• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Motion Control Tips

Automation • Motion Control • Power Transmission

  • News
    • Industry News
    • Editor Blogs
  • Controls
    • HMIs
    • PC-Based Controllers
    • PLCs + PACs
    • Stand-Alone Controllers
    • Software
  • Drives
    • Servo Drives
    • Stepper Drives
  • Encoders
    • Absolute Encoders
    • Incremental Encoders
    • Rotary Encoders
  • Mechanical
    • Bearings
    • Brakes + Clutches
    • Belt + chain
    • Couplings
    • Gears + Gearing
    • Lubrication
    • Shock + Vibration Mitigation
    • Springs + Rings + Seals
  • Linear
    • Actuators
    • Linear Motors
    • Linear Encoders
  • Motors
    • AC Motors
    • DC Motors
    • Brushless Motors
    • Gearmotors
    • Piezo Motors
    • Servo Motors
    • Stepper Motors
  • Systems
    • Conveyors + linear transport systems
    • Gantries + Stages
    • Rotary Tables
    • Grippers + End Effectors
    • Robotics
  • Networks
    • Connections + Sliprings
    • Fieldbuses
    • I/O
    • Sensors + Vision
  • Resources
    • FAQs
      • Motion Casebook
      • Motion Selection Guides
    • Suppliers
    • Video
You are here: Home / FAQs + basics / Do piezo motors need specialty PID loops or controls?

Do piezo motors need specialty PID loops or controls?

January 19, 2018 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

The simple answer is, not necessarily. Not every piezo motor requires a PID control loop. However, most piezo motors operate closed-loop with some type of feedback, and PID control is only one possibility, but it is common and effective in controlling piezo motors. Some piezo motor applications can and do run open loop, although piezo actuators (different from piezo motors) are more likely to do so.

piezo motor control
The graph illustrates the performance comparison of an Advanced Piezo Control (pink) and PID algorithm (blue), showing the improved settling time offered by Advanced Piezo Control, based on space state control. (Image via Physik Instrumente)

Piezo motors have a number of benefits including their small size, high-resolution capability, and high torque developed relative to their small size. They also have low inertia, which makes them more responsive with fast start and stop times. For optimal performance (meaning better accuracy and repeatability) a closed-loop control scheme is usually a part of a piezo motor system. Common feedback devices that provide input for controllers can include capacitive sensors, laser interferometers, as well as optical incremental encoders, depending on the application.

A typical controller for a piezo motor can be a standard off-the-shelf servo controller available from any number of manufacturers, or it can be a specialized PID controller. Another type of control offered by some manufacturers is the so-called space state controller. In this type of controller, the resonance frequency is dampened leading to faster settling times.

 

You Might Also Like

Filed Under: Controls, FAQs + basics, Piezo Motors

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

LEARNING CENTER

Design World Learning Center

Motion Control Handbook

“mct
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for Design Engineering Professionals.

RSS Featured White Papers

  • Robotic Automation is Indispensable for the Logistics Industry’s Continued Growth and Success
  • Reliable Linear Motion For Packaging Machines
  • Polymers Outperform Metals In Precision Gearing

Footer

Motion Control Tips

DESIGN WORLD NETWORK

Design World Online
The Robot Report
Coupling Tips
Linear Motion Tips
Bearing Tips
Fastener Engineering.
Wire and Cable Tips

MOTION CONTROL TIPS

Subscribe to our newsletter
Advertise with us
Contact us
About us

Copyright © 2025 · WTWH Media LLC and its licensors. All rights reserved.
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media.

Privacy Policy | RSS