Modeling and design methodology for mechatronic systems

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.