For motors and acuators, performance can mean quieter operation, integrated intelligence, high resolution, high torque and thrust.
The sensors and control ICs providing the intelligence can be either integrated or external. By integrating the intelligence, suppliers provide matched units for users. However, integration can also include other mechanical components such as a planetary gear. In some applications, programmable capability provided by a controller can be the performance differentiator. Once again, the unique requirements of different applications lead manufacturers to offer a plethora of products.
MOTION PROCESSOR IC
Performance Motion Devices, Inc. designed the Magellan MC50110 single-axis, single-IC Motion Processor with the capability to control multiple motor types. The programmable device can off-load intensive motion control functions from the application's host processor. The unit supports S-curve, trapezoidal, velocity contouring, and electronic gearing profile modes. With input parameters such as position, velocity, and acceleration from the host, the processor generates a corresponding trajectory. Feedback from an incremental encoder can occur at rates up to 10 megacounts per second or from an absolute encoder or resolver at 160 megacounts per second. Available in two versions, the multi-motor MC58110 provides dedicated control for DC brush, brushless DC, microstepping, and pulse and direction motors, while the MC55110 is dedicated to pulse and direction output. For more information on Performance Motion Devices' Magellan MC50110,go to.
INTELLIGENT MOTOR AND FAN COMBINATION
The ebm-papst size 55 mm EC-i motors have integrated intelligence as well as lower noise and less heat generation compared to conventional ac motors. EC -ifans and blowers that incorporate the EC-i motor have the motor and commutation electronics optimally matched to prevent vibration and provide silent operation across the operating range. The new fan types are easily installed in any mounting position with direct connection of the integrated electronics to 230V ac. EC-i motors range from M3G055 with 1/10 hp to the M3G150 with 4 hp. The fan sizes include axial types from 10 to 39 inches, backward-curved impellers from 5.25 to 25 inches, and forward-curved centrifugal units from 5.5 to 9 inches. Target applications are building ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration. For more information on ebm-papst's EC-i motors, go to http://rbi.ims.ca/4416-595.
SIZE 8 LINEAR ACTUATOR
Haydon Switch & Instrument, Inc. has introduced the 21000 series (Size 8) linear actuators as part of its hybrid external linear actuator motor line. The units occupy only 0.8-inch (2-mm) square space and are available in three designs— captive, non-captive, and external linear versions. With resolutions from 0.00006 inch (0.0015 mm) per step to 0.00157 inch (0.04 mm) per step, the actuator delivers up to 10 lbs (4.5 Kg) of thrust. By incorporating the lead screw into the motor's rotor, the linear actuator replaces four different components— a motor, coupling, lead screw, and nut and eliminates the shaft to lead screw couplers. Target applications include medical equipment, semiconductor handling, valve control, X-Y tables, and hand held instruments. For more information on Haydon's Switch 21000 Series, go to .
Sunon, Inc. developed its SmartFan Series to control fan speeds to specified ambient temperatures based on internal measurements. Sensor technologies in the fan housing include thermistors, Hall Effect sensors, and Chip-On-Board (COB) thermal controller devices. Running the fan at speeds required to meet the cooling needs of the unit instead of at a continuous speed enables longer operating life, lower noise, and reduced operating cost. Combined thermal and PWM control provide maximum flexibility. Units come standard with a linear ramp control that has two temperature set points with no thermal limit. A programmable temperature-based control is available to add turn-on/turn-off. Standard sizes range from 40×40×15 mm up to 120×120×38 mm. Target applications include computers, peripherals, servers, power supplies, workstations, and telecom equipment. For more information on Sunon's SmartFan, go tohttp://rbi.ims.ca/4416-598.
INTEGRATED MOTOR CONTROLLER AND DRIVER
Lin Engineering's SilverPak C Integrated Motor Controller+Driver is a NEMA 17, 1.8-degree step motor offering fully programmable ramps and speeds. Operating from +12 to 40V dc, the unit's phase current ranges from 0.1 to 1.5 A peak, and it has up to 84.8 oz-inch of holding torque. The unit has step resolutions of 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, and 1/64, with two digital I/Os and two dedicated inputs. Other features include, fully programmable ramps and speeds and software-selectable hold and move currents. With 4 Kbytes of memory, the unit stores up to 16 different programs at once and can operate as a stand alone unit with no PC connection. For more information on Lin Engineering's Silver PAK, go tohttp://rbi.ims.ca/4416-599.