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 may be implemented using logic hardware, as discussed in Chapter 10. More complex tasks will require programmable digital devices, or in a broader sense, digital computers. In particular microprocessors are commonly used in mechatronic applications. For example, in digital control of a mechatronic system, a digital computer serves as the controller. The computer uses external input commands along with measured responses of the system to generate suitable control signals. These control signals are used to drive the system. In microprocessor-based control, one or more microprocessors and related hardware (memory, storage, input/output devices, etc.) are used as the controller. If many mechatronic devices have to be operated in a coordinated manner, for example in a plant setting, a programmable logic controller or PLC can be used to control their operation. This chapter deals with programmable digital devices, particularly microprocessors and PLCs.
