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Synchronization Control System

Duff-Norton's Synchronization controls provide an electrical solution to synchronizing actuators where mechanical shafting and coupling cannot be achieved. We offer synchronization controls for systems using multiple electric motors. Our controls are designed to hold a tolerance that will meet your application specifications

Specifications

Synchronization Controls Comparison Chart

Control Type Ease of Installation Accuracy Tolerance System Flexibility Longevity Overall System Performance Cost
Motor Starter

★ ★

 ★

★

 ★ ★ ★ $
VFDs ★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★★ ★★ $$
Servo Motors ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★ ★★★ $$$
★= Good     ★★=Better     ★★★=Best   

Standard Synchronization Control Methods

Method 1 - Synchronization Using Motor Starters

Synch-Motor-Starters.jpg

 
  • Encoder 1 and 2 communicate the position of both jack 1 and jack 2 to the controller.
  • The controller turns motor starter 1 and 2 on or off depending on the position of jack 1 and 2.
  
  • Motor starter 1 and 2 apply power to jack motors 1 and 2 based on encoder feedback to keep the system synchronized.

Method 2 - Synchronization Using Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)

Synch-VFD.jpg

 
  • Encoder 1 and 2 communication the position of both jack 1 and 2 to the controller.
  • The controller commands VFD 1 and 2 to change output frequency to motor 1 and 2 based on each jacks position.
  

  • VFD 1 and 2 change output frequency to both motor 1 and 2 based on the encoder feedback to keep the system synchronized.

  

Method 3 - Synchronization Using Servo Motors With Absolute Encoders

SynchServoAbsolute-Encoders.jpg

 
  • The controller commands servo drive 2 to follow server drive 1.
  • Servo drive 2 adjusts the output power to servo motor 2 in order to keep jack 2 in sync with jack 1.
  
  • Integrated absolute encoders in both servo motors feedback position to the controller.