Expert opinion: mechatronics on the move

Article Abstract:

Industrial electronics is affected by the constant influence of new technologies that rely on fast computer performance. Fuzzy logic, artificial neural networks, intelligent robots, digital control through microprocessors and visualization technology are used more and more in manufacturing processes. Japan's Ministry of International Trade has a project, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems (IMS), that has been going since 1990 and continues to move ahead at a fast pace. IMS will analyze automatic manufacturing technology and seek new directions toward that end. Micromechatronics is a new field that consists of a complex integrated micromechatronic system, controlling moving parts by specialized very-large-scale integrated circuits that integrate a microprocessor with amplifiers for small electromotors for autofocus or for tape transportation, among other applications.

Manufacturing industries, not elsewhere classified, Research, Manufacturing industry, Manufacturing industries, Japan, Industrial research, Technology application, Electronics industry, Product introduction, Computer-integrated manufacturing, Intelligent machines, Research and Development, Miniaturization, New Technique, Intelligent Devices, Visualization

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Test and measurement

Article Abstract:

Test and measurement devices, in this case the PC-based instrument market, achieved revenue of $1.3 billion in international markets in 1991, and are projected to pass $2.4 billion by 1998. Virtual instrumentation became a practicality with the latest release of LabVIEW, from National Instruments Corp, measuring instrument simulation software. LabVIEW for Windows, version 2.5 for IBM PCs and compatibles, LabVIEW for the Sun Workstation and LabVIEW for the Macintosh are now available and are designed for use in many applications for machine and process-control problems. With LabVIEW the user can create graphically based control-and-monitoring virtual instrument systems by calling them up to the computer's display. The number of consortia that have been formed in the test and measurement industry are an important development.

Prepackaged software, Instruments to measure electricity, Computer industry, Product development, Testing, Cover Story, Testing equipment, Business conditions, Virtual Machines, Review of Past Year, Test Data Generators, Test equipment

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Expert opinion: preparing for the nomadic age

Article Abstract:

Technological advances in microcomputer architecture allow users to take advantage of power that was until recently reserved for large systems. Information can be sent and received from longer distances than ever before in shorter periods of time. Portable and wireless equipment will have more computer integration and communications capability in the future so that people can compute anywhere. Trends that bring us to this capability are higher speed, lower power and more programmability. Higher speed and lower power requirements provide increased functionality on a single chip. Programmability helps maintain a balance between customization requirements and the production efficiency needed by the integrated circuit manufacturer.

Semiconductor industry, Wireless LANs, Laptop computers, Portable computers, Laptop/Portable Computer, Demand, User Behavior, Feasibility, Wireless Network

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