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Integrated smart motor is ‘one of the smallest’
Published:  06 January, 2014

The German motor-maker Faulhaber has collaborated with the Swiss motion controls specialist Technosoft to produce one of the world’s smallest smart motors for speed and position control. The motor-drive uses EtherCat communications and supports the CAN–over–EtherCat protocol.

The 32mm-diameter servomotor, based on a four-pole Faulhaber design with an ironless stator and a dynamically balanced rotor, avoids cogging and is said to be ideal for low-inertia loads.

The motor incorporates a single-turn absolute position sensor that provides 4,096 counts per revolution for accurate speed and position control, down to 5 arc-minutes. It has a top speed of 6,000 rpm and a stall torque of 9 mNm. It can be fitted with a choice of gearheads.

The modular controller, based on Technosoft’s MotionChip technology, includes 7 I/O. It can be configured, tuned and programmed using Technosoft’s EasyMotion Studio graphical platform.

The integrated smart motor is a joint development between Technosoft and Faulhaber

The drive can operate as an independent intelligent device using Technosoft’s Motion Language – for example, for customising homing routines to match the application. Stand-alone single- or multi-axis applications with communication between drives are possible without needing a CAN master.