Tutorials

Learn all about motion and I/O control by viewing Galil's informative on-line tutorials. Categories offered are Tuning, System Design, Motion Controllers, Software Tools, Motors & Drives, I/O Contol, and a Miscellaneous section.

This tutorial covers the basic principles of stepping motors and stepping motor control systems, including the electronics of basic control systems, the physics of steppers, and software architectures for motor control.

The Motion Control Technical Library is a free online resource covering motion fundamentals, mechatronics, stepper motion, custom motion controls, servo motion, motion, DAQ, and vision, piezo motion, example programs, control algorithms, case studies, position feedback, and selection guides.

The tutorials in this series will teach you specific topics of common measurement applications by explaining theoretical concepts and providing practical examples. You will learn about the fundamentals of a motion control system including software, motion controller, drive, motor, feedback devices and I/O.

This article discusses the basics of PID (Proportional, Integral and Differential) and servos. PID is a compensation technique to improve the performance of a servo. Servos with a good internal velocity loop will provide many of the benefits of PID. If no velocity (tachometer) loop exists, PID should be considered. Try to keep designs simple and introduce complexity only when necessary.

Six methods are discussed in this tutorial that can be used to increase throughput without increasing vibration or settling time when dealing with motion control. A hybrid of multiple methods can be used if the throughput needed is still not achieved.

Examples given in this tutorial show some of the many applications used to realize the advantages of piezoelectric positioning technology to its full extent. The push for more accuracy and speed, whether in bio-nanotechnology, semiconductor/metrology, photonics/fiber optics, or data storage devices, drives both the application and the development of piezo technology.

The following tutorial gives a detailed look at piezo actuator theory and its operation. PZT ceramics (piezoceramics) are available in many variations and are still the most widely used materials for actuator applications today.