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Introduction to mechatronics
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INTRODUCTION TO
MECHATRONICS
eel
= Introduction to Mechatronics: Structure of Mechatronics system.
Sensors — Characteristics — Temperature, flow, pressure sensors. .
Displacement, position and proximity sensing by magnetic, optical,
ultrasonic, inductive, capacitive and eddy current methods.
Encoders: incremental and absolute, Stay coded encoder. Resolvers
and synchros. Piezoelectric sensors. Acoustic Emission sensors.
Principle and types of vibration sensors.
1. INTRODUCTION TO MECHATRONICS
%& The word “Mechatronics” originated from Japanese-English. It was
created by Tetsuro Mori a Japanese engineer of the “Yaskawa Electric’
Corporation”. The word “Mechatronics” was even registered as a
trademark by the company in 1971, In course of time the company
released the right of using the word in public, The word Mechatronics
was coined by integrating Electronic controls in Mechanisms.
%* Mechanism is a machine or part of a machine which by virtue of its
geometry and relative motion controls or transmits or constrains the
movement of other parts. For example a cam mechanism can be used
as timer as shown in Fig. 1,1,Tequires specialized tooling which cannot be used for any
Purpose except for manufacturing only those components. M
if there were space or weight constraints in the design, then c
& conventional control mechanism becomes. very challenging,
Fig. 14
———————
& As the field of Ele
components shrunk in size. These
ke counter, timer,
winding w
parts of
movements of the watch hands indicating the time.
Although the w
engineering involved to make it is h
a date of day or year or stop w
in the basic design and
advancement of electronic components.
nic Engineering advanced the electronic
sponents have control application
Another example, as shown in Fig. 1.2 is
and smart watch. The winding watch requires precision
small size to make the mechanism which controls the
does not require any power source the
Even to adding funetion like
atch in it involves a lot of changes
subsequent tooling. All this changed with Ihe
Smart watch is one §
ple. It has no moving parts. It redefined the functionality of
watch from just indicating time to limitless possibilities,
When engineers blended the advantiges of electronic components with
mechanisms the new field of Mechatronics emerged. The word is
formed by taking “Mecha from mechanisms and “Tronics” from
Electronics. From the French standard NF E 01-010 Mechatronics is
defined as an “approach aiming at the synergistic integration of
mechanies, electronics, control theory, and computer science
Within product design and manufacturing, in order to improve
and/or optimize its functionality”. Thus Mechatronics is (MCT) a
multidiseiplinary field of engineering. It is a system which brings
together combination of systems engineering, mechanical engineering,
clectrical engineering, telecommunications engineering. control
engineering and computer engineering
EED FOR MECHATRONICS
Any engineering product is the
end result of many branches of
technologies brought together. xy branches of
Although an organisation ma:
cbartmentalize the contribution of the differen technologies, the
unns Between the teehnologits ilk lea instance, ter’
consider an Automobile Engine: ae4
suaet_ay engine people have
sampler people inte]
attery power Source, as at
This led to the usage of an
nformation technology
He In the carly, period ©
cerank it, To make thik
yor powered BY
sana ot
the function of cranking.
advancement in the tt
Now with the
control devices,
an engine by
.
rank Ignition.
