Smooth operation at low speeds with consistent torque is possible using stepper motors and drives. It is accomplished by ensuring the drive and motor work together, and often by using microstepping. Microstepping is driving the stepper motor such that each pulse does not complete a full step. Rather, a partial step occurs. This allows the […]
Drives + Supplies
7 questions to ask before picking an ac motor drive (controller) for an application
By Jeff Conner • Dallas Service Manager for Control Concepts AC motor drives (or controllers as we call them in this context) come with a range of options — including different control interfaces, enclosures, and motor-control methods. They provide flexible choices for machine designs and can leave the door open for future improvements and upgrades. Modern AC drives […]
Hall drives for brushless motors require no external inductors
Koford Engineering LLC has introduced a line of compact 48-V, 40-A brushless motor drives. These drives require no external inductors for slotless or other low inductance motors. They are preprogramed and require no user set up, adjustments or programing. Unlike most drives they can operate at 100% duty cycle. Most brushless drives are limited to […]
FAQ: What is pole-damping technology in stepper drives?
Pole-damping technology refers to a unique method of microstepping employed by specially equipped stepper drives. Note that Lin Engineering trademarks the term Pole Damping, as it employs their proprietary technologies. Also do not confuse damping, which is the addition of components to a motor setup to reduce vibration and noise, with pole damping, which involves […]
Applied Motion launches EtherCAT-enabled closed-loop stepper system
At PackExpo earlier this month, Applied Motion Products introduced its newest closed-loop stepper system, which comes with EtherCAT functionality. Its StepServo closed-loop motor and drive system for industrial Ethernet will be available soon. According to Eric Rice, Applied Motion Marketing Manager, the StepServo with EtherCAT “offers up to 50% more torque than traditional step motors […]
What is distributed architecture for servo drives?
Article updated August 2019 || Traditional servo-system architecture consists of a power supply, a motion controller, and servo drives all housed in one location that is typically a control cabinet located away from the machine. Then each motor connects to the control cabinet by two cables … one for power and one for feedback. This […]
FAQ: What are the pros and cons of integrated stepper motor-drive combinations?
Stepper drives and motors can integrate into one unit. Manufacturers supply various combinations of integrated stepper motor-drive combinations. These integrated stepper and drive units have their advantages and drawbacks. The benefits of the integrated motor and drive units include ease of implementation, reduced wiring complexity, faster setup and construction of a system and guaranteed motor-drive […]
What is a servo drive?
Updated August 2019 || Servo systems consist of four main components — a motor, a drive, a controller, and a feedback device … with the latter usually an encoder. The controller determines what the motor must do and then triggers the drive to send the necessary electrical energy to the motor to make the required […]
Delta expands and enhances C2000 series VFD to run induction and PM motors
Delta’s VFD-C2000 has become bigger and better with new features for applications in industrial automation markets. The VFD-C2000 is designed for variable frequency drive (VFD) applications up to 600 HP for 480 VAC and 840 HP for 690 VAC for induction and permanent magnet motors. Its modular design allows for easy maintenance in replacing printed […]
High-voltage power supply features 250 KW output with more than 92% efficiency
A compact solid-state high voltage DC power supply that provides high efficiency and reliability in a single small enclosure is being introduced by Diversified Technologies, Inc. (DTI) of Bedford, Massachusetts. The DTI 250 kW HVPS Series Switching Mode Power Supply is a compact, fully integrated solid-state unit that provides 15 to 100 kV adjustable output […]