Programmable logic controllers, or PLCs, are computers that control automation and motion systems. They are real-time computers in which inputs must create outputs in limited time. They usually store programs that perform control algorithms in non-volatile memory or battery-backed memory. Using a PLC with a stepper drive allows control mechanisms to change using software control, […]
Drives + Supplies
FAQ: How could drives soon make switched-reluctance motors more common?
One the main drawbacks to switched-reluctance motors come from their control and drive electronics. They must be accurate and responsive to monitor continually various aspects of the motor for it to run effectively. However, as technology improves switched-reluctance motors may become more common with the rise of improved drives and controllers. As mentioned in FAQ: […]
FAQ: Why are switched-reluctance motors (SRMs) so difficult to control?
Switched-reluctance motors have many advantages, including low cost and low energy use. However, their main drawback is they are difficult to control. This is for a variety of reasons. Namely, they need highly accurate position tracking, the inductance in the motor changes with the degree of alignment of their poles; they require unipolar drives, and […]
FAQ: How to choose a safety factor so a motor design lasts?
Engineers determining what stepper motor and drive to use should make sure to include a safety factor. This is because there could be some unanticipated loads or operating conditions that may affect the operation of the system. On the other hand, too large a safety factor has its drawbacks as well. These include wasted power […]
FAQ: What features need to be compatible for a stepper drive to run a given stepper motor?
When selecting a stepper drive, certain features must be compatible with the motor and the drive for the system to function. These include the current output of the drive, whether it is for unipolar or bipolar stepper motors, its voltage output and its wattage or power rating. All of these factors matter for their own […]
FAQ: How do AC stepper drives offer better torque-speed performance than DC?
When selecting stepper drives, AC and DC options are both readily available. However, AC drives can often provide better torque-speed performance than DC drives. There are a couple reasons for this. More current means more torque When driving stepper motors, the general rule of thumb tends to be the more current a drive can provide to […]
FAQ: How to size stepper-motor power supplies?
Stepper motors are sensitive to the performance of their power supplies. Stepper motor power supplies can affect: Rate of motor heating — read FAQ: Aren’t heat and noise common stepper motor problems? for more on this Acceleration — read FAQ: What are the requirements for a stepper acceleration? Torque — read FAQ: What kind of torque […]
FAQ: What are PID gains and feed-forward gains?
Gain is the ratio of output to input—a measure of the amplification of the input signal. A common example is the volume button on a stereo. This button controls the ratio of the input signal (received from the radio station) to the output signal (how loud the sound is from your speakers). When the volume is […]
FAQ: What is a pulse rectifier and what kinds are there?
Variable frequency drives are made up of three primary sections: a rectifier, which converts the supplied AC voltage to DC; a DC bus, which stores the DC voltage; and an inverter, which converts the DC power back to AC at the voltage and frequency required by the motor. The most common, and simplest, rectifier designs use […]
Applied Motion Products releases StepSERVO drives and motors with EtherCAT communications
Applied Motion Products, Inc. now offers a new series of drives and motors with EtherCAT communications. These new products utilize Applied Motion’s StepSERVO technology which combines the high torque capabilities of step motors with the closed loop dynamic control of servo systems. The result is a motor and drive solution that operates more quietly and efficiently, […]