Maxim Integrated Releases New Intelligent Actuator for Precise Manufacturing Applications
TRINAMIC, now part of Maxim Integrated, announced their latest actuator, the PD42-1-1243. This actuator combines a host of chipsets to provide an intelligent compact motor solution.
Recently, TRINAMIC, now part of Maxim Integrated, announced their latest actuator, the PD42-1-1243. This actuator combines a host of chipsets to provide an intelligent compact motor solution.
Modernizing Actuators
One of the most essential components in industrial systems is the actuator. These devices convert electrical signals into mechanical motion to control machinery, move assets, and automate many processes.
While actuators come in various forms, one of the most popular types has been the stepper motor as it allows for fine, precise control. However, such motors require specific control signals to operate. If long wires are used between the motor and the controller, electrical noise can cause signals to be missed, thus the motor not turning to the correct position. The same can happen if the motor is locked in place.
Signals sent to the motor may not cause it to turn, as the controller thinks the motor is in one position when the motor is in another position. To avoid this, these motors can incorporate encoders that report an accurate position of the motor. From there, the controller can make adjustments until the motor is in the correct angular position.
TRINAMIC New PD42-1-1243 Actuators
TRINAMIC, now part of Maxim Integrated), released its latest actuator, the PD42-1-1243. This system integrates a NEMA-17 motor with a control system to provide an intelligent actuator that provides a wide range of different features, control, and advantages over other discrete methods.
The TRINAMIC New PD42-1-1243 actuators. Image courtesy of Maxim Integrated.
The actuator operates on a wide range of voltages from +6V to 28V and consumes current up to 1.2A RMS. The new actuator uses the TMC2130-LA and MAX22513, which utilizes the IO-LINK two-way universal interface. This is a short distance bi-directional wired communication.
The link is designed with sensors and actuators that serve as a form of Ethernet. These components aim to provide platforms with a network whereby sensors and devices can share data in applications involving IIoT and automation.
The IO-LINK interface pairs with the MAX22513 transceiver. The actuator itself utilizes an M12 4-pin connector for connecting to an IO-LINK network. Powering the stepper motor is done using the TMC2130, a 2-phase stepper motor controller. Combining the MAX22513 and the TMC2130 allows for the PD42-1-1243 to be compact, consuming 50% less power.
At the heart of the PD42-1-1243 is an ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller that links the IO-LINK transceiver to the stepper motor controller and encoder to create a complete solution.
Intelligent Motor Capabilities
The microcontroller provides more functionality than just command interpretation. It also provides a whole range of different drive modes to create an intelligent motor that can react to the motor in real-time.
Maxim Integrated logo. Image courtesy of Maxim Integrated.
The PD42-1-1243 supports different modes, including PANdrive, stealthChop, spreadCycle, stallGuard2, and coolStep. These modes provide quiet operation, precision, hysteresis operation, stall protection, and current minimization. These features make the PD42-1-1243 suitable for precision applications.
These applications can be laboratory automation, manufacturing, and robotics.
