Linear motion technologies like electric linear actuators are the technologies that make actuator automation easier, more convenient and more efficient. This became possible due to the great adjustability of this technology. However, this technology has gained even greater success thanks to the micro linear actuators - smaller actuator units usually implemented for more accurate, petite, and fragile automation where small electric equipment is needed. To control this type of actuator, as well as other actuator types, unique microcontrollers are required. But instant changes in the work of electric microactuators demand a careful approach to ensure this technology's safe and correct functioning.
Means to Control Actuators
Since microactuators' dimensions are relatively small, the microcontrollers used to adjust their performance must also be equal in dimensions to fit in the concept of small actuator solutions. For example, Progressive Automations' microactuator model PA-07 represents the perfect actuator model that takes the minimum space while functioning and provides minimum force indicators. It can be controlled with the help of microcontroller technology. But what are these microcontrollers?
What are Microcontrollers
The developers of the microcontroller (also known as the MSU) came up with an ultimate idea - to combine the processor, memory, ROM, and peripherals inside one enclosure that looks like a regular microcircuit. Since then, the production of microcontrollers annually often exceeds the production of processors. Nowadays, microcontrollers continue to be among the most demanded products in the automation market as their need has not decreased, and even vice-versa, increased due to the rising tendency to implement automation in various spheres of industry and everyday life. These small mechanical devices help to optimize the work of microactuators, making these devices work more effectively and accurately while increasing the actuators’ duty cycle, sometimes even by a few times longer. Moreover, thanks to the microcontrollers used to automate microactuators, they can work in a more complicated manner and be used as the operational mechanism inside bigger and more complex devices.
Microcontrollers and Functional Algorithms
Microcontrollers can provide different patterns for actuators’ performance. This may be of great service when the craftsman needs to create a totally new functional device that must perform its duties in an extremely changeable or variable manner or when under unstable environmental conditions that demand the micro actuator to change the manner of functioning when taking into account certain variables like workload, humidity, etc. With the help of this technology, the whole algorithms for micro electric linear actuators functioning can be created. Furthermore, microcontrollers used along with micro electric linear actuators allow for avoiding unwanted mistakes in the actuators’ performance caused by possible miscalculations. Also, microcontrollers allow adjusting the actuators to work independently without human influence or even presence.
Microcontroller Selection
When selecting the proper microcontroller for the microlinear actuator, some major standards play an integral role in describing the microcontroller as reliable. These standards are extensive travel - provided by the compatibility of the actuator and the microcontroller; high precision - achieved by the accurate pre-programmed pattern of work; fast switching - gained thanks to fast connection signals; low power consumption - achieved through the smart design of the microcontroller and the proper combination of microcontroller and actuator pair; and integrability - achieved through the universal design and simple but at the same time convenient dimensions and parameters.
With the proper microcontroller device chosen to be used along with the linear microactuator, the performance and the stable work of the linear motion mechanism will never be doubted. The synergy of these two technologies creates a powerful solution that can be used to solve numerous automation solutions required in the modern industrial world and the developed technological environment.
