The basic function of a servo drive is to convert, or amplify, low-power signals from the controller into higher-power signals to be delivered to the motor windings. Servo drives (also referred to as servo amplifiers) can be either linear or switching types, depending on how power is delivered to the motor from the switching devices […]
Servo Drives
When is dither helpful in motion control systems?
Dither is one of several terms used to describe small, rapid, back-and-forth movements of an object. Depending on the context, when the term “dither” is used in motion control systems, it can refer to purposeful, commanded movements or to unintended, unwanted motion. In some motion systems, dither is purposely induced to reduce the effects of […]
What is an observer in motion control and how does it affect performance?
A servo control loop uses sensor feedback to determine whether the system’s actual state (position, velocity, or torque) matches the commanded state. But sensors feedback isn’t perfect — even high-quality encoders and sensors can introduce noise, phase lag, and other errors in measurement. One way to improve the feedback of a servo control system is […]
New family of servo systems from AutomationDirect
SureServo2 servo systems, built from motor, drive, I/O breakout module, and cable set components, are now available from AutomationDirect. The SureServo2 offering includes high-powered systems (up to 15 kW), wide input power options (110 Vac or 220 Vac in single or three phase), and a host of additional hardware and software features. The built-in motion […]
Harmonic Drive reveals miniature actuator with integrated servo drive
Harmonic Drive LLC, the leader in high precision motion control announces a new RSF-5 miniature actuator with an integrated servo drive. This evolutionary product eliminates the need for an external drive and greatly simplifies cabling while retaining high-positional accuracy and torsional stiffness in a compact housing. The RSF Mini and Supermini series is a family […]
Digital servo drive with Combitronic system from Moog Animatics
Moog Animatics’ new DS2020 digital servo drive with Combitronic capability is a single-axis drive that operates a Moog CD series motor, providing high torque capabilities for large axes of motion and other demanding applications. The DS2020 drive with Combitronic expands the standard drive’s capabilities by allowing it to act as a follower device on the […]
What is field weakening and how does it affect servo motor performance?
Although servo systems can very precisely control motor speed, position, and torque, in some applications, the motor may not be able to reach the commanded velocity due to limits in the available bus (supply) voltage from the drive. But advanced servo drives offer a technique referred to as field weakening, which alters the motor’s torque-speed […]
What is friction compensation in servo control?
Friction, which is the resistance to relative motion between two bodies, occurs in all sliding and rolling motions. In components that use lubrication to separate rolling or sliding surfaces — such as bearings and gears — there are typically two types of friction: static friction and dynamic friction. Static friction — also referred to as “stiction” […]
New servo drives feature high-power, compact design
The FM060-25-CM is part of a new breed of micro-sized, high-power servo drives, immediately available from ADVANCED Motion Controls. Rated to output 25-A continuous and 50-A peak, this fully featured digital servo drive is small enough to fit in the tightest locations. It’s well suited for mobile and portable applications such as mobile robotics, automated […]
New line of intelligent universal servo drives from ACS
ACS has launched the first in a new line of high-performance Intelligent Drive Module products. The IDMsm is a 2- or 4-axis EtherCAT DS402 universal servo drive featuring unique control algorithms and processing technologies that enhance the performance of high-precision motion stages. Certified as EtherCAT Conformance Tested, the IDMsm provides up to 5 A continuous […]
