Linear servo amplifier (LWM7S)

The MACCON LWM7S is a non-switching servo amplifier, also known as a linear servo amplifier or linear servodrive. The LWM7S does not use pulse-width modulation of the DC bus voltage. In this way, current ripple and the resulting torque (or force) ripple are avoided. This makes it suited for semiconductor or optical applications requiring very precise positioning or excellent EMC characteristics.

 

Key features of linear servo amplifier (LWM7S)

The key features of the LWM7S are as follows:

  • Servoamplifier for DC brushed and brushless motors
  • Linear power stage
  • No switching i.e. does not use pulse width modulation, therefore excellent EMC characteristics
  • High-bandwidth, linear current control (16 bit-resolution)
  • Suitable for high precision position control in nanometer area (no PWM-jitter)
  • Suitable for ultra-low-speed speed control applications
  • Up to 300W peak output power
  • 12 to 60Vdc
  • 5Arms cont., 10Arms peak (previous model LWM: 2.5Arms cont., 5Arms peak)

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Servo control of ironless motors for nanometer positioning

When control engineers contemplate difficult tasks such as micrometre / nanometre positioning, as well as aiming for speed stability at very low speeds, they usually think about several key success factors.

Firstly, eliminating cogging force or cogging torque. We can easily achieve this by using ironless motors such as the ones shown on this page. In addition, it is well known that a high-resolution linear encoder system is required. This could be an optical encoder system, such as the ones shown at this link. Finally, they consider the type of servodrive which should be used. Most servodrives use pulse-width modulation of the supply voltage to achieve the required current in the motor windings. However, this leads to current ripple, which in turn produces force ripple (force produced by linear motors is proportional to current). The force ripple makes it impossible to achieve high-precision servo tasks. The solution is to use a non-switching servodrive, also known as a linear amplifier. The MACCON Family of non-switching servodrives can be found at this link.

With the following success factors in place:

  • Ironless motor
  • High-resolution optical encoder
  • Non-switching servodrive (linear amplifier)

we can now look at the remaining puzzle pieces. Of course, we should never forget the issue of cables. High-quality motor and feedback cables which are properly shielded against electromagnetic interference are a must. Last but not least, we need an experienced commissioning engineer to get the described system working. MACCON has a core team of experienced engineers who have supported machine-builders in semiconductors and optics / photonics to achieve the most difficult of nanometre positioning and low-speed motion tasks. Contact us to discuss your needs, engineer-to-engineer!

Do you have technical questions or need a quote?

Contact us today to talk to an experienced MACCON engineer!