Servomotor and Servosystem Design Trends

Abstract

New products or an upgrading of existing products evolve as suppliers continually evaluate their equipment for improvements to maintain a competitive edge. Whether it be X-Y or point-to-point positioning or a constant or variable speed requirement, an electric motor provides precise motion control in a diverse group of products, ranging from simple conveyors to more complex machine tools and computer peripherals. The more complex systems utilize a four-quadrant servo drive system in conjunction with the servomotor. With emphasis on increased productivity and reliability, the technology in this area is being pushed at a good rate. This is leading to more effective use of the microprocessor in servo loop control. This article explores trends in both servomotors and servosystems and how these trends relate to applications when a manufacturing firm retrofits or upgrades its products.