Tutorial podcast: Planning motion control projects

Motion control and mechatronics expert Lee Stephens, senior motion control engineer at Danaher, describes the steps he takes when planning a motion control project in a new podcast entitled “Modeling for motion control design,” available at www.controleng.com. In the podcast, Stephens takes listeners through the entire system life cycle, from concept to maintenance, and describes ho...

By Control Engineering Staff September 1, 2008

Motion control and mechatronics expert Lee Stephens, senior motion control engineer at Danaher, describes the steps he takes when planning a motion control project in a new podcast entitled “Modeling for motion control design,” available at www.controleng.com .

In the podcast, Stephens takes listeners through the entire system life cycle, from concept to maintenance, and describes how modeling bolsters effective operations at every step.

“Armed with a model,” he asserts, “you have a lot more information at your disposal than if you had done a hit-or-miss job. You probably have enough information to troubleshoot it, even after it’s a product. The model doesn’t go away!”

Stephens also details the information needed at each step and where to get it. He covers how to start with basic system requirements documentation, selecting the best top-level system design, evaluating control components, and verifying system performance through prototype testing.

To listen to or download the podcast for free, visit www.controleng.com , click on the Podcasts tab, then click on “view all podcasts,” and select “Modeling for Motion Control.”

This podcast was recorded during research for the July 2008 Control Engineering print magazine cover story entitled “Modeling in Motion,” which describes how the convergence of mechanical, electrical, and software engineering is changing the face of motion control design and development.