Automation and Control of Microprocess Systems

Many more miniaturized sensors and actuators have been demonstrated as prototypes and would be interesting candidates for automated control of microprocess systems. The challenge here is the transition from a laboratory stage to industrial production and stability of the devices. 

The automation of microprocess systems is still in its infancy. However, existing solutions from the automation of large processes - distributed control systems - and from laboratory automation can be adapted and used. 

The basic aspects of a control system are the same, independent of the size of the automated system or the type of the controlled process. However, most microprocess systems are operated today with zero or little automation. This is partly due to a lack of adapted sensors and actuators. 

Of course, the effort to achieve automation has to be in proportion to the resulting benefits, so the question is how to make a microprocess system automated with adequate effort. Can we just use standard process control systems from normal process automation for microprocess systems also. Or is the development of dedicated automation solutions just for microsystems required and feasible ... 

The thesis of this chapter is that standard process control systems - with a few enhancements and in the right configuration - are indeed suited for the task of automating microprocess systems. 

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