Introduction to mechatronic design

Mechatronics, the multidisciplinary field that combines mechanical, electrical, and software elements is at work all around us, though often hidden. It would be hard to find an example in our everyday lives with a higher density of mechatronic systems than the modern automobile. Mechatronic systems control the fuel delivery, spark timing, valve timing, throttle position, transmission and, in some cases, the batteries and electric motors in the powertrains of almost every automobile in production today. Mechatronics has also made possible the airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes that have made today's cars safer than those of the past. Mechatronic systems, and the designers who create them, deserve credit for making modern automobiles the highest performing, most energy efficient and safest ever.

What's a micro? -- Microcontroller math and number manipulation -- Programming languages -- Program structures for embedded systems -- Software design -- Inter-processor communications -- Microcontroller peripherals -- Basic circuit analysis and passive components -- Semiconductors -- Operational amplifiers -- Real operational amplifiers and comparators -- Sensors -- Signal conditioning -- Active and digital filters -- Digital inputs and outputs -- Digital outputs and power drivers -- Digital logic and integrated circuits -- A-to-D and D-to-A converters -- Voltage regulators, power supplies, and batteries -- Noise, grounding, and isolation -- Permanent magnet brushed DC motor characteristics -- Permanent magnet brushed DC motor applications -- Solenoids -- Brushless DC motors -- Stepper motors -- Other actuator technologies -- Basic closed-loop control -- Rapid prototyping -- Project planning and management -- Troubleshooting -- Mechatronic synthesis.