Articles
Selecting the right motion control architecture is an important step in developing high-performance motion systems. Engineers must weigh the advantages of custom motion controller designs against ready-made solutions, considering factors such as development time, engineering resources, system performance, and cost.
PMD's Motion Control Design Guide examines these tradeoffs through a technical build vs. buy comparison, alongside three application case studies demonstrating how motion control technologies are implemented in semiconductor equipment, robotics, and industrial automation.
Embedded Motion Control: Build, Buy, or Blend?
When developing an embedded motion control system, engineers have several options for integrating motion control functionality into their designs.
A fully custom approach may incorporate motion control ICs and motor amplifiers into an application-specific PCB, providing flexibility over system architecture, form factor, and component selection.
Alternatively, complete motion controller boards offer ready-to-use motion control functionality, reducing the engineering effort required to develop a working system.
A third approach combines elements of both. Compact, PCB-mountable motion control drives integrate control and amplification into self-contained modules that can be incorporated into custom hardware designs.
Each approach presents different tradeoffs in development effort, integration complexity, and per-unit cost. Understanding these differences can help engineering teams determine the most practical architecture for their application.
Motion Control Applications and Case Studies
The guide also explores how motion control technology supports demanding applications across several industries.
Semiconductor Equipment – Trust Automation
Learn how closed-loop stepper control, field-oriented control, and dual-loop encoder feedback helped Trust Automation achieve 1-micron repeatability in a precision semiconductor equipment application.
Autonomous Robotics – Dusty Robotics
Discover how compact, configurable motion control drives help Dusty Robotics achieve precise positioning and smooth motion in its autonomous construction layout system.
Robotics Development – OLogic
Explore how reusable motion control technology supports OLogic's development of custom robotics systems, helping engineers address varying application requirements without starting from scratch.
Find the Right Motion Control Solution for Your Application
Performance Motion Devices (PMD) offers motion control ICs, drives, amplifiers, and boards for Brushless DC, DC Brush, and step motors. From fully custom embedded designs to complete motion control solutions, our products provide flexible options for a wide range of applications.
Not sure which motion control architecture is right for your project?
Our engineering team can help you evaluate your application requirements, compare available approaches, and identify a motion control solution that meets your performance and integration needs.
