What are some different options for integrated servocontrols?

Integration in motion control is commonplace. Integrated servocontrols can refer to both the way in which the integration of the controller into a servo system (or motor) takes place as well as the control options and functions integrated into the controls themselves.

By integrated here we mean that the controller is integrated into the motor. This is a fairly common practice these days and in fact most manufacturers offer servomotors with some level of built-in controls. Such systems are often dubbed integrated servomotors. As for what exactly is integrated, there can be a range of components so that an integrated servomotor can include the motor itself along with any combination of a drive, controller, or encoder.

The benefits of integration are well known. They include the fact that they make for a more compact drive unit and eliminate the need for cables between the motor and drive, which simplifies installation and also lowers the overall system cost. The tight integration of controls with the motor and other components makes for a compact design, with the ability to fit into smaller spaces but also pack more into that same space than before. Another benefit of these systems is the elimination of control cabinets, with the control itself being distributed and local at the servomotor itself.

These ACSI EtherNet/IP integrated servos from Tolomatic feature a servomotor integrated with a drive and controller.

The kinds of options can mean which functions are included in the controls. For example, this includes basics like the number of inputs and outputs as well as signal types (analog or digital.) Other common options may include the type of control, such as current of speed control.

Other options can include specific control functions such as PID loop control, trajectory generation, program execution, I/O control and communication options such as whether the servocontroller operates as a stand-alone controller or connected into a network with other controllers.