ABSTRACT
By applying a micromechatronic (mechatronic) paradigm, we concentrate on a coherent analysis, design, and integration of motion devices (actuators, sensors, transducers, etc.), power electronics, integrated circuits (ICs), controllers (analog controllers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), etc.), and other components of electromechanical systems. Designers have always strived to design integrated high-performance electromechanical systems, which, in the last three decades, were frequently referenced as mechatronic systems [1-8]. The terms high-performance electromechanical systems and mechatronic systems can be used interchangeably. Advanced hardware (permanent-magnet actuators, piezoelectric transducers, ICs, DSPs,
etc.), enabling technologies, state-of-the-art software, and far-reaching tools have been developed utilizing multidisciplinary engineering, science, and technology. Reflecting these developments, the term ‘‘mechatronics’’ was introduced and widely applied. By use of the term micromechatronics, the authors emphasize:
1. Analysis, design, and integration from top (system) to bottom (device) and from bottom to top guaranteeing the overall coherency and soundness at the device, component, and system levels. Correspondingly, we focus on both device-and system-level coherency, functionality, organization, and hierarchy.
