In today’s age of data and automation, a feedback device offers exceptional support for machine control.
| Power & Motion Technology | Safety and Training | By Duff-Norton | Jan 01, 0001
In today’s age of data and automation, a feedback device offers exceptional support for machine control. When using any electronic control system, the goal is always the same: to measure, monitor and control a movement as accurately as possible. To do this, feedback devices are used as part of a closed-loop system. A control system monitors an output, and then sends this output information back to the system as a feedback signal, which it uses to compare the actual output with the forecasted one.
You can control and adjust the measured output signal, allowing for greater control and more precisionthroughout a movement.
In this blog post, we highlight the advantages and disadvantages of feedback devices, and why you should consider using them.
Closed-loop systems are continuously feeding back the actual output and analyzing against the desired output. As a result, your machinery can react automatically to whatever the data is telling it. All of this is done within the device itself and requires no manual action.
A feedback device means you have total access to key data and information in real time, meaning you can remain in control and improve the stability of your movement. Insight into performance can provide significant support in ensuring stability, control and consistent precision of the movement.
Often, control systems are used in hazardous and difficult environments. But no matter where you’re operating your machinery, a feedback device will enable you to gain control of your equipment’s output. It also means that your machinery can auto-adjust depending on the external situation it is in.
Having access to information from a feedback device means you can ensure your machinery is reliable, letting you continue to deliver consistent, accurate movements, time after time.
A feedback device sounds like a good idea right now, doesn’t it? Well, like everything, there are a few disadvantages to consider:
Using a feedback device means that there will be a lot of commands and signals passing to and from the controllers, at all times. If a system is too sensitive to changes in the commands or signal, it can produce unreliable movements. This is because the controller will try to over-correct itself. To combat this, you must enter some pre-defined limits and tell the system exactly how you want it to behave. It will adjust accordingly from there.
To provide a high level of information, control and consistent feedback to a machine, a closed-loop system must have one or more feedback paths. This can be complex, impacting cost, space and installation.
Duff-Norton engineers a wide range of controls, for actuator systems with fractional horsepower sizes up to 200 HP. Our various controls include:
Our control solutions can meet the most advanced industrial lifting, positioning, and transfer demands needed to help you gain a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.
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