toy integrating technologies, there is. a huge adv
product or system, Mechatronics is
To incorporate the advantages Of
ering system it i§ nec
% Hence
the engineering
technology of integration,
technology in a product or in an engines
to lean on Mechatronics
CONCEPTS OF MECHATRONICS APPROACH
ach to solve engineering
13. ¢
Mechatronics by nature is a unified appro
-reate engineesing products or make engineering ssi
approach explores new possible, waits
of a new technology in applications
are already available. This upgrades the application. (® such @
thought possible nor considered feasible ERs
has its parameters. Parameters are nothin but &
measurable quantity
ical enginest ite
fay electrical parameters are like voltage:
problems or
Hence Mechatronic
incorporate the advantage
that it was neither
x Every technolog’
For instance, in mec
parameters are
In the same W
resistance etc
ated concurrently by integrating
ion is used in a creative WAY
ineering problem, Although the ad
4 Technologies are integr
ative informat
parameters. The rel
1 or solve an engi
a produc
* “World”
For instance, let's con theosta
, wsider a Rheostat, resistor
a is used to control the current low i rene
1e sliding contact called the wiper i ae sae
3 shown,
Fig. 1.4. With a mecl ‘current
‘hanical slidin, i
“ontrol e ot
ae led. The mechanical movement is a rales ‘lectror :
its and digital signals, Hence paca eae a
available in the market,
1, Controtting system
2. Controlled system
Controting System is the i
'o suit the applicat
lication
input, interpreted ae mip a
thr
‘ ‘ough the planning and control
he controlled system i |
"mechanical of chemical »
88 per the requi
Produce the desired results
in mechatronies.j Hence
technol CS is the ws the key coy
losies interact with eon heres paraneeny of differen
» thereby fusi
ing. different1.4, CLASSIFICATION OF MECHATRONICS
4 Senet
Based on the level of fusion let's try to classify
Here two major engineering technologies are fused hence level
Sof sgh 9
1 way
4 Electromechanical Engineering (Electrical and Mechanical) _
*
ib
“Digital Systems (Eletrcal and Computer)
ly into one core system. This 4 Digital controls (Computer and Control)
= concurrent
es ts ‘and flexibilities of all the
emerged draws the advantages
which are integrated.
4 Sensor and Actuators (Mechanical and Control),
Here three major engineering technologies are fused and they are:
%*& = Micro-control
Analog Systems”
Simulation
Products pect
el 3 clssifion, (systems solutions is of2 Based on Mechatronics product it was clasifed
Promotion of Machine Industry (JSPMD into the bi
Class I:
Speaicpnine aoaiiche ‘t
s ity come under Class 1. Example for:
numerically controlled machine or a variable speed drives,
Class TI:
4% When traditional mechanical systems are upgraded with
electronics then it comes under Class Il. A'modem sewing
or a Digital Odometer is an apt example for that.
Class TH:
4 Class Ill is systems that retain the functionality of the traditi
mechanical system, but the internal mechanisms are replaced
electronics. A classic example is the digital watch,
Class IV:
& Class IV product:
electronic technologies in a synergistic way. Examy
from photocopiers, to smart washing machines.
3. Based on the Behavioral characteristic of the system
(a) Automated Mechatronic Systems
s are designed with integrated mechanical
ples include:
yystem is capable of handli
2
ith its environment and is chi
by self-regulation, which enables it to respond to predictable chang
22 ts environment in a pre-programmed fashion. An overwhelm
majority of current mechatronic systems belong (0 this category:
& An Automated mechatronic s
and energy, communicating wit
(b) Intelligent Mechatronic Systems ia
hhatronic system is capable of ‘achieving given gat
syste
f uncertainty. In contrast 0 a
programmed to deliver given seit
intelligent systems may
‘manner.
An Intelligent mec!
under conditions 0
which are, by definition, pre-f
and are therefore predictable,
specified goals in an unpredictable
*
*
*
* Se
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
ac
*
Machine vision.
‘Automation and robotics.
‘Servo-mechanics.
wnsing and control systems. weg
Computer-machine controls.
[Expert systems.
Industrial goods.
Consumer products
Mechatronics systems. “
Medical mechatronies, medical imaging systems.
Structural dynamic systems.
Transportation and vehicular systems.
Mechatronics as the new language of the automobile.
‘Computer aided and integrated manufacturing systems.
Computer-aided design
Engineering and manufacturing systems,
Bio-mechatronies,
Packaging,1 Mobile apps.
U8 E Engineering.
Consumer products: Security camera, McTOWAVE OVEN, ex
Implantdevices: Arificial cardiac Pacemaker, etc,
Defense: Unmanned air, ground and underwater vehicles, jer
etc.
“+
+ tr
*
Robotics: Welding robots, Material handling robots etc
4k Automotive industry: Anti-lock braking system (ABS), yi
Ng seta torr R
fuel injection etc.
% Non-conventional vehicles: electro-bicycles, electro scooter, inna More complex safety issues. zi Bight *
carriages, ete. ig tncease in component files: cauente
Office equipment: copy and fax machines etc. x Increased power requirements. -
‘Computer peripherals: printers, plotters, disk drives etc.
Photo and video equipment: Thermal Camera, Camcorders etc.
