Abstract: Electromagnetic actuators are provided, which generate bidirectional linear force output without magnetic bias from current or permanent magnets. Systems and methods based on the electromagnetic actuators are also provided. In particular, an electromagnetic actuator having a shaft, an axial bearing, coil assembly, top and bottom stationary flux returns, and top and bottom magnetic flux sensors to measure flux crossing the respective top and bottom axial air gaps.

Abstract: A setting tool for driving fastening elements into a substrate comprises a holder for holding a fastening element; a drive-in element for transferring a fastening element held in the holder into the substrate along a setting axis; and, a drive for driving the drive-in element toward the fastening element along the setting axis, wherein the drive comprises an electrical capacitor, which is arranged on the setting axis or around the setting axis.

Abstract: A transport apparatus includes an electric motor having a mover and coils, and a control device that controls the electric motor and includes a measuring unit and a control unit. The coils drives the mover by applying a current to each of the coils. The measuring unit measures an impedance of each coil. The control unit controls the current flowing through each of the coils based on a third current command value in which a first current command value, indicating a current corresponding to a thrust command value indicating a thrust applied to the mover, and a second current command value, indicating a current for measuring the impedance, are superimposed. The control unit determines the second current command value such that the mover does not receive a thrust due to a component corresponding to the second current command value in the current flowing through each coil when measuring the impedance.

Abstract: A linear motor system includes: a stator including first to tenth coils; a mover including a permanent magnet; a switcher that switches one or more power supply target coils; and a control device that supplies power to the one or more power supply target coils by using a deviation integral value obtained by integrating a speed deviation that is a difference between an instructed speed of the mover and an actual speed of the mover. The control device includes: a compensator that calculates a post-division deviation integral value by dividing a post-summation deviation integral value, which is a value obtained by summing the deviation integral value used to supply power to each of the one or more power supply target coils immediately before the switching, by the total number of the one or more power supply target coils immediately after the switching; and a current control unit.

Abstract: A position detection system includes: two magnet rows including a plurality of magnets arrayed cyclically and repeatedly with an array pattern as one cycle in a detection direction, a magnet in the magnet row and a magnet in the magnet row facing each other at surfaces having different polarities at a specific position in the detection direction; a magnetic sensor disposed between the two magnet rows, a relative position of the magnetic sensor relative to the two magnet rows in the X-axis direction being variable; and a determiner that determines a position of the magnetic sensor in an predetermined direction relative to the two magnet rows based on a detection value of the magnetic sensor.

Abstract: A motor controller is provided that executes a commutation routine in one of a plurality of operating modes to regulate current provided to drive coils in a linear motion system. The motor controller generated currents for each of the drive coils in a first operating mode to minimize the copper losses in the drive coils, in a second operating mode to maximize the force applied to the mover, in a third operating mode to provide balanced currents between the drive coils, and in a fourth operating mode to provide currents according to a selected operating point that combines characteristics of the first three operating points. The motor controller may also monitor each of the drive coils for saturation and redistribute at least a portion of the current required to control operation of the mover to the other drive coils when one of the drive coils is saturated.

Abstract: A magnetic field propulsion unit includes a magnetic field generating device with multiple conductive lines conduct a current to generate a magnetic field; a contact breaker arrangement individually transitions each of the multiple conductive lines from a conductive state to a non-conductive state; an energy supply unit provides the magnetic field generating device with electrical energy; and a control unit controls the energy supply unit so that energy supply to each individual conductive line is controlled and control the contact breaker arrangement. The multiple conductive lines are arranged along a longitudinal axis. The control unit supplies a first conductive line with electrical energy so that a first magnetic field surrounding the first conductive line is generated, transitions the first conductive line to a non-conductive state, and supplies a second conductive line with electrical energy so that a second magnetic field is generated.

Abstract: A linear propulsion system and method of assembling and testing the same is disclosed. The linear propulsion system may comprise a track, a vehicle, a mover mounted to the vehicle, and a dual inverter system. The track may comprise a first plurality of stator sections interleaved with a second plurality of stator sections. The dual inverter system may include first and second multi-phase inverters that share input hardware.

Abstract: Driving an electromotor and a brushed electromotor in particular results in ripples in the supply current. The amount of pulses is proportional to the amount of revolutions of the rotor of the electromotor. With a flawless motor, the amount of pulses is the same with each revolution. Flaws of the electromotor, in brushes, rotor, windings and/or other components, results in fluctuations of pulses in the supply current per revolution of the rotor. By comparing an expected amount of pulses to counted pulses and using various physical parameters of the electromotor, various methods may be employed to correct a counted amount of pulses or otherwise provide an appropriate value representing displacement of the rotor of the electromotor. The time between counted pulses may also be used for determining slip of a slip coupling comprised by a drive train to which the electromotor may be coupled.

