1. Preliminary design of a mechatronic power transmission chain

1.1 Presentation of a mechatronic power transmission chain

A mechatronic system enhances the functionality of conventional mechanical systems by integrating different technological fields around :

• a power transmission chain: a combination of components from the fields of mechanics, electrical engineering, power electronics and hydraulics;

• an information processing chain: combining electronics, instrumentation, automation, signal processing and IT.

This article focuses on mechatronic power transmission chains such as those found in aerospace, automotive and other embedded systems and transportation applications. Figure