Actuator as a System Component

Many controlling tasks that are required in the natural and artificial environment can be described with an open loop control chain, as shown in Fig. 6.3. The focus is placed on operations and processes that must be modified to achieve a certain goal. This is where actuators come into play. Their input signals are microelectronically compatible and are produced by the electronic controls inside of the information processing part of the control system. The electronic controls are often decentrally arranged and can therefore be assigned to the individual processes with respect to location and function. They are usually program controlled and can be implemented by means of 

It is possible to achieve an even higher degree of multifunctionality when multifunctional materials are being used. This shall be illustrated with the following example actively controlling structural geometry is a typical task performed by adaptronic systems. Piezoelectric stacks, for instance, are used 

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