Simulators: Car simulator, Plane simulator, etc. A system is defined as a set of
interdependent or interacting
components connected to form a
complewintricate whole which is
designed for a specific purpose. A
system consists of an object
which is under study, enclosed by
4 boundary to the surrounding
environment. By varying the input
conditions of surrounding the
‘output from the object under
study is analyzed. This ;
Mustated in the Fig. 17,
Entertainment Industry: sound’ and illumination systems.
* £°s, 83 Oe
Network-centric, distributed systems.
4 Aviation, space and military applications.
Advantages of Mechatronics
+k Comparatively low cost without compromising quality.
4 Perform complicated and precise movements of high qualit).
High relia
4 Constructive compactness of modules.
ity, durability and noise immunity.Mechatronics ~ www airwalkbook
im
‘System defined thus is a generalized one. Our whole universe is
‘comprised of systems performing specific functions. In engineering
‘context a system can be from simple home appliance like flat iron to
‘a complex production line.
% In Mechatronics a simple example of a system is a Car. Ina cap
there is the engine, transmission of motion from the engine to wheels
and many other mechanical parts. There are electrical components like
she batteries, lights ete.
%% There are electronic control components in the stereo, brake system,
fuel injection systems etc. Now a day's modem cars are equipped
with navigators, automated safety devices, anti-theft devices etc. On
whole a Car is product of Mechatronics.
L6.1. Structure of Mechatronic system
% Fig. 1.8 illustrates the structure of mechatronic system. The elements
are summarized below for clarity
1, Actuators and Sensors,
2. Signals and Conditioning. i
3. Digital Logie System,
Introduction to Mechatronics
4, Data Acquisition system and software.
5. Computer and display devices.
4 Process can be mechanical or chemical or any other im the
mechatronic system. For understanding the elements of a mechatronic
system let us consider a mechanical system.
1. Sensors
+ The parameters of the mechanical system like pressure, temperature,
displacement etc, are sensed by the respective sensor and are
converted into a signal. This signal is input to a signal conditioning
unit
2, Signal Conditioning
+k The signal obtained from the sensor is converted according to the
requirement. Signals are of tWo types one is an analog signal and the
‘other is a digital signal, Hence there are two types of convertor DAC
(Digital to Analog Convertor) and ADC (Analog to Digital Convertor).
3. Digital Logie system
% This is actually the control unit where the signal is analyzed! and
Proper response or feedback is given to the system. In this unit only
PLC or Micro-controller or any other control circuit are there. With
‘advancements in the system this unit is imterfaced with a computer.
This enables much easier control for the end user.
4. Computer Systems
% In Computers data of the system is acquired by data acquisition units
and stored as data logs. From this data logs one can monitor and
‘analyze the overall functioning of the system, ‘There are special data
logger or other related devices which are now available with an
interface to connect with & computer,115
ut Mechavronies ~ www arwaitbeokt.coy —— reqution fo Mechatronics
% BMS software shows the facility's Air-condition system, CCTy
iyi , When a toad is placed on the macl
Electrical system, ete, With the control terminal of the BMS cont, a ili This strain gauge is strained. The, strain is converted into
Foom, one can control all the integrated system of the facility. mnillivolts. This voltage signal is amplified. The amplified voltage is
1.7, MEASUREMENT SYSTEM programed by the logic units to give the analogous reading. im
kilograms or pounds etc,, at the display anit.
% Its essential to know the state of a system. State of the system iy
determined by the Properties/Parameters of the system. In q 1.8. CONTROL SYSTEM
‘mechanical system the properties/paramet rt
displacement, estas irae he venkeeeane 4 In many systems, it is not enough just to measure # parameter. It i
PEM igccceam d to control the parameter. A parameter is either
voltage. resistance, etc. Mechatronics systems are an integration of ee ee Ma i
technologies. hence it is a must that parameters of one techt 3 ‘maintained as constant or varied in a pre-programmed way. fo control
chnology is a parameter, say pressure, the following is required to be coxsidered:
read by another technology. To enable that capability a Measurement
system is required. A measurement system is composed of three 1
‘components as illustrated in Fig. 1.9.