Abstract: A setting tool driving fastening elements, comprising a holder for a fastening element; a drive-in element transferring a fastening element in the holder into a substrate along a setting axis by a setting energy Ekin of at least 30 J and at most 600 J; a drive for driving the drive-in element toward the fastening element along the setting axis, the drive comprising a capacitor, a rotor on the drive-in element; and, an excitation coil, which during discharge of the capacitor is flowed through by current and generates a magnetic field accelerating the drive-in element toward the fastening element, the drive-in element having a piston diameter dK and a piston mass mK, and wherein, for dK, 2 3 ? ( a + b ? E k ? i ? n n ) ? d K ? 4 3 ? ( a + b ? E k ? i ? n n ) where a=33 mm, b=6 mmJ?n and n=? and/or, for mK, 2 3 ? ( c + d ? E k ? i ? n n ) ? m K ? 5 3 ? ( c + d ? E k ? i ? n n ) where c=20 g, d=30 gJ?n and n=?.

Abstract: A bond test apparatus includes a test tool, a stage for mounting a bond for testing, and a drive mechanism comprising a voice coil. The voice coil is coupled to either the stage or to the test tool and is configured to provide relative movement between the stage and the test tool such that the bond applies a test force to the test tool. The bond test apparatus can also include a velocity sensor configured to sense an instantaneous relative velocity between the stage and the test tool, and a controller configured to control the drive mechanism in response to a signal from the velocity sensor. The bond test apparatus can also include a retarding mechanism coupled to the stage or the test tool and configured to apply, in response to relative movement between the stage and the test tool, a retarding force opposing the driving force.

Abstract: A system is described in which a magnetic mover includes at least one mover identification device. The system also includes a stator defining a work surface and including an actuation coil assembly and at least one stator identification device operable to interact with the at least one mover identification device. One or more sensors are used to sense a position of the first magnetic mover. One or more stator driving circuits are used to drive the actuation coil assembly to thereby move the first magnetic mover over the work surface. The first magnetic mover includes one or more magnetic components positioned such that interaction of one or more magnetic fields emitted by the one or more magnetic components with one or more magnetic fields generated by the actuation coil assembly when driven by the one or more stator driving circuits enables movement of the first magnetic mover in at least two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe automated systems and methods to assemble a garment, such as a T-shirt. Some embodiments provide for systems and methods for transferring and manipulating fabrics and joining garment components during garment manufacturing in a way that is more suitable to automation. Some embodiments provide for garment manufacturing systems and methods that are reconfigurable to enable both mass production of customized garments and small batch processing with reduced human intervention.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiment provide a sliding step assembly for a vehicle or a rail vehicle, comprising at least one footboard, which is guided on a guiding device for movement along a travel path between a retracted position and an extended position by driving by a drive. The drive contains at least one electrical linear motor operating without contact, wherein the driving force of the electrical linear motor is transferred to the footboard without mechanical connection.

Abstract: A load abnormality detecting circuit for an inverter to detect abnormality of a load during an operation of the inverter which has a switching element and a phase synchronizing loop controlling an output frequency to be a resonance frequency of the load, the load abnormality detecting circuit includes a phase shift detection part that detects a phase shift between an output voltage and an output current which are applied from the inverter to the load and sends an abnormal load signal based on the detected phase shift. The switching element including a self-arc-extinguishing element and a reflux diode connected in reversely parallel to the self-arc-extinguishing element. The phase shift detection part detects advance and delay of a phase of the output current with respect to the output voltage.

Abstract: An oscillating apparatus, such as a tattooing apparatus applying an electric motor such as a linear motor, and a first sensor and a controller. A method for controlling an oscillating apparatus such as a tattooing apparatus, includes a controller and various sensors to control, among other things, the position, velocity and acceleration of a needle either directly or via a needle connector.

Abstract: A linear positioning platform and a linear positioning system based on magnetic transmission are disclosed. The linear positioning platform includes a moving magnetic linear motor module and a magnetic transmission linear positioning module. The moving magnet linear motor module includes a base, a stator coil, a first yoke, and motor poles. There is a gap between the stator coil and motor pole. The magnetic transmission linear positioning module includes first mover poles, a magnetizing skeleton, a plurality of magnetizing blocks, a second yoke, and second mover poles. There is a gap between the first mover pole and magnetizing block and also between the magnetizing block and second mover pole. The linear positioning platform and linear positioning system have the characteristics of low cost, compact structure, high utilization rate of permanent magnets, high speed, high precision, high dynamic response, etc., which greatly promotes the development of related fields.

