An intelligent linear actuator and its control system

This paper presents a very compact multisensory linear actuator and its control system. The key element of this linear actuator system is the DLR patented planetary roller spindle drive (PRSD/sup R/). With a volume of 50/spl times/50/spl times/104 mm (length/spl times/width/spl times/height), it can output more than 100 kg force and achieve a displacement of 50 mm with a resolution of 2 /spl mu/m. A compact microcontroller based stand-alone system enables the actuator to only need 3 cables for the RS232 and 5 cables for the RS422 serial communication with any commercial PC, in addition to 2 cables for the power supply.