To control any parameter, the first requirement is the real-time
reading of the parameter. Hence the first requirement is to
know the pressure level in the system under observation: to
control that.
2. Once that parameter is measured, it' must be compared to =
standard, After measuring the pressure of system im bars or
pascals, it must be compared to a standard to know if the
pressure is high or low in the system.
The parameters of the systems are read by an appropriate sensor or
transducer. This is in the form of a signal which can either be digital
3 i within: sr
es tsa 7 7 un Ca
# DAC or ADC units by the signal processor. ‘are numerous ways to control the variable purameters.
% This signal processed is shown on the display screen. The display
‘A general control system is illustrated in Fig. 1.10(b).
pend. ‘has the control unit which sets the limits of the Parameters of
{is pre-programed as per the reading. It also stores the data in log files
{in the form of readings, tables or graphs etc., as per the design:
% Digital weighing machine can be considered as a simple example (0
‘Mlustrate the above system as shown in Fig. 1.10 (a)variable is that benchmarte
Tekh he system cuMpot tO KNOW if the
evel Ris like when petro! is bought from
ype the ammount say Re {00H in the counter. The
cvemnter | ,iepensing petrol wntl i reaches Rx 100/- This Rs.100/- amount
‘i “Reference: Variable” of the System.
(©) Oetpet: Bt refers to the actual response of the system as per the input fed
whe gem
Feedack: The cotpe! of a system is measured. This. measure is in the
fore: of a signal which is fed to the control circuit. This path from the output
to Se comm! uni is considered as fendback. Refer Fig 112.
(@) Error: The difference between the reference variable and the cystem ouput
is called coor.
{@) Disturbance: These signsis which disturb the system by affecting the
reference variable or other control features are considered as ‘Disturbance’.
(@) Actmnting Signal: The response signal due to the error which actuates the
‘system to change the cunpat is called “Actuating Signal”
(© Contrei or feed forward Elements: The components which are connected
Serween coma! unit and the ourpet unit arc considered as the feed forwand
eens
(@) Controlled Outpat: The parameter (Pressure, Temperature, ec.) which i§
segeieed/Gaidedicontaties for the syem is called “Controlled Output”.
Introduction to Mechatronics
(a) Open Loop Control Syste
In this system, the control parameter is simply ngulated, Just Whe
fan regulator which merely regulates the speed of fan with various
settings. Here the output is only regulated as per the pre-programed
set up. An open loop contro! system can be illustrated as shown. in
Fig. 1.1LWesshw
~ Mechatronics — www.airwalkbooks.com
in Fig, 1-12, the control parameter jg
This is achieved by the means of y
"feedback, From the output a feedback is generated. This generated
” with the set conditions in the control system, If
"signal is compared
sted. To compensate the error,
there is a difference, an error is general
control is activated and output is varied to match the set condition
This process continues till the error
is nil or zero.
Closed Loop Control System
Fig. 1.12
+k A closed loop control system can be explained from the working
principle of a compressor in an Air conditioning unit. On turing of
aan AC unit, an user sets the temperature as 21°C. Now the unit must
‘maintain the room temperature to 21°C. The thermostat measures the
temperature of the room and converts it to a signal. This signal is
‘compared analogously with the set temperature 21°C.
If the temperature of the room is more said 26°C then the error 1S
positive. This results in activating or switching on the compress!
which is a key component in the AC unit for regulating te
temperature, The comparison of room temperature with the 5%
temperature is continuous. As soon as the temperature of the 10”
drops 10 21°C the error becomes zero. Depending on the progrimint
‘of the AC unit, the compressor will be switched off. Hence
compressor will cut-in or cut-off as per the fluctuations of the FO"
temperature,
1.19
Introduction to Mechatronics
1.8.3, Basic terms used in Closed Loop Control System
4k Process element: {t is the element of the system which is to be
controlled. It can be a room where the temperature is controlled of
a tank where water level is controlled ete.
4 Measurement Element: The element which is used to measure the
state of the process element is called Measurement Element.
ke Reference point or Set point: It is the standard signal which is set
in the system to control the output.
4 Comparison Element: This element compares the reference value £0
the measured value. The difference between them is considered as
error.
(Error = Reference value - Measured value)
4 Control Element: This element reads the error signal and produces
a signal to correct the error.
