The following is an article from Elmo Motion Control that explains how some of their drives work and how that translates to better efficiency. Machine builders always try to boost throughput while keeping a lid on costs. The best way to reach this goal is through the use of machine control capable of high dynamics and high-accuracy, generally […]
Drives + Supplies
Sub-nm moves from dual-axis EtherCAT PWM servo drives
ACS Motion Control now sells a NPMPM Series EtherCAT pulse-width-modulation (PWM) servo drives. They deliver the accuracy of linear drives without their drawbacks. The PWM servo drives are significantly smaller, much more efficient, produce less heat dissipation, better protected and lower in cost. More after the jump. An optional 10-MHz laser encoder interface and a control algorithm lets positioning systems get speeds above 2 […]
FAQ: What do DIP switches on stepper drives do, and what are alternatives?
Dual in-line package or DIP switches are manual electronic switches that, along with other switches in one package, form one unit. They usually mount on printed circuit boards through pins. Some common types of DIP switches include rotary, slider and rocker switches. Through them, end users configure circuit boards or controllers for the application at […]
IndraDrive Mi electric drives: Cabinet-free and modular
Motor-integrated and near-motor IndraDrive Mi electric drives integrate right into machines. These plus other Bosch Rexroth technologies now let designers build compact, cabinet-free machines that are more modular than ever. More specifically, Bosch Rexroth decentralized supply and mains modules let machine builders integrate all drive components directly into the machine without a control cabinet. The […]
FAQ: What are motion-control systems on a chip (SoCs) for stepper motor control?
A system on a chip is an integrated circuit that contains all the components of a computer. That is everything from processors, memory and power regulation to external inputs such as USB. For stepper drives, this means one chip combines all the stepper components that are traditionally separate parts. More specifically, the drive, indexer, computer, […]
FAQ: How do engineers typically integrate stepper drives?
Engineers can implement stepper motor drives in numerous ways. Companies often produce pre-packaged drives that can run with a variety of microprocessors and motors. This means that that drive is prefabricated and the engineer has many decisions on where and how to use it. Beyond this, some companies even offer complete off-the-shelf boards. These combine […]
FAQ: What are stepper drives and how do they work?
A stepper drive is the driver circuit that controls how the stepper motor operates. Stepper drives work by sending current through various phases in pulses to the stepper motor. There are four types: wave drives (also called one-phase-on drives), two-phase on, one-two phase-on drives and microstepping drives. Wave or one-phase-on drives work with only one […]
Beckhoff compact multi-axis servo system with high maximum control speeds, fast installation
The new Beckhoff AX8000 multi-axis servo system, with a compact form factor for space-saving control cabinet installation, enables high-precision positioning and machining processes with extremely short control cycles. Additional features include fast installation and commissioning by simply plugging together the desired axis modules, as well as One Cable Technology (OCT) and the direct integration of […]
Spectral Decomposition for fast servo control from Delta Tau
Delta Tau now offers a new control method called Spectral Decomposition to improve the productivity of systems that use fast-tool actuators. Spectral Decomposition works with a variety of fast-tool actuators—including voice-coil motors, piezo crystals, laser galvanometers and magnetostrictive transducers. These actuators have high bandwidth, but limited travel. So they are typically paired with a standard […]
TI’s new DesignDRIVE; industrial drive, motor control evaluation platform
Texas Instruments (TI) recently launched DesignDRIVE, a single hardware and software platform that makes it easier for engineers to develop and evaluate solutions for many industrial drive and servo topologies. The DesignDRIVE kit and example software offer an easy path to begin exploring a wide variety of motor types, sensing technologies, encoder standards and communications […]