Glossary of Terms
Ndrive HL User’s Manual
A-4 www.aerotech.com
Force, Peak
The maximum value of force that a particular motor can
produce. When sizing for a specific application, the peak force is
usually that required during acceleration and deceleration of the
move profile. The peak force is used in conjunction with the
continuous force and duty cycle to calculate the RMS force
required by the application.
Friction
The resistance to motion between two surfaces in contact with
each other.
G.P.I.B.
A standard protocol, analogous to RS-232, for transmitting
digital information. The G.P.I.B. interface (IEEE-488) transmits
data in parallel instead of serial format. (See IEEE-488)
Gain
Comparison or ratio of the output signal and the input signal. In
general, the higher the system gain, the higher the response.
Grating Period
Actual distance between graduations on an encoder.
Hall Effect Sensors
Feedback device (HED) used in a brushless servo system to
provide information for the amplifier to electronically commutate
the motor.
HED
Hall Effect Device. (See Hall Effect Sensors)
HMI
Human Machine Interface. Used as a means of getting operator
data into the system. (See MMI)
Home
Reference position for all absolute positioning movements.
Usually defined by a home limit switch and/or encoder marker.
Home Switch
A sensor used to determine an accurate starting position for the
home cycle.
Hysteresis
A component of bidirectional repeatability. Hysteresis is the
deviation between actual and commanded position and is
created by the elastic forces in the drive systems.
I/O
Input / Output. The reception and transmission of information
between control devices using discrete connection points.
IEEE-488
A set of codes and formats to be used by devices connected via
a parallel bus system. This standard also defines communication
protocols that are necessary for message exchanges, and
further defines common commands and characteristics. (See
G.P.I.B.)
Incremental Move
A move referenced from its starting point (relative move).
Inertia
The physical property of an object to resist changes in velocity
when acted upon by an outside force. Inertia is dependent upon
the mass and shape of an object.
Lead Error
The deviation of a lead screw or ball screw from its nominal
pitch.
Lead Screw
A device for translating rotary motion into linear motion. Unit
consists of an externally threaded screw and an internally
threaded carriage (nut). (See Ball Screw)
Life
The minimum rated lifetime of a stage at maximum payload
while maintaining positioning specifications.
Limit Switch
A sensor used to determine the end of travel on a linear motion
assembly.
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