4 Correction element: It is that element which receives a signal from
the control element and makes changes in the output accordingly.
4 Controlled Variable: It is that parameter which is controlled by the
control system. It is the temperature of the room which is controlled.
+k Manipulated Variable: To control the output or the controlled
variable there is a variable which is changed and it is called
manipulated variable.
For Air conditioning Compressor system Example
Process Element Room
Measurement Element [Thermostat
Reference Point Set Cooling Temperature
‘Comparison Element Electronic control circuit (It compares the
signals)
‘Control Element [Electronic control (as per the program|
mnerates the signal to correct)
Correction Element [Compressor on/oft switch
‘Manipulated Variable ‘Temperature of the AC unit
Controlled Variable ‘Temperature of the room,Py rig 1.130) illustrates the
indicator system.
‘System can malfunction,
(6, Stability Stable as per the
re-program condition
iE ®
Fig, 1.43(0)
This measured level is transmitted by the Transmitter
ral Level it signal
naliontl fe Level cones. In the level controll there is ciate
control ent which compares signal Lever
stem. ignal from the ‘transmitter
sy standard pre-set signal. If there is a difference it ere
cert a ee
value) Based
7. Response time Slow as it is manually
operated
8. Output Optimization | Not possible
9, Maintenance Easy Difficult rt
on the era
70. Disturbance (Chances of having a ‘open and a i level is low, then contol valve is activated
Handling disturbance are limited, systems ms oh e
signal filters ef
18.5. Application which use Automatic Control System
n Automatic control system:
5s either pre-defined as Pet
peer within the range ofthe
ions which use Automatlé
eA closed loop control system is a
systems the control parameter i
specification or set by the user as
specification, Some of appl
system are as follows.[Set Level point
Tank Level Indicator Control System
pus Bane Level Controller
Contre! Element
Correction Element
Manipulated Variable
‘Controlled Variable
Level Controller
[Control valve open/close
(b) Lubrication Oil cooling system
4 Lubrication is very important for engines. It not only reduces the Wet
and tear, but also regulates the temperature of the ae
lubricant’s mechanical properties like viscosity and density
completely if its temperature crosses a certain limit, Hence iti
important to maintain the temperature of the |
limit in which its mechanical property remains una
illustrates the Lubrication oil cooling, system.
fected. Figs EM
Jubricants. within th
From the engine hot lubricant comes |
exchanger. In the heat exchanger the hot
with cold water. The cool oil goes to. the
of the oil at the sump is measured by a
js fed to the control valve. The control valve
with set temperature. If there is difference
‘water by adjusting the Valve opening.
Hence the flow tate of water changes as per the temperature of the
cil in the sump. This oil is then pumped into the engine. If the
lubricants temperature is beyond the limit, it means the lubricant is
‘old and has lost its mechanical property and it is time to replace with
fresh stock,
¢ eee
In order to safeguard the engine from entry of hot lubricant, there is
4 failsafe system in place. A thermostat measures the temperature of
the lubricant entering into the engine. This temperature is compared
with the set temperature range at the failsafe. If the temperature is
excess, then the failsafe with trip/stop the engine.
Engine failsafe system
‘Lubricant
Lubrication oil cooling system
Process
ement Lubricant
|/Méasurement Element [Temperature of
lubricant
Temperature of
lubricant
water
Weter Heal Exchanger
Reference Point
Set temperature at valve | Set Temperature at]
— i Failsafe
Bpeomeerison Element | Conaol valve F
i Failsafe
Control E
ment Control Valve Failsafe: |
{Correction Eleme
tement Control Valve
openelose
Manipulatcad Variable
|
Failsafe Tripper on/off
JSontroiied Variabie
Engine OwOff‘There are two kinds of signal
which can be used in the
control process. They are
digital and analogue signal.
‘Analogue signal are continuous
signal which varies with time.
Digital signals are signals that
represent a sequence of discrete
values. They are illustrates in
Fig. 1.16
Based on the measuring device and control element these signals have
to be converted into the other, Hence we have Digital to analogue
Convertor (DAC) and Analogue to Digital Convertor (ADC), Hence
the control system with these convertors can be illustrated with
Previous example of Shaft speed controller as shown in Fig. 1.17.
