By Jim Mc Namara, BEI Kimco,Senior Application Engineer
When it comes to linear motion, engineers often come down to two choices: Voice Coil Actuators (VCAs) and Solenoids. Both of them are simple electromechanical devices that can accomplish the task. But there are definite differences between the two and it is important for the designer to select the component most suited for the function required. By comparing the design and capabilities of the two components, it becomes easy to determine which is the most appropriate to use in a given application.
VCAs come in many shapes and sizes. There are two types: VCAs with a moving coil and VCAs with a moving magnet. The first type consists of the usually stationary field (magnet) assembly and the moving coil assembly. In contrast, moving magnet VCAs have the coil attached to a stationary soft magnetic housing, which also serves as a conductor of the magnetic flux. The field assembly typically consists of an axially magnetized permanent cylindrical magnet and two soft magnetic pole pieces attached to both ends of the magnet.
Applying a voltage across the terminals causes the VCAs’ moving part (magnet or coil) to travel in a given direction. Reversing the polarity of the applied voltage will change the direction of the moving part (magnet or coil). The generated force is proportional to the flux crossing the coil and the current that flows through this coil. Voice coil actuators are designed for a given stroke. Typically, for a given current, the force created by a VCA at mid stroke is approximately 15% higher than the force created at both ends of the stroke.
Voice coil actuators shine in applications where more precise control is needed, primarily because they can be supplied with position feed-back devices. Second, with low moving mass, VCAs are ideal for many oscillatory applications such as stabilization platforms and shaker tables. Additionally, because moving magnet voice coil actuators consist of a stationary coil and a moving permanent magnet assembly (versus a coil assembly and a piece of steel in a solenoid), VCAs can typically create more force than solenoids for a given size, stroke and input power.
Voice coil actuators with moving coils are ideal for many limited angle rotary applications that require high acceleration. The fast acceleration capability is achieved by minimizing the moving mass - in this case, the moving coil. Since it is separate from the magnet, it can be designed to be more lightweight than the heavy permanent magnet field assembly, allowing extremely fast speeds. Rotary voice coil actuators are commonly found in gimbal applications where fast but controlled moves are required for azimuth and elevation axes. Gimbal application examples include antennas, ‘pan and tilt’ security cameras, target acquisition, laser pointing, scanning and stabilization.
The physical characteristics of a VCA also make it a preferred choice in medical, aerospace and military applications in which size and weight are as important as its functionality. Many medical equipment applications are required to have high mobility, and every component is required to meet a specified dimension. A VCA can weigh as little as half a pound, making it a perfect solution for such a requirement.
There are definite difference between Voice Coil Actuators and Solenoid, and the selection will be based on the application requirement. Voice coil actuators are selected for their technologies and performance. They are high power density devices, so in applications with a short stroke or excursion angle, a voice coil actuator can do the job where other technologies such as motors or gear motors, will be bigger and heavier. Although Solenoids are suitable for on-off linear movement and intermittent duty, VCAs (Fig. 3) are the obvious choice to control force, speed, travel, and acceleration/deceleration for continuous performance and accurate positioning.