Like today's motion control components themselves, this perspective packs a lot into a small package. It looks back, at the last decade's swing from stepper to servo, the "commoditization" of motors, and absolute encoders surpassing incremental. It looks ahead, forecasting more change in design processes than in technology and greater reliance on simulation software. But the article mainly details three hot trends: (1) Growing dependence on pre-engineered, integrated components — out-of-the-box devices. (2) A rise in soft motion programming, not replacing proprietary code supplied with devices, but adding value to vendors' packages. (3) Greater use of drives equipped with auto-tuners, and a receding dependence on PID tuning.

The ACPL-W50L (single-channel, stretched SO-6 package) optocoupler is a low power, low-input current, digital optocoupler providing up to 80% power saving when compared to standard 1MBd optocouplers.

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The MotiCont's Motorized Linear Stages are used in positioning applications where high speed, high acceleration, and high accuracy are required.

The non-commuted motor construction increases reliability. The direct coupling of the motor to the stage allows for fast acceleration / deceleration and high speed operation.

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IDEA™ Drive technology is now available across the line of linear actuator products including the Size 17 stepper motor linear actuators, LRS™ and RGS® linear rail systems, and ScrewRail® linear actuators. The IDEA Drive is also available in a stand-alone compact programmable drive module.

'DZ' Servo Drives from Servo2Go.com are µ-sized servo drives capable of torque, velocity and position modes for brushed, brushless, or voicecoil motors.

•  Networks include CANopen or RS-232/485 supporting PVT mode, and/or provide inputs for ±10 V analog, Encoder Following, Step/Direction and PWM/Direction
•  Output range includes 10-80 Vdc to 20 Amps continuous(40 Amps peak)

Communication is paramount in motion control. Thus, adding networking versatility to an encoder line is noteworthy. This Connecticut company just made its NR25 encoder available for Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, and Profibus protocols, as well as DeviceNet communication. The 16-bit device also incorporates Power over EtherNet, cutting connector, and cabling requirements.

The market has a new high-resolution leader among Hall-effect encoders. The magnetic encoder offers 16-bit resolution and precise angle measurement over a full 360 degrees. The system-on-chip integrates Hall elements, analog front end, and digital signal processing. Its got built-in programmability and the robust character required for harsh environments.

To achieve a desired functionality, you sometimes have to compromise elsewhere. With rotary tables, you might choose a compact, low-profile unit to ensure fit, only to forego ability in positioning resolution. But not with the M-660, a device delivering 8x the resolution of its sister model — down to 8 arcsec.

A special kiosk prints and binds a book in under three minutes, but it wasn't always so good. Its predecessor was burdened by bulky linear components — pillow blocks, shafts, rails, and mounting hardware. A redesign using two-piece machined slides trimmed a dozen from the part count, cut costs, simplified installation, and improved reliability.

The new VLT® Decentral Drive FCD 302 is meant for de-located mounting, where the need for space-consuming control cabinets is eliminated. With the drives placed near — or directly on — the motor, there is no need for long screened motor cables. (See video).

These AC drives from Yaskawa America, Inc. — Drives Division incorporate the latest technological advancements in AC motor speed control, made possible by experience and dedication to quality in design and manufacturing. They offer the greatest selection of size and performance available, with power ranges from fractional HP to 1500 HP.

Remote control vehicles represented a huge advancement in underwater inspections. Almost as significant is their evolution to vehicles that are self-aware, can avoid some troubles without operator help, and can report status via the Web to engineers anywhere in the world. That's a reality delivered by SeaEye's iCON control module.

Still puzzling how PACs differ from PLCs? Hear the point of view of a supplier that earned one magazine's Control Device of the Year honors. The Productivity3000 has features of a typical PLC combined with capabilities like a more powerful CPU, vastly expanded I/O, and the ability to do discrete and process control.

Here's a PCB-mounted amp ready for action, fast. Users simply provide unregulated DC input voltage and analog command signal, and operation is immediate, without tuning, for driving DC brush and permanent magnet motors with high efficiency — up to 99%. It is protected against over-voltage, over-current, over-heating, and short circuits.

Companies take pride in their ability to customize products to solve unique problems. Not every success starts from scratch. This linear actuator was reborn out of an existing product, modified for the application — throttle control in heavy-construction cement mixers. The result: a completely sealed actuator that withstands dirt, debris, and moisture.

Built on almost six decades of Sumitomo excellence in power transmission engineering, the Paramax 9000 Series BOSS Conveyor Drives are optimized for precise horsepower, torque, speed, and duty cycle to ensure long life and cost-effective operation.

The Netzer DS-25 miniature, hollow shaft non-contact rotary sensor has angular resolution of <3 millidegrees. It has no internal bearings, a temperature rating of -55 to 125 C, a diameter of 25 mm, a height of 7 mm and weighs only 4 g. Netzer has larger (up to 170 mm ID) sensors with resolutions <1 millidegree.

There's no shortage of analysts expounding on the attributes of great leaders. It's tougher to find enumerations of skills defining good engineering managers. They're responsible for carrying out the technical mission, but tech ability doesn't necessarily translate into ability to oversee technical people. Design News asked engineers for their ideas.

If you ducked earlier hoopla, catch the latest on the urban concept car that the Segway spawned, the EN-V. That's not short for envy, but for electric networked vehicle. The two-wheeler can do 25 mph and 30 miles between charges. Still, its claims to future fame are self driving and vehicle-to-vehicle networking.

Engineering Yourself Out

Are pre-engineered, integrated motion control components leading to a future that needs fewer motion and control engineers? Are engineers engineering themselves out of work?

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