Trinamic has introduced a small, low-power servo control module with integrated motion control for stepper motors that features an on-board magnetic encoder. The single-axis controller-driver module is designed for two-phase bipolar stepper motors used in robotics and automation equipment. It optimizes speed and synchronization of axes for quicker throughput while also reducing power loss by 75 percent, says the company.
“When selecting an energy efficient drive, engineers tend to look at servo drives. However, stepper motors have a considerably higher torque than servo motors of comparable size at low speeds,” said Jonas Proeger, director of business management. “This makes stepper motors well-suited to get rid of a costly and inefficient gearbox without losing positioning accuracy when you combine them with closed-loop control: you get the efficiency of a servo motor at the cost of a stepper motor.”
The TWCM-1321 module features a built-in magnetic encoder and digital inputs for an optical encoder to simplify servo control for advanced feedback and diagnostics. It is more than three times smaller when compared with similar stepper motor solutions, says Trinamic. The encoder can be used when a suitable magnet is attached to the motor axis, enabling also closed-loop operation or, alternatively, an optical encoder can be connected.
Based in Hamburg, Germany, Trinamic Motion Control GmbH was acquired by semiconductor firm Maxim Integrated Products in 2020, bringing together Maxim’s analog power process and communications technology with Trinamic’s motion control expertise. In August 2021, Maxim was acquired by Analog Devices.
Trinamic specializes in ICs, modules, mechatronic systems and motion control toolkits for product developers and produces a variety of motors and encoders. Among them are its PANdrive smart motors that are compact drives complete with all the components needed for ready deployment including motors ranging in size and power along with encoders and control systems. For more info, see www.trinamic.com.
