer products such as VCRs, driverless vehicles are all examples of mechatronic systems. These systems depend on the integration of mechanical, control, and computer systems in order to meet demanding specifications, introduce «intelligence» in mechanical hardware, add versatility and maintainability, and reduce cost.

Competitiveness requires devices or processes that are increasingly reliable, versatile, accurate, feature-rich, and at the same time inexpensive.

Subject of «Mechatronic equipment» provides the basic knowledge about elements of mechatronic system, such as transformers, electric motors, sensors, strategy of design of control systems, modeling of mechatronic elements and systems

The course provides students with an introduction to mechatronics and its application in the real world. It will examine a number of key topics of mechanical engineering, electrical/electronics and computer control disciplines with an emphasis on the integrated approach. At end of the course, students should be able to define and describe clearly the term «mechatronics» and its philosophy, relate the importance and contribution of mechatronic systems in industry, identify and describe clearly a mechatronic system and its main components, analyze and synthesize a basic mechatronic system and design simple mechatronic system.