Question of Requirements for Servo Project (Beginner to Motion Control in NI)

[ap8888]

Hello, 

I need to automate the rotation of an object while measuring the resistance/required torque and rotation angle. This should be achievable with a servo motor with torque feedback, if I've been informed correctly. I will then need to compare the torque vs. angle curves and produce some kind of output depending on that analysis.

I'd like to ask from those more experienced:

I have experience in LV so I would like to have that as the programming environment. What other components will I need to control a servo in this fashion (with feedback control and the ability to send a digital output dependant upon the results of my analysis)? Any recommendations? 

Thank you. 

[Z'atari]

Hey ap8888,

I am not sure I follow. How are you measuring the torque, are you using strain gauges and want to use that as feedback? I believe if you know the characteristics of your motor, you can measure the current at certain angle position, and figure out what the torque is... T=K*i

Regards,

A. Zaatari

[ap8888]

Thanks for the response.

I see now. I didn't know this holds for servos as it does for DC motors.

To reiterate:

In essence I need a system to do the following:

1. When triggered by existing PLC system to "GO", begin.

2. Actuate servo or stepper a certain # of revolutions, measure/calculate torque with T=KI proportionality.

3. When revolutions finished, go back. Analyze Torque vs. angle curve. 

4. Depending on result of (3), either send PLC system "TRUE" or "FALSE". 

That is essentially all. this system would fit between two stations of an existing PLC system. I want to program the servo or stepper control with LV. 

However, I don't know where to begin. What would one need? Should I use a stepper or servo? In addition to the controller and servo/stepper, what else do I need?