Question

Which evolution level of mechatronics incorporates advanced feedback function into control strategy, thereby enhancing the overall quality?
1. Secondary-level mechatronics
2. Primary-level mechatronics
3. Fourth-level mechatronics
4. Third-level mechatronics

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : Third-level mechatronics

Explanation:

Mechatronics is the synergistic integration of mechanical engineering with electronics and intelligent control algorithms in the design and manufacture of products processes.

Mechatronics has evolved through several stages that are primarily defined in terms of

• Primary level mechatronics
• Secondary level mechatronics
• Tertiary level mechatronics
• Quaternary level mechatronics

Primary Level Mechatronics:

• This level encompasses input/output (I/O) devices such as sensors and actuators that integrate electrical signalling with mechanical action at the basic control level. Electrically controlled fluid valves and relay switches are two examples.

Secondary Level Mechatronics:

• It integrates microelectronics into electrically controlled devices. Sometimes these products are stand-alone. An example is a cassette tape player.

Tertiary Level Mechatronics:

• This level further enhances the quality in terms of sophistication by incorporating advanced feedback functions into the control strategy.
• The mechatronic systems at this level are called smart systems.
• The control strategy uses microelectronics, microprocessors, and other application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) as bits and pieces for control realization.
• A microprocessor-based electrical motor used for actuation purposes in typical industrial robots can be considered as an example of a tertiary level mechatronic system.

Quaternary Level Mechatronics: Intelligent control is very much a part of mechatronics now.

• Decision-making is done an influence is needed to perform the decided upon action.
• Machine or plant control intelligence is moving into the realm of human-like intelligence.
• This level attempts to improve smartness a step ahead by introducing intelligence and FDI (Fault Detection and Isolation) capability into the systems.
• At this level, mechatronics means many things to many people. Artificial Neural Networks and Fuzzy Logic try to capture some of the intellectual capabilities of intelligence.