Abstract: A wire bonding system is provided including a bond head assembly carrying a wire bonding tool. A wire bonding system also includes a linear motor system for driving the bond head assembly along a first horizontal axis. The linear motor system includes a moving magnet assembly including a magnet track and a plurality of permanent magnets coupled to the magnet track; a coil assembly arranged around the moving magnet assembly, the coil assembly including a plurality of teeth having first slots therebetween, the coil assembly also including a plurality of coils at least partially disposed in at least a portion of the slots; a position encoder system; a damper element positioned between the coil assembly and a base structure of the linear motor system; and a spring element positioned between the coil assembly and the base structure of the linear motor system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a fastener-driving tool that includes a battery-charged supercapacitor as a power source. The fastener-driving tool includes first and second spaced-apart, conductive rails and a partially conductive piston slidably mounted on the rails. The rails and the piston are electrically connected to one another. The supercapacitor is electrically connected to the first rail. When the supercapacitor discharges electrical current, the electrical current flows from the supercapacitor, into the first rail, through the piston into the second rail, and from the second rail. The electrical current induces magnetic fields in the rails and the piston, and the combination of the electrical current and the magnetic fields induce a Lorentz force that acts on the piston to move the piston toward a nosepiece to drive a fastener.

Abstract: A linear actuator includes a guide rail, a wall portion, a coil, a heat transfer member, a heat radiation member, and a heat insulation member. A mover having a permanent magnet is movable along the guide rail. The wall portion is installed on a pedestal and supports the guide rail. The heat transfer member is coupled to the coil and the heat radiation member is coupled to an end of the heat transfer member. The heat insulation member is installed on the pedestal and coupled to the heat radiation member. The heat transfer member is arranged apart from the wall portion.

Abstract: Provided is a system for reducing velocity of a conveyance. The system may include a conveyance. A first member of a linear motor may be attached to the conveyance. A second member of the linear motor may include stator coils. The second member may be separate from the first member and may be separate from the conveyance. The first member may be moveable relative to the second member. A current-interrupting device may selectively shunt at least two coil wires of the stator coils by shorting the at least two coil wires. A method for reducing velocity of a conveyance and a method for making a system for reducing velocity of a conveyance are also disclosed.

Abstract: A moving member of a machine can include a cold plate that serves as a primary structural member for the moving member. The cold plate can have one or more cooling channels formed within the cold plate. A plurality of armature windings can be fixed to the cold plate. One or more field windings can be fixed to the cold plate. A plurality of ferromagnetic cores can be fixed to the cold plate, each ferromagnetic core positioned within a loop of at least one of the plurality of armature windings. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a DTG printing environment that uses autonomous robots to move garments between DTG processing stages (e.g., retrieval stages, pretreatment stages, printing stages, drying stages, etc.). Doing so removes the dependency of DTG printing process on the stage that consumes the most time. In one embodiment, the DTG processing stages or the autonomous robot include an actuator for moving the garment and the DTG processing stage closer together. In one embodiment, the processing stage includes a lift (e.g., an actuator) that lifts a detachable carrier from the robot on which the garment is mounted. The lift can level and rotate the detachable carrier to provide a fine alignment between the garment and the DTG processing stage. While a lift is specifically disclosed, in other embodiments, the actuator could be disposed on the robot to lift up the garment.

Abstract: An actuator may include a drive motor, an actuatable output, and a sensor for sensing a first sensed parameter in or around the actuator. The first sensed parameter may have a first sensed parameter value that can change with time. The actuator may also include electronics that may identify a first identified value representative of the first sensed parameter value and increment a first counter value when the first identified value falls within a first range of values, and increment a second counter value when the first identified value falls within a second range of values.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and reporting component failures in a linear drive system may identify failed position sensors, failed position magnets, and failed drive coils in the linear drive system. As a mover travels along a track segment in the linear drive system, signals corresponding to the position of the mover and to the current commanded in each drive coil are stored. Analysis of the stored signals identifies whether one of the position sensors along the track segment, one of the position magnets on the movers, or one of the drive coils, used to propel the movers along the track, has failed.

