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DIRECT DRIVE SINGLE AXIS POSITIONERS

Direct drive actuators are usually used where:

1. high accuracy is important (no backlash),

2. inertial stabilisation is required (low friction), or

3. high rates are required.

Examples include an actuator for a Direction-finding Antenna (400 RPM maximum rate), and individual actuators to position each axis of a Radar Jamming system (inertial stabilisation).

M-TEK uses Brushless DC motors, with resolver feedback. The resolver is used both for angle tell-back, and for commutation of the motor. Where high accuracy is required, dual-speed resolvers are used. Slip rings may be included (to allow continuous rotation), possibly including through-holes for RF rotary joints.

The control electronics usually consists of a RISC Processor driving an IGBT power stage, to control the motor current, rate and angle. Specific modes (such as search patterns) can be provided, in addition to basic rate and position control.