When it comes to communications in motion systems, there are a range of options depending on the specific type of use case. For instance, connecting together a series of drives and motors with controllers can be done with a number of different network protocols such as Ethernet, EtherCAT, CAN, or others. On a different scale, […]
Part 4: Layers of performance and specifications in motion control
Here’s how a focus on system integration can help achieve true precision in motion control applications. Corey Foster · Director of Automation Sales & Application Engineering | Valin Corporation This series has focused on high-precision motion control. In such applications, system performance is often judged simply by the specifications of the mechanics alone. The actuators […]
What are transverse flux motors?
In the vast universe of electric motors, there are a number of ways to categorize different motor types; by their power source (ac or dc), how they are constructed or assembled, or by their magnetic circuit properties. For instance, most electric motors are characterized as being either radial flux or axial flux machines, which refers […]
Part 3: Layers of performance and specifications in motion control
Here’s how a focus on drives and controls can help achieve true precision in motion control applications. Corey Foster · Director of Automation Sales & Application Engineering | Valin Corporation In high-precision motion control, system performance is often judged simply by the specifications of the mechanics alone. The actuators are typically sorted by a standard […]
Part 2: Layers of performance and specifications in motion control
Here, the focus is on motors as key elements of motion control systems, and the way in which they help achieve true precision in motion control applications. Corey Foster · Director of Automation Sales & Application Engineering | Valin Corporation The central focus of this series of articles is how achieving true precision requires a […]
What does Safe Torque Off (STO) functionality do for servo applications?
Today’s motor drives and controls feature a bevy of safety functions. These include protecting the motor from overloads of power or current, short circuits and ground faults, and monitoring for over current conditions and over and under voltage conditions as well, and even over temperature protection to protect from excessive heat that a servo motor […]
Part 1: Layers of performance and specifications in motion control
Achieving true precision in motion control applications requires a deeper understanding of the full motion control system from the mechanics to the motors, drives and controls. Corey Foster · Director of Automation Sales & Application Engineering | Valin Corporation In high-precision motion control, system performance is often judged simply by the specifications of the mechanics […]
What does today’s software for motion controllers look like?
It’s no secret that software is at the heart of motion control systems, making possible all the basic motion control functions as well as new features and functions that enhance system design and operation. Fundamentally, motion control is about positioning in three-dimensional space, which is executed by mechanical components such as motors and drives with […]
The top motion control stories of 2025
Here at motioncontroltips.com, the editors have once again sifted through the data to see what you, our readers, viewed and read the most in 2025. Alongside some perennial hot topics that year after year continue to be go-to sources for engineers, there was strong interest in more newsy pieces highlighting big stories in automation and […]
Choosing between chassis-mount and PCB-mount motion controls
Motion controllers come in many shapes and sizes to fit unique and specific application needs. From small embedded controllers that can be integrated into a servo motor along with a drive and feedback, to large stand-alone controllers attached to machines, there’s a controller to match every application need. The type of controller can usually dictate […]