Abstract: A linear compressor includes, a cylinder, a piston configured to reciprocate inside the cylinder, a motor configured to supply driving force to the piston, a detector configured to detect a motor current and a motor voltage that are applied to the motor, and a controller configured to estimate a stroke of the piston based on the motor current and the motor voltage and to determine a phase difference between the stroke and the motor current. The controller is configured to detect operation information of the linear compressor, determine whether to perform a resonance operation based on the operation information, and control operation of the motor to allow the phase difference to be within a preset phase range.

Abstract: A system may include a processing engine and an analog-to-digital conversion interface subsystem communicatively coupled to the processing engine. The processing engine may be configured to process feedback data converted from analog feedback data to digital feedback data, wherein the feedback data includes a plurality of data stream sequences converted from the analog feedback data to the digital feedback data at a sample rate and based on processing of the feedback data, generate digital control signals for controlling a system under control. The analog-to-digital conversion interface subsystem may be configured to flexibly control the processing of the processing engine and the generation of digital control signals by the processing engine to minimize latency in the generation of the digital control signals due to processing of the processing engine.

Abstract: A system (500) for controlling a linear alternating current (AC) electrodynamic machine (400) includes a linear AC electrodynamic machine (400) with a stationary part (410) with a plurality of discrete stationary sections (412, 414, 416), each stationary section (412, 414, 416) having a poly-phase circuit; a variable frequency drive (VFD) (510) configured to be coupled to a utility power source and to provide output currents, wherein the VFD (510) is operable coupled to the stationary part (410) of the linear AC electrodynamic machine (400) for powering and controlling the stationary sections (412, 414, 416) of the stationary part (410); and a plurality of switches (512, 514, 516) coupled between the VFD (510) and the stationary part (410), wherein the plurality of switches (512, 514, 516) allow connecting or disconnecting the VFD (510) to or from the stationary sections (412, 414, 416).

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a tool and method for alignment adjustment of machinery. The tool may include a bottom plate, a top plate oriented in parallel planes, a low friction intermediate element between bottom plate and top plate, and a hydraulic actuator or electro-mechanic actuator arranged between the bottom plate and the top plate and capable of moving the top plate relative to the bottom plate.

Abstract: High force and low noise linear fine-tooth motors are described herein. Such motors can include armatures having fine teeth separated by narrow slots such that a ratio of a pitch between teeth and a pitch between permanent magnet poles is less than that of a conventional iron-core linear motor. In one embodiment, such a linear motor can include a first component having an armature including a plurality of iron cores surrounded by coil windings, and a second component having a plurality of permanent magnets with alternating polarity. The plurality of iron cores can be spaced apart from one another by an iron core pitch distance and the plurality of permanent magnets can be spaced apart from one another by a permanent magnet pole pitch distance, and a ratio of the iron core pitch to the magnetic pole pitch can be less than 1.33.

Abstract: Control over the operation of an electrically-controlled motor is supported by an interface circuit between the electrically-controlled motor and a near-field radio frequency communication controller. The interface circuit includes a first circuit that receives at least one control set point through a near-field radio frequency communication issued by the near-field radio frequency communication controller. A second circuit of the interface generates one or more electric signals in pulse width modulation based on the control set point.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a lens assembly that includes at least one lens that defines an optical axis, a lens holder coupled to the lens assembly, a substrate, an image sensor disposed on the substrate, and an actuator coupled between the lens holder and the substrate and configured to adjust a position of the substrate relative to the lens assembly to reposition the image sensor along the optical axis. The apparatus also includes a position sensor that includes a magnet and a magnetic field sensor. The position sensor is coupled to the substrate and the lens holder. The magnetic field sensor is configured to generate magnetic field data indicating a position of the substrate relative to the lens holder. The apparatus additionally includes circuitry configured to control the actuator based on the magnetic field data to place the image sensor within a depth of focus of the lens assembly.

Abstract: A direct drive drive actuator includes a base structure and a driven structure that is journally supported and translatable relative to the base structure. The driven structure is disposed in a fixed spacial relationship to the base structure. A plurality of first pole arrays is disposed on the driven structure. A plurality of second pole arrays, corresponding in number to the plurality of first pole arrays is disposed on the base structure. An electrical power source is provided. A controller is coupled to the power source and the first plurality of pole arrays and the second plurality of pole arrays, wherein the controller is configured to selectively electrically energized windings of the first plurality of pole arrays and the second plurality of pole arrays such that an electro-magnetic force is formed between poles of the first plurality of pole arrays and poles of the second plurality of pole arrays.