Fig. 1.15 illustrates the schematic and block diagram of the &
system used to control the speed of the shaft, The speed of ie
is measured by the Tachogenerator. ‘The measured speed i =
the Differential Amplifi:, Differential Amplifier boosts this sig
compare with set speed signal by the resistance potenti
is an error then accordingly a signal is given to the mowt
or decrease the speed. Thus the speed of shaft which couple
motor is increased or decreased to get in level with the set et
aft Speed Control System
Process Element Shaft
Measurement Element Tachogenerator
porentiomels
Reference Point Set speed by resistance
Differential Amplifier
Differential Amplifier
‘Comparison Element
Control Element ‘ontrollers,
a en i
Correction Element DC Motor In teat OF a plant, there
Manipulated Variable DC Motor Speed becomes 58 like a produce; ations Which o
Controlled Variable Shaft Speed * te inpur of secon pene ere ni Gia
and in other
cases the same“out in sequence. Apart from that, there is also emergency stop
reset options in the washing machines. Each operation has its own
control parameters and set points to conduct them. —
Sk The domestic washing machine controls the openlclose of water inlet
Valve. It measures and senses the water level in the drum. It
‘opensicloses the drain valve by sensing the level of the water im the
rum. It also controls the temperature of the water and the speed of
the drum. In all the operations all these parameters come into play.
Every operatico is also timed by timer switches.
In an automatic domest itt
= 7 4 vestic washing machine, once it is loaded wit
there are number operations machine has to perf ese
They can be listed out as —— i i
(a) Pre-wash: In drum
@) Prewash: In tis operation, the closed washing machine drum is ft
wld water by which laundry gets. soaked. ‘Then the machine spits
drum genily. As per
samy Bently As per the timer set by Program or by the user; tis
{) Main wash: In this opera cold water is drai wash
) his operation first the her
water (Temperature set by | detergent or any also
the user) along with deterg
agent fills the drum. Then the \s in normal Ww! *
machine spins ba e
by the user) to wash the
ee eres laundry, As per the timer set byww airwalkboo
a Introduction to Mechatronics 431
to the microprocessor So that this
inodify the Tens position according
Analog circuits control the lamp, heater and other power ciréuits in
the machine. Digital circuits controf the digital displays, indicator
lights, buttons, and switches forming the user interface. Other digital
circuits include logic circuits and microprocessors which co-ordinate
all of the functions in the machine,
4k Optical sensors and microswitches detect the presence or absence of
Paper, its proper positioning and whether (or) not doors and latches
are in their correct positions. Other sensors include encoders used to
track motor rotation, Actuators include servo. and stepper motors that
load and transport the paper, turn the drum and index the sorter:
(©) Engine Management System
Spark PUG exnaust
‘microprocessor sends sign!
‘space for the next photograph
for mechatronic system. T*
it, sensors, actuators, 3"!
(@) Power Stroke {a Exheust Stroke
Fig. 1.22: Four Stroke Spark ignition Engine132
Mechatronics ~ www.airwalkbooks, com
This system is useful so manage the ignition and fuelling requirenien,
‘of the engine, Let us consider the four stroke internal combustion
engine in which each cylinder has piston and connected to thy
common crankshaft. We have already studied the operation of 4 stroke
engine which are given here briefly
‘When the piston moves down, the inlet valve opens and air fuet
mixture is sucked into the cylinder (suction stroke). When the piston
‘moves up, the inlet valve closes and the airfuel mixture is compressed,
(Compression stroke). At the end of compression stroke, the spark is
‘thrown on the airfuel mixture and gets ignited. Sudden explosion takes
Place and so the piston is pushed down to execute the expansion
stroke. This is known as working stroke (or) power stroke. As soon
a the piston reaches the bottom dead centre, it moves up again to
execute exhaust stroke to send out the burnt gases. During this time,
the exhaust valve is open.
‘The different pistons have their power strokes at different times to
enable the common crank shaft rotate continuously.
The power and speed of the engine can be controlled by changing
thé ignition timing and airfuel mixture ratio, Now-a-days, the
microprocessors are used for controlling ignition timing and air-fuel
ratio.
The important elements of
microprocessor are shown in
Fig. 1.23.
