A servo drive is a fundamental element in a motion control system. A motion control system also includes a servo motor, controller and a feedback element.
A servo drive communicates and tells the servo motor in precise detail, what to do, when to do it and how to do it. Servo drives are also referred to as amplifiers because they take the control signal from the controller and amplify it in order to deliver a certain amount of voltage and current to the motor. In this way a servo drive is responsible for powering the servo motor by taking a command signal for position, velocity or current and adjusting the voltage and current applied to the servo motor based on closed-loop feedback.
Servo drives can, depending on the application, regulate and coordinate the servo motors desired position, spend torque and more. They are also able to account for expected errors.
Types of Servo Drives and Their Application
There are many types and options of servo drives to choose from. With such a wide variety it can be difficult to make the right choice and find the servo drive that will meet all the needs of your specific application. Servo drives have different power ranges, sizes, network options, intelligence, form factors, digital features, etc. When selecting a servo drive it is important to carefully consider all the needs you might have for your project and weigh that against the options available.
To make the right choice it is advised to set the parameters for your motion control system. This is based on your specific application. Once you have done this, it is easier to identify a servo drive that will fulfil your requirements.
Generally used to control the speed, position and torque of brushless servo motors, servo drives can be suitable for static and mobile industries. Some of these industries and applications include;
- Industrial automation including robotics
- Aerospace and defence
- Laboratory automation
- Satellite communication
- Offshore including subsea and down-hole
- Extreme outdoor operation
- Ground mobile
- Marine
Parker Servo Drives South Africa
Parker Hannifin is a well-known global leader in motion control technologies. They have a wide variety of servo drives to choose from. At EP Normand we stock a selection of Parker servo drives, ensuring that you are able to find the servo drive to suit your needs.
What to Expect When Looking at Servo Drive Price
Servo drives can be priced anywhere between R3000 and R24 000. Their prices vary depending on the quality and features of the drive. To find out exactly what servo drive would best accomplish your needs and what prices you can expect to purchase the servo drive you require, contact us at EP Normand.