Glossary

A preset distance between the actual zero reference point and a programmed zero reference point.

Hardware and/or software designed in a way to provide interchangeability of components and connectivity from multiple vendors and suppliers.

Open loop control refers to a motion control system with no external sensors to provide position or velocity correction signals. A closed loop control is a motion control system that has position and velocity feedback to generate a correction signal by comparing its position and velocity to desired parameters. Feedback devices are typically encoders, resolvers, LVTDs and/or tachometers.

A system in which there is no feedback. Motor motion is expected to faithfully follow the input command. Stepping motor systems are an example of open-loop control.

A warning or alarm generated by a motor or drive that indicates the device is too heated. This is generally caused by the demand for excessive current through the device. There may be binding at the motor, calling for more torque, or the motor or drive may be undersized.

Any current in excess of the rated current of the drive to maintain or move to a new position at a given velocity and acceleration or deceleration rate.

The ability of a drive to withstand currents above its continuous rating. וt is defined by NEMA as 150o of the rated full-load current for "standard industrial DC motors" for one minute.

To force an axis to move during a faulted condition. Often required to get an axis to move off of an overtravel limit switch.

A system response where the output or result exceeds the desired value.