In this paper we will look at building versus buying a three axis PCB-based positioning motion controller. We will examine the design effort, types of resources needed, and per unit cost for each approach. In addition, we will look at a design alternative that some engineers believe represents the best of both worlds, a hybrid “blend" option that uses off-the-shelf modules to dramatically reduce the engineering needed to create a fully custom motion controller.
The Magellan® MC58113 Series of Motion Control ICs are complete, single axis, IC-based motion controllers. They provide trajectory generation, programmable breakpoints, advanced performance trace, and many other motion control functions. Whether used for laboratory automation, pump control, mobile robotics, pointing systems, or general-purpose automation, MC58113 ICs are the ideal solution for your next machine design.
Conventional step motor “current chopper” drives often result in a large amount of noise, needless motor heating, and excess current consumption. Digital current loops by comparison can result in significantly quieter and lower temperature operation. This article compares these two amplifier control techniques and details how a digital current loop can result in quieter, faster, and cooler step motor operation in many performance sensitive applications.
Feedforward in Motion Control - Vital for Improving Positioning Accuracy
This paper looks at the powerful technique of feedforward and shows how it can be used to compensate for load inertia, machine compliance, stiction, and even non-linearities in the motor to build systems with better accuracy, smoother motion, and higher speed operation.
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Prabh Gowrisankaran Speaks with Bob Vavra of Machine Design In this Insider Interview produced by Machine Design, Bob Vavra, Senior Content Director of Machine Design & Electronic Design, talks with PMD's Prabh Gowrisankaran, VP of Engineering & Strategy, about the ION®/CME N-Series Digital Drive and how it will impact the approach used by engineering teams to design machine controllers.
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Introducing ION/CME N-Series Digital Drives Available in German, Italian, and Turkish! Watch a 30-minute webinar presented by Chuck Lewin, CEO of PMD, that tells you all about revolutionary ultra-compact ION®/CME N-Series Digital Drives. Learn how they will help you in your next motion control design project and hear about some real-world applications that illustrate the power and flexibility of the N-Series ION.
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New Control Technique Combines Servo Performance With Step Motor Cost When it comes to step motors, a new drive technique called stepper servo has some engineers believing they have found the holy grail of positioning motion control - the high performance of a servo motor with the low cost of a step motor. In this paper we will explore the benefits and limitations of the stepper servo control technique, also called closed loop stepper, and explain why it is attracting serious attention from machine designers.
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