Absolutely, Alex. In my previous position, the MBTF was actually more important than linear accuracy. It was so true that "others" demanded a spare as part of the standard BOM, rather than on the list of suggestions for our customers. (It was useful too, when the mechanical system fail and destoyed the position sensor - which actually was working quite well).
My experience with resolvers was with ABB industrial robots. The first absolute positioning system I saw used 3 resolvers (IRB 90), followed by 2 (IRB 2000) and finally 1 resolver and a revolution counter (IRB 6400). The feature I thought was most useful was it 'failed-safe'. An axis with an encoder has to fail to show movement feed-back when commanded to move to detect a failure. How far does tha axis move before the lack of position change feed-back causes a fault ? With a resolver, a broken wire causes a failure during initialization.
Environmental protection is frequently a deciding factor in industrial environments. Can it take being hosed down with high pressure, caustic solutions such as is found in food processing? Can it resist coolant or oil?
Positional accuracy seems like the key spec when choosing a rotary encoder, but what about MTBF? Does that come into play at all, especially considering that it's a part which gets a heavy and constant workout?
We are using a RVDT to track the opening percentage of large Ball type valves used in Pipelines to monitor closing sequence and speed. Here, resolution was not necessary, but reliability is of utmost importance; the RVDT is rugged and very reliable. Amclaussen.
By refining topologies and using new fluid technology, Moog's new peak sine drive controller increases available power without increasing controller volume.
Lantronix Inc. has expanded its line of controllers for sensor networks with the release of a rugged controller that improves management of automation systems used in a number of industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and chemicals.
Inspired by the hooks a parasitic worm uses to penetrate its host's intestines, the Karp Lab has invented a flexible adhesive patch covered with microneedles that adheres well to wet, soft tissues, but doesn't cause damage when removed.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
7 
