ABSTRACT

T h e objective o f this chapter is to p rov ide the reader w i t h an overview o f methods, tools and the latest technologies used in rapid proto typing o f mecha­ t ronic systems. The tools and methods for system level development are cov­ ered i n other parts o f this book; here we focus on rapid pro to typing o f me­ chanical and electronic hardware. The mechanical hardware provides the crest o f the system and wi thou t its prototype i t is very diff icul t i f not impossible to ful ly evaluate system functionality, customer response, performance, re l iabi l ­ i ty, etc. The electronic hardware provides the kernel for the intel l igent cont ro l o f the mechatronic system. I n the case where high speed or volume produc t ion is needed the control ler must usually be completely implemented i n hardware as an App l i ca t i on Specific Integrated Circui t (ASIC). A prototype o f a such control ler should be available as early as possible to allow performance evalu­ at ion o f the complete system.