| actuation system |
equipment to move a load.
Combination of a mechanical component (the
real force or torque generator), of
electrical components (to drive the motor)
and of information technology (to process
the commands). The combination of these
three areas is called mechatronic. |
| actuator |
mechanical
device to generate movements (linear,
rotary). |
| brake
chopper |
electronic
device for the protection against over-voltages.
Usually is is necessary for high dynamic
actuation systems |
| brushless
motor |
technology
for electro-magnetic motors. Needs more
complex electronics, but has simpler
mechanical parts. |
| brush
motor |
technology
for electro-magnetic motors. Needs
simpler electronics, but has more complex
mechanical parts (brushes). |
| control |
The
control allows by measuring the position
(possibly the velocity) a fast and
precise motion. It also greatly reduces
the influences of disturbances (e.g.
additional loads). |
| digital
signal processor, DSP |
highly
specialised fast chip computer. It
enables the control of complex motion
profiles. |
| EMC |
Electro-magnetic
compatibility: the interaction
between electronic components. |
| encoder
(incremental, absolute) |
technology
for position sensors. The function
principle is counting of pulses (incremental)
or comparing of patterns (absolute). |
| FEM
|
finite
element method: method to
calculate mechanical stresses in
mechanical parts. |
| fly-by-wire |
replacement
of mechanical operation devices by
electrical signals. The necessary force
or torque is generated on the spot and is
not transferred. So mechanical links or
shafts are no more necessary. Advantage:
less weight, more precision. |
| harmonic
drive |
technology
for high precision high reduction gear. |
| IGBT |
technology
for electronic power switches (Isolated
Gate Bipolar Transistor);
offer advantages at high supply voltages. |
| linear
drive |
actuator
which moves a load in a linear motion (contrary
to rotary drives). |
| mechatronic |
artificial
phrase from mechanic and
electronic. In recent years
information technology became another
important aspect (software, control). The
combined design of the three fields lays
the foundation of the design of compact
reliable actuation systems. |
| MOSFET |
technology
for electronic power switches (Metal
Oxide Semiconductor Field
Effect Transistor); offer
advantages at high motor currents. |
| piezo
ceramic |
alternative
to traditional electro-magnetic motor in
special applications. Generates extremely
high forces at extremely small
displacements. |
| positioning
system |
alternative
term for "actuation system". |
| potentiometer |
technology
for position sensors. The function
principle is based on the change of the
electrical resistance which is
proportional to the angle (rotary) or the
travel (linear). |
| resolver |
technology
for position sensor., combines precision
and robustness. |
| stepper
motor |
technology
for electrical motors or actuation
systems. The stepper motor can easily
rotate in fixed discrete steps. Counting
the steps replaces the position sensors. |
| rotary
drive |
actuator
which moves a load in a rotary motion (contrary
to linear drives). |
| servo
drive |
alternative
term for "actuation system". |
| x-by-wire |
The
operation of different mechanical loads
by electrical signals (by wire) instead
of links or hydraulic lines was strongly
influenced by aviation (fly by wire), but
is now reaching different areas (e.g.
automobile: brake by wire). |
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