Abstract: In order to allow for more flexible process control of a transport apparatus in the form of a long stator linear motor, in particular in order to at least intermittently increase the maximum achievable speed of a transport unit without changing the energy-related basic conditions (maximum current or maximum voltage) of the transport apparatus, according to the invention, in order to change a magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit during movement of the transport unit along the transport route, a magnetic reluctance of the magnetic circuit is changed and/or a magnetomotive force of the magnetic circuit is changed on the transport unit.

Abstract: Method for operating a transport apparatus that utilizes a long stator linear motor, the method includes moving a transport unit along a transport route of the long stator linear motor, causing drive magnets arranged on both sides of a main body of the transport unit to interact, at least in a region of a transfer position for transferring the transfer unit between two opposite route portions of the transport route, with drive coils of the opposite route portions of the transport route in order to generate a propulsive force (Fv), utilizing the drive magnets of the transport unit and the drive coils of the transport route of the long stator linear motor as sources of magnetomotive force of a magnetic circuit that develops at least in the region of the transfer position on both sides of the transport unit, and transferring the transport unit between the opposite route portions of the transport route in the transfer position by changing on at least one side of the transfer unit a magnetic flux (?1, ?2) of the m

Abstract: A rigid-flexible coupling motion platform driven by a ball screw includes a base, a linear guide rail fixed to the base, a rigid-flexible coupling platform, a servo motor, a ball screw, a guide rail sliding block, a displacement sensor and a driving controller. The rigid-flexible coupling platform includes a frame and a workbench. The frame and the workbench are connected through a flexible hinge; the servo motor is configured to drive the ball screw; the workbench is connected with the ball screw; the frame is connected with the linear guide rail by the guide rail sliding block; the displacement sensor is configured to feed back the position of the workbench; and the driving controller controls the ball screw to drive the workbench to move according to different control modes. The advantages of the ball screw drive and the rigid-flexible coupling motion platform are fully combined, and the positioning precision of the platform is greatly improved.

Abstract: The vibrator comprises a vibration block, and the vibration block comprises at least one permanent magnet, the stator comprises conductive blocks, and the conductive blocks are subjected to the effect of a magnetic field force which is the same as and/or opposite to the vibration direction of the vibrator. When the vibrator is in a balanced state, the resultant force of the magnetic field force is zero. When the magnetic conductive blocks are subjected to the effect of an excitation force to perform a relative displacement relative to the vibrator in the vibration direction of the vibrator, a direction of the resultant force of the magnetic field forces is the same as the direction of the relative displacement, a magnitude of the resultant force of the magnetic field forces has a proportional relationship with a magnitude of the relative displacement. The conductive blocks are used to replace the stator coils.

Abstract: A linear system includes a linear unit and a motor adapted to drive the linear unit so as to perform a linear movement. A system for detecting the position of the linear unit includes an absolute encoder which is connected to the motor. The absolute encoder is configured so as to detect a position of the linear unit based on a movement of the motor.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an endoscope including an observation optical system including a lens drive mechanism and a video processor connected to the endoscope, and the endoscope apparatus includes a voice coil motor provided in the endoscope and configured to drive a lens relating to the lens drive mechanism and a position detecting apparatus provided in the endoscope and configured to detect a position of the lens. The video processor is configured to determine whether or not the position detecting apparatus is in a heat generating state, and halt actuation of the position detecting apparatus if the video processor determines that the position detecting apparatus is in the heat generating state.

Abstract: An actuator has a first stator with four first poles, a second stator with four second poles aligned with the four first poles, a permanent magnet between the first stator and the second stator, four armatures positioned at terminal ends of the aligned four first poles and four second poles, and coils wrapped around the first stator and the second stator. A controller selectively applies current to the coils to migrate flux created by the permanent magnet through selective poles of the first stator and the second stator to selectively alter air gap sizes associated with the four armatures.

Abstract: A carriage on which a workpiece is supplied and which is transported by a transport path has a reference member that is a reference for positioning of the workpiece. The carriage also has a fixing unit, whose motion is controlled by a control unit provided outside the carriage, that fixes the workpiece. The workpiece, which has been positioned in a first direction on the carriage and has not yet been fixed by the fixing unit, is pressed in a second direction against the reference member by a positioning unit, in which the second direction intersects with the first direction, and the workpiece is positioned on the carriage in the second direction.

