SPOTLIGHT
Rotary optical encoder
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Expanding its line of encoder products, a company has introduced a rotary optical encoder that it claims is the world’s smallest such device. The PA2-50 is a high-resolution encoder in a 6-mm package. Having already developed miniature-motor feedback for 8-mm-diam motors, with this device, the company extends its technology to 6-mm-diam brushed motors. The product reportedly provides 4× the resolution of equivalent devices in a package with one-tenth of the volume. The miniature optical encoder provides 50 lines per revolution before quadrature in utilizing optical technology. The high resolution is achieved efficiently, as the device features a battery-friendly current draw of 8 mA. MicroMo Electronics Inc., Clearwater, FL, USA
Brushless dc motors
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A NEMA 34 series of brushless dc motors offers the usual advantages of brushless design, including higher output power, higher operating speeds, and cleaner, quieter operation than brush-type motors can provide. The 3.4-in.-diam motors are available in three standard frame lengths of 2.0, 2.6, and 3.2 in., with a rear shaft extension to allow for encoder mounting. Typical operating speeds range from 6000 to 18,000 rpm. Continuous stall torque ratings for the smallest to the largest motor are 50, 100, and 135 oz-in., respectively, and the respective peak torque ratings are 120, 250, and 350 oz-in. Other torques and operating speeds are available in modified configurations. BEI Kimco Magnetics Div., Vista, CA, USA
Plug-in minidrive
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An intelligent plug-in minidrive specially designed for motion control applications involving severe space restrictions can be mounted horizontally or vertically either inside the machine or near the motor. Measuring 39 × 44 × 14 mm and weighing 15 g, the PIM2401 drive is made with simple pins, an architectural decision intended to minimize the time required for assembly. The device includes an embedded digital drive, motion controller, and programmable logic control functions and thus can execute motions powered by dc, brushless, linear, and stepper motors up to 25 W without relying on an external controller. Complex movement sequences can be programmed directly on the minidrive, while system control functions are managed from the supervising personal computer or programmable logic controller. The drive supports CiA standard DS-30 V4.02 CANopen. Technosoft, Bevaix, Switzerland
Motion control chip
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A complete chip-level system for motion control combines motion and motor control, a central processing unit, communications, and analogue and system functions, handling time-critical motion and motor tasks in silicon to control and position multiphase stepper motors. Featuring mixed-signal system-on-a-chip architecture and operating as a high-speed general-purpose microcontroller, the M3000 integrated circuit is a custom block of hardware that controls the motor itself, including current, resonance, and power stage, while also handling all of the positioning functions, including acceleration, deceleration, velocity, positioning, and encoder feedback. Its design eliminates the need for a second microcontroller. The motor can perform at high speed with little audible noise or vibration. System Semiconductor Inc., Marlborough, CT, USA
Motor with integrated drive
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A family of high-performance integrated-drive brushless dc motors includes a model suited for driving small pumps. The BL 30 EB motor is 32 mm in diameter and 42 mm long, including its integrated speed control drive, and its brushless design and high-load bearing system ensure a very long working lifetime. The compact 7.5-W motor produces 30 mN•m of torque at 2300 rpm, which means that its torque density is among the highest available in motors of its size class. Additional features that maximize the motor’s reliability include protection against reverse polarity, thermal overload, and overcurrent and an IP54 rating for susceptibility to environmental ingress. Allied Motion Technologies/Premotec, Dordrecht, Netherlands
Positioning controller
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A digital positioning controller is designed to control brush and brushless dc motors. The second-generation EPOS2 positioning controller is suited for applications requiring decentralized drive intelligence. Based on the CANopen standard, the controller can cover a performance range from 1–700 W, and operate in position, speed, and current control modes. The range of operating modes are provided to support a variety of drive systems used in automation technology and mechatronics. maxon motor AG, Sachseln, Switzerland
Electric motor
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Offering the sort of output necessary for ensuring patient comfort in hospital-bed, chair-lift, and electric-wheelchair height-adjustment applications, a subfractional-horsepower four-pole dc electric motor is designed to generate more power than other motors in its class. The 75-mm-diam motor produces very high torque for its size. Its four-pole stator design has been proven through testing to generate output torques as much as 50% higher than those two-pole motors can provide. Used previously in automotive applications, the motor is already in high-volume production and thus can be an economical component even when supplied in small quantities. Bühler Motor GmbH, Nürnberg, Germany
Brushless dc servomotors
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Suitable for a range of applications, the Smartshell series of compact dc motors are said to provide a longer service life than mechanically commutated dc micromotors. The laminated core, coil, and board are injection moulded together to provide the motors with a robust housing. The motors are available in a range of sizes and can be equipped with optional modules such as analogue or digital Hall sensors. The activation for generating the motor’s rotating field is provided using external electronics. The company also can develop custom drive systems. Dr. Fritz Faulhaber GmbH & Co. KG, Schönaich, Germany
