Curtiss-Wright's command of motors: hitherto known in the defence world for its electromechanical drives developed with a view to eliminating hydraulics in armoured vehicle production and upgrades, Curtiss-Wright in Switzerland has embarked on a new activity with two aims.In fact, the industrial activities of the company can be traced back in the 1950s, when it was known as SIG Antriebstechnik (drive techniques) until it came under the fold of North Carolina-based Curtiss-Wright Controls. Still based in Neuhausen near Schaffhausen, the Swiss segment of Curtiss-Wright continues to develop state-of-the-art electromechanical The use of electricity to run moving parts. Disk drives, printers and motors are examples. Electromechanical systems must be designed for the eventual deterioration of moving components that wear over time. The first TVs were electromechanical systems (see video/TV history). drives, but also tilting tilt 1 v. tilt·ed, tilt·ing, tilts v.tr. 1. To cause to slope, as by raising one end; incline: tilt a soup bowl; tilt a chair backward. 2. controls for high-speed trains, as well as highly specialised Adj. 1. specialised - developed or designed for a special activity or function; "a specialized tool" specialized specific - (sometimes followed by `to') applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique; "rules with semi-active suspensions for armoured vehicles armoured vehicle Motor vehicle with plating for protection against bullets, shells, or other projectiles that moves on wheels or tracks. The tank is the chief armoured vehicle for larger military forces. . One of the latest developments in this field is the high-performance Hydrops. Configuration of the latter can be standard (i.e. all in line with the gas chamber and the telescopic tel·e·scop·ic adj. 1. Of or relating to a telescope. 2. Seen or obtained by means of a telescope: telescopic data. 3. element) or, when space is a concern, as a twin-tube design whereby the gas chamber is parallel with the telescopic element. This is undoubtedly a boon Boon A general term that refers to a benefit or improvement for investors. This can include such things as increased dividends, a stock market rally and stock buybacks. Notes: when it comes to fitting top performance dampers to upgraded armoured vehicles which have a strong propensity to put on some weight in any upgrade process. They can thus be fitted with the same damping damping In physics, the restraint of vibratory motion, such as mechanical oscillations, noise, and alternating electric currents, by dissipating energy. Unless a child keeps pumping a swing, the back-and-forth motion decreases; damping by the air's friction opposes the technology as that of the latest German armoured vehicle, the Puma, no less. Having spotted a void in the field of multiple-axis electric motor control systems, Curtiss-Wright not only decided to fill it, but to do so in a flexible manner and by making a maximum use of commercial off-the-shelf Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) is a term for software or hardware, generally technology or computer products, that are ready-made and available for sale, lease, or license to the general public. (cots) hardware and software. Most specifically in the firm's cross-hairs are all the electric motors that drive remotely-controlled devices, such as overhead light gun turrets Turrets can mean or be confused with:
missile launcher n → lance-missiles m missile launcher missile n and autoloaders, the sweep angle of which need to be accurately monitored. This concerns newbuilds as well as retrofit ret·ro·fit v. ret·ro·fit·ted or ret·ro·fit, ret·ro·fit·ting, ret·ro·fits v.tr. 1. To provide (a jet, automobile, computer, or factory, for example) with parts, devices, or equipment not in programmes. The challenge is to get the items to move as quickly as possible and stop dead on the required spot. The result of Curtiss-Wright's designers' efforts is the Smart Motion Controller that was unveiled in June 2006 at Eurosatory (see Armada An earlier brand name for laptop computers from Compaq. The line was noted for its quality and innovative features. International 5/2006, page 41) and photographed by the author for the title picture of this article. The unit featured in our title picture is a two-axis system. Before we dwell into the technical aspects, it must be emphasised that the system was designed from the outset to offer maximum flexibility, not only from a user's point of view, but also from a designer's standpoint. In other words Adv. 1. in other words - otherwise stated; "in other words, we are broke" put differently , not only is the overall concept flexible enough to offer a number of channels (up to four in a standard casing) but it can also be tested by a potential client and subsequently remodelled by Curtiss-Wright to meet needs in terms of physical constraints. This also applies to the SmartView software, which is Windows-based and can thus be tailor-cut and trimmed to fit the application. With such an approach, development to customer specification can be significantly reduced. The same cots approach applies to the peripherals, such as the hand-controls (joysticks)--a philosophy that leads to lower development and production cost, and thereby shorter delivery times. In terms of customers, interest seems to be growing apace since Rafael, Kongsberg and CMI (Computer-Managed Instruction) Using computers to organize and manage an instructional program for students. It helps create test materials, tracks the results and monitors student progress. (the latter for an autoloader application) have already approached Curtiss-Wright. Technical Characteristics Typically, each controller can handle a 2000-watt motor output under 28 volts. Essentially a single-card unit, it carries its own power electronics and heat sink A material that absorbs heat. Typically made of aluminum, heat sinks are widely used in amplifiers and other electronic devices that build up heat. Small heat sinks are the most economical method for cooling microprocessors and other chips. , but is only 76 mm wide (three inches), and four will fit in a standard 3HE, 19-inch rack. Independent card modules are simply linked together, providing flexibility and maximum upgrade potential. The customer can link as many units as his traffic will allow.
Smart Controller 2000 Particulars
Electrical Data
Supply voltage: 18 to 32 VDC
according MIL-STD 1275-B
Maximum motor
power output: 2000W
Maximum output
current (rms): 80A
Continuous output
current (rms): 35A
Ambient temperature range:
--at full performance -40, +50 [degrees]C
--reduced performance +51 +71 [degrees]C
Interference immunity with
housing and EMI filter: MIL-STD 461 F
Dimensions and Weight
Smart Controller insert
module: Europe Format 3-inch
L x W x H 173 x 76 x 129mm
[??] volume 1.7 litre
Weight (approximate): 460 grams
Enclosure: Rugged construction
L x W x H 239 x 275 x 166mm
2 axis controller [??] volume 10.9 litre
with EMI Filter
Motor Feedback
Resolver: Sin/Cos 12-bit resolution
Encoder "Hyperface": Single- and Multiturn 19-bit res.
Interfaces
Field bus: CANopen
System setup: System configuration via
Personal Computer-based
Smartview
Service Interface: RS 485 asynchron, full duplex
468k Baud
Controller
4 analogue inputs: [+ or -] [10 VDC, resolution 12-bit
4 digital inputs: 0/18 32 VDC; 1 OSA;
optoisolator
2 digital outputs: 0/18 32 VDC; 30mA;
optoisolator, type: open
collector
Brake driver: 18 to 32 VDC,
5A max.
Control Loops
Velocity loop: Adjustable PID controller
Current loop: PID controller
Sinusoidal current control
reduces torque ripple
Build in test
Temperature Temp. sensor in motor
NTC 5k Ohm and power electronics
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