Abstract: A transport system includes: a mover having a first magnet group arranged in parallel to a first direction and a second magnet group arranged in parallel to a second direction crossing the first direction; and a plurality of coils arranged in parallel to the first direction so as to be able to face the first magnet group and the second magnet group, and the mover is able to move in the first direction along the plurality of coils by electromagnetic force received by the first magnetic group from the plurality of coils while an attitude of the mover is controlled by electromagnetic force received by the first magnetic group or the second magnetic group from the plurality of coils.

Abstract: An invention relates to a field of oil production, in particular, to installations with displacement pumps driven by submersible linear electric motors, and can be used for production of stratum fluids from a marginal well stock from great depths. The described technical solution implementation ensures unification of a design with simultaneous increase in a manufacturing processability by means of involving of easily removable interoperable modules for its manufacture. Also a described embodiment contributes to decrease in a pump unit dimensions. According to the described embodiment of the invention a telemetry system performance provides an increase in a level of protection from a high-voltage interference with implementation of a hardware-software mode of a surface control unit for checking an insulation. Providing that an arrangement of the described design ensures a reduction in dynamic loads on elements of an electrical motor design and contributes to increase in its operating resource.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to magnetically moveable displacement devices or robotic devices. Particular embodiments provide systems and corresponding methods for magnetically moving multiple movable robots relative to one or more working surfaces of respective one or more work bodies, and for moving robots between the one or more work bodies via transfer devices. Robots can carry one or more objects among different locations, manipulate carried objects, and/or interact with their surroundings for particular functionality including but not limited to assembly, packaging, inspection, 3D printing, test, laboratory automation, etc. A mechanical link may be mounted on planar motion units such as said robots.

Abstract: A hygienic magnetic tray and conveyor. The low-profile tray includes a forcer sandwiched between an article-supporting top and an opposite bottom. The top is made of hygienic material, and the bottom can be made of a low-friction material. The tray is propelled along a guide surface on an enclosure housing stator coils supported in a conveyor frame. The stator forms a linear motor with the forcer in the tray. Roller balls protruding from the bottom of one version of the tray provide low-friction rolling contact with the guide surface. Various disposal systems provide escape routes for removing fluids and debris from the guide surface of the stator enclosure.

Abstract: To select the configuration of a linear motor more appropriately. A motor configuration selection device according to the present invention comprises a characteristic calculation unit that calculates at least one of force and magnetic attraction to be achieved by a component of a linear motor based on a gap between a field magnet and an armature in the linear motor to be selected.

Abstract: Control architecture for use with transport systems, such as linear drive systems, rotary drive systems, or a combination thereof, comprising a computer system having a controller for operating control system software for receiving input commands and protocols for creating a motion profile for each transport element, and a gateway for receiving the motion profile from the control system software and for operating gateway drive software that functions to select the appropriate drives to move each transport element along one or more tracks in accordance with their motion profiles.

Abstract: A conveyance system includes a plurality of coils arranged so as to form a row at a predetermined pitch, a carriage configured to move along the row through use of an electromagnetic force received from the plurality of coils as a driving force, a plurality of drivers configured to cause an electric current to flow through coils to be controlled among the plurality of coils to provide the driving force to the carriage, and a controller configured to switch the coils to be controlled, which are assigned to each of the plurality of drivers, among the plurality of coils. As the coils to be controlled, which are assigned to each of the plurality of drivers, among the plurality of coils, coils for each predetermined interval of at least two pitches based on a distance between carriages determined in advance are assigned to each of the plurality of drivers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a driving control of a voice coil motor (hereinafter, referred to as ‘VCM’) which moves lens of a camera module, more particularly to a driving control method for VCM capable of reducing the noise generated at the time of initial driving or landing of the lens and reducing the moving time thereof, and the method is characterized by and include the steps of: applying a linearly increasing current with a first slope to the VCM up to a pre-set first inflection point in response to a camera operation-on command; and moving the lens to an infinite position by applying a linearly increasing current with a second slope less steep than the first slope to the VCM from the first inflection point to the infinite position.

Abstract: Sections of a linear motor track can each include a single power sensor configured to detect a power current in an erroneous state and one or more reference sensors configured to detect reference currents in erroneous states. The power sensor can be arranged between multiple drive coils of a section and a DC power rail (or “mid-bus”) for the drive coils. The power sensor can produce a single isolated output to a processor for the section, and the processor, in turn, can compare the output to a threshold for determining an error. The one or more reference sensors can be arranged between lower switches and a DC-reference bus, thereby providing a DC-referenced sensing signal for the drive coil currents. By referencing the processor to the same rail as the DC-referenced current sensing circuit, the reference sensors can produce outputs to the processor without any need for isolation.