Position monitoring

Position monitoring and correction

Even if stepper motors do not lose steps during normal operation, the integrated speed control provides additional security in all operating modes, e.g. against motor stalling or other external sources of error. The monitoring function detects a stalled motor or step loss after half a step at the most (for 1.8  stepper motors). The accuracy of the position monitoring is, therefore, 0.9° and an optical encoder is required on the stepper motor.

It is also possible to retravel the path if too few steps have been traveled. A set for error correction is selected in NanoPro for this purpose. The motor then travels to the target position with these profile parameters. It is recommended not to travel too quickly here as otherwise there is a danger of losing a step.

Encoder

Position monitoring functions only with an optical encoder. The SMCI32 and SMCI47 positioning controls require an encoder with a resolution of precisely 500 increments/revolution. The new SMCI33 and SMCI47-S positioning controls can work with all encoder resolutions. Here, however, we also recommend at least 500 pulses.
Nanotec offers the matching encoders for stepper motors, BLDC motors and also for linear actuators.
Currently no other position measuring instruments, such as a glass scale, can be read.