Stepper motors produce accurate, computer-controlled motion for applications such as robotic arms and paper-feed mechanisms for printers. They require current pulses delivered through a special ...

The world is digital today, and most information is represented in numbers. However, human nature is more “analog” and better represented in the old-fashioned way, using pointer gauges and bar graphs.

The amount of noise in a motor depends on the type of motor, environmental conditions, and the specific application. Permanent magnet and hybrid stepper motors are generally quieter, as they have a ...

Potentiometers, or variable resistors, are a standard component that we take for granted. If it says “10k log” on a volume pot, than we fit and forget. But if like [Ben Holmes] you are modelling ...

The ABCs of PID control. Considerations for interfacing elements in the electrical circuit to accomplish those parts of the PID function for position control. Firmware code implementation.

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) defines a servo device as “an adjustable-speed AC power drive system that includes an AC motor integrated by feedback, a converter, and control, ...

One of the challenges that face motion-control engineers is how to properly select a motor. If the motor is undersized or too small, it will not handle load. If the motor is oversized or too large, ...

Camera sliders are great creative tools, letting you get smooth controlled shots that can class up any production. [Anthony Kouttron] decided to build one for an engineering class, and he ended up ...