Motor lineage, design knowledge help when choosing servo or induction motors

Webcast: In the Control Engineering RCEP Accredited webcast, “Servo vs. induction motors: Which should be considered for what applications?” information presented suggests that understanding motor lineage and motor design help with motor specification. See graphics.

By Mark T. Hoske October 22, 2012

Understanding motor lineage and design help in choosing between servo or induction motors for various applications (see graphics), according to a Nov. 6 webcast (archived thereafter). Motor expert Muhammad Mubeen, president of Phoenix Tech Consulting, discusses, “Servo vs. induction motors: Which should be considered for what applications?” for the Control Engineering RCEP-accredited webcast, with a question-and-answer session afterward.

About the motor technology tree, Mubeen says, “On the ac side we will deal with induction (or asynchronous motors). On the dc side, we have permanent magnet (PM) brushless motors, which are most commonly used.” The lineage shown in the graphic leads to the primary focus of the webcast discussion, PM servo motors and induction motors, and when and why they are used for what applications.

The webcast covers:

– Overview and history of the motor technology landscape

– Definition of terms (servos, induction motor based systems)

– Differences between the two technologies: servos vs. induction motor based systems

– Relative pros and cons from the standpoint of applications and cost

– Criteria for choosing between the two technologies, including tables

– A broad list of applications and practical guidelines for choosing the right technology.

Those listening to webcast live can use the interface to submit questions for a Q&A session after the presentation. Webcast, questions, and answers will be archived for later viewing. Getting 8 of 10 correct on a quiz will deliver a profession development hour (PDH) or 0.1 CEU.

Information about this and other Control Engineering webcasts is available. 

– Mark T. Hoske, content manager, CFE Media, Control Engineering and Plant Engineering, mhoske@cfemedia.com.


Author Bio: Mark Hoske has been Control Engineering editor/content manager since 1994 and in a leadership role since 1999, covering all major areas: control systems, networking and information systems, control equipment and energy, and system integration, everything that comprises or facilitates the control loop. He has been writing about technology since 1987, writing professionally since 1982, and has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism degree from UW-Madison.