ABSTRACT
Mechatronic systems are mixed systems, which consist of more than one type of components properly interconnected and integrated. In particular, mechanical, electrical, electronic, and computer hardware are integrated to form a mechatronic system. It follows that component interconnection is an important topic in the field of Mechatronics. When two components are interconnected, signals flow through them. The nature and type of the signals that are present at the interface of two components will depend on the nature and type of the components. For example, when a motor is coupled with a load through a gear (transmission) unit, mechanical power flows at the interfaces of these components. Then, we are particularly interested in such signals as angular velocity and torque. In particular, these signals would be modified or “conditioned” as they are transmitted through the gear transmission. Similarly, when a motor is connected to its electronic drive system, command signals of motor control, typically available as voltages, would be converted into appropriate currents for energizing the motor windings so as to generate the necessary torque. Again, signal conditioning or conversion is important here. In general, then, signal conditioning is important in the context of component interconnection and integration, and becomes an important subject in the study of Mechatronics.
