Introduction to Mechatronics & Measurement Systems

INTRODUCTION TO MECHATRONICS AND MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS provides comprehensive and accessible coverage of the evolving field of mechatronics for mechanical, electrical and aerospace engineering majors. The authors present a concise review of electrical circuits, solid-state devices, digital circuits, and motors- all of which are fundamental to understanding mechatronic systems. Mechatronics design considerations are presented throughout the text, and in "Design Example" features. The text's numerous illustrations, examples, class discussion items, and chapter questions & exercises provide an opportunity to understand and apply mechatronics concepts to actual problems encountered in engineering practice. This text has been tested over several years to ensure accuracy. A text web site is available at http://www.engr.colostate.edu/~dga/mechatronics/ and contains numerous supplemental resources.NEW - Expanded coverage of microcontroller programming and interfacing, including new threaded design examples and a detailed case study. NEW - Visual icons throughout the book highlight cross-references to extensive online resources including video demonstrations, MathCAD examples, laboratory exercises, and Internet links to useful information. NEW - Expanded chapter on data acquisition with an introduction to LabView. NEW - An introduction to control theory and its application in mechatronic systems. Integrates design examples and problems throughout the text. The text's focus on measurement systems, circuits and electronics, interfacing, sensors, and acutators, along with analysis and synthesis of mechatronic systems, provides a thorough cross-disciplinary and real-world overview of Mechatronics. Content coverage of important subjects like MEMS, cutting edge sensor technology, and micromachines. Provides an overview of measurement systems, circuits, interfacing, sensors, actuators and design analysis and synthesis of mechatronic systems. Photographs and descriptions of real devices and mechatronics systems (e.g. the Segway) have been added.Additional clipart has been added as a pedagogical feature.Additional system analysis and design examples have been added, as well as an additional Case Study in the later chapters. Various types of voltage sources (power supplies, batteries, AC/DC converters) have been added to chapter 2.An introduction to controls section has been added to chapter 11.Supporting information is available including a typical course outline and laboratory syllabus, MathCAD files for examples from the book, Class Discussion Item hints, links to mechatronics resources, and other supplemental material, is available on the Internet at http://www.engr.colostate.edu/~dga/mechatronics/ Helpful pedagogy includes Integrated Lab Exercises and Class Discussion items, both of which link theory with practice and hands-on exploration of mechatronics. Microcontroller hardware and software design examples have been added to the text. Information on PIC processors and how to select them is included. Also explains how to use and communicate among multiple PICs in a project.Provides students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge to realistic situations, and begin to formulate design work of their own. Many students will have senior design projects that include sensors, microcontrollers, motors or other electronic devices--this book will help prepare them to do this sort of design project work effectively. The Case Studies show direct engineering application of mechatronics concepts and are especially valuable for courses that have hands-on lab work as a component. This is a course that has to keep up with the newest technologies. Provides a thorough cross-disciplinary overview of an evolving field. Realistic presentations engage students.Pedagogy guides readers and breaks up the text so it is easy to follow.Supporting information helps students and instructors prepare for class.These features link theory with engineering practice. This inclusion emphasizes the interface to mechatronic component systems (sensors, motors, power electronics etc.).See last chapter, which consists of Case Studies. See chapters 7-10 in particular. See Chapter 1, which provides a good general overview of mechatronics, measurement, and the reasons engineers need to know about these topics and technologies. These features are integrated, appearing in most chapters. Do you cover microcontroller programming and interfacing? Would a text that touched upon this topic and that showed examples and a case study be help ful Would it be helpful for your students to be aware of online resources like video demonstations or Mathcad examples? Would a pedagogical feature, such visiual icons that highlighlited this informaiton be helpful to you? How important is the topic of data acquisition? Would a book in your eyes that had an introduction to LabView be an interest to you? Is the introduction to contronl theory and its application in mechatronic systems an important topic in your course? Do you want to introduce your students to the design side of mechatronics? Do you want a book that shows students examples of mechatronics application through real case studies? Do you want a book that's up-to-date on new sensor technologies, MEMS, and modern microcontrollers? Do different engineering majors take your Mechatronics (or Measurements) course? Do you need a book that can work for a course concentrating on Measurement & Instrumentation as well as Mechatronics? Are you looking for a book that links mechatronics/measurement theory with real-world engineering practice?