Introduction to Mechatronics
433
+ To control the airfuel mixture, the microprocessor activates: the
solenoid valve to open the inlet valve according to the throttle position
‘and engine temperature as inputs, The amount of fuet injected into
the ait stream are determined by an input from a sensor of mass rate
of air flow and the microprocessor then gives an output to control, a
fuel injection valve,
1.9. SENSORS
4 Sensors and transducers are used widely in describing measurement
instruments. The usage of the word sensor is rooted from USA,
whereas transducer is rooted from Europe. The meaning. of the word
Sensor is “to perceive” and Transducer is “to lead aceoss”
A Sensor is defined as a device that detects a change in a physical
stimulus and tums it into a signal which cam be measured or recorded.
A Transducer is defined as a device that transfers power from one
system to. another in the same or in the different form (Strain to
voltage).
tk Hence a sensor by itself will sense the state of a system and a
transducer with logic circuitry can be used to ascertain the same.All
transducers would thus contain 2 sensor and most (though not all)
sensors would also be transducers. Fig. 1.24 shows the sensing process
in terms of energy conversion
To control the ignition timing, the
crankshaft rotates and drives the
distributor, The distributor makes
electrical contacts for each spark plug
Input Energy / Signal PR er
Fig. 1.24
in tuen and @ timing wheel. The
timing wheel produces pulses as the
indication of the crankshaft position.
‘The microprocessor then adjusts the
timing so that at ‘right’ moments of
time, the high voltage pulses are sent
to the distributor,
% Most of the time the output signal generated would be a voltage
analogous to the input signal. It sometimes. may. be in.a wave fora
whose frequency is proportional to ihe input or a. pulse train
containing the information in, some other form.$Me = wr arwattook on
‘WT Mechatronics sensing the parameters of system is key function to
Know the state of the system. Only by knowing/measuring the state
‘of the system appropriate control measures requirements can be
ascertained.
T&L Classification of Sensors
% There are many ways sensors can be classified. Some of the ways
are discussed .5 given here,
(a) Based on the stimulus that is the response signal, sensors can be classified
as per table given here,
Table Lt
Wave (Amplitude, Phase, Polarization), Spectrum, Wave
Velocity.
(Charge, Current, Potential, Voltage, Electric field
amplitude, phase polarization & spectrum)
[Magnetic field (amplitude, phase, polarization,
|spectrum), Magnetic flux, Permeability
|Wave (amplitude, phase, polarization, spectrum), Wave)
city, Refractive Index, Emissivity, Reflectivity,
essure, Strain, Mass, Density, Moment, Torgue,
-O tion, Stiffness, Compliance,
Introduction to Mechatronics 135
does not require any power source to measure the parameter of the
system, Hence it is also considered as Self-generating Transducer.
Passive Sensor: These sensors require external power source to
function, Most of them work on the principles which are dependent
‘on electrical energy like resistance, inductance and capacitance. A
simple example is digital weighing machine which uses 2 battery
operated Whetstfne bridge to measure weight. The machine stops
functioning when the battery is drained.
(c) Based on the type of output Signal
x Analog Sensors: When the signal output of a sensor is in analog
form, then those sensors are called analog sensors. Analog devices
produces a continuous signal which is proportional to the measured
parameter. A simple example is the Bourdon tube where pressure is
measured by elastic property of the tube.
% Digital Sensor: When the signal output of a sensor is in digital form,
then those sensors are called digital sensors. A simple example is
piezoelectric transducer used measure stress by natural phenomenon
piezoelectric effect.
(4) Based on conversion of a parameter to an electrical parameter
Primary Sensor: When a sensor’s ouput signal is in the form of
electrical quantity like current, voltage etc... then they are considered
as the primary sensor. Thermocouple sensor or Hall Effect sensor are
typical examples of such kind of sensor.
‘Secondary Sensor: When a sensor's output signal is in any other
form than electrical quantity like voltage and current, then such
quantity (like displacement orestrain) aré transformed into voltage or
current. The function of secondary sensor is to transform other
quantities into electrical quantities like voltage or current.
(@) Based on the parameter measured
‘Some of the common parameters which are measured to know the state
‘of a system are
‘® Displacement
Pressure