Parallel actuator controller

The TR-EM-239 parallel controller is designed to drive two actuators in parallel. It is suitable for 12-24 VDC motors each with a maximum of 10 A capacity and in applications where parallel movement is required — for example, across a bench, hatch, door, slide, transfer, directional guide or conveyor line.

The TR-EM-239 controller works with actuators that provide pulse feedback signals. Pulses can be derived from Hall-sensors, reed or other kinds of switches that can accept either negative or positive pulses.

The actuators are synchronised using pulse width modulation to adjust individual actuator speeds. For example, if one side of a bench is fully loaded and the opposite side has minimal load resulting in less load on the actuator, this actuator speed will be slowed to maintain the same PWM count as the actuator under load, thus maintaining synchronisation of both actuators. If the controller cannot maintain parallel drive between the actuators, the actuators will be stopped, reducing the possibility of mechanical stress and breakage. The controller includes built-in safeguards for current cut-off and power stage temperature limit protection.

This solution provides a suitable alternative system to pneumatics and hydraulics, which are generally costly and have difficulty maintaining true synchronisation. The TR-EM-239 controller is easily adjusted or can be provided preset from the factory to suit the intended application. Controller operating parameter adjustments are carried out via a portable serial interface handset (TR-EM-236).

The TR-EM-239 is available in PCB for DIN rail mounting or enclosed in an IP66 enclosure.