ABSTRACT
Digital hardware can perform a variety of functions in a mechatronic system. Signal acquisition and processing, system monitoring and control, switching, and information display are such functions. Simple functions, actions, and tasks may be implemented using digital logic hardware without programmability. Let us call this the “hardware implementation.” More complex and variable mechatronic tasks may require programmable digital devices, or in a broader sense, embedded digital computers that are known as microcontrollers. Let us call this the “software implementation.” Of course, software implementation also requires digital logic hardware and aspects of hardware implementation. Hardware implementation has the advantages of high speed, simplicity, smaller size, and low cost (in mass production). However, its functions are xed and cannot be changed without dif cult hardware changes. Hence, it lacks “ exibility.” The software implementation provides exibility that comes with programmability and the capability of implementing very complex tasks. However, it has the disadvantages of relatively low speed, larger size, and higher cost.
