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| | We train groups of engineers from industry as well as top-notch, just-degreed
engineers from engineering universities. These engineers have
taken most all the classes needed to assimilate the material,
though the knowledge is sometimes buried deep. Trainees may not have had
the building-block classes in years, and it is our goal during training to draw
these once-learned concepts (electrical circuits, fundamental mechanics, control
systems, programming etc.) back out, but this time draw them out in a way that
those concepts have context and are retained.
The following schedule is for the most asked-for training, a two-week course in the fundamentals of
motion control and machine automation. The start of each training class is timed
to coincide with the major graduation times, usually around the first of January
(Intersession here at CSU, Chico) and late June. The minimum class size is
6 students. The class may be made up of engineers from different companies
or universities. We will help you coordinate this.
Also available are these other one-day classes:
 | Realities of Motion Control (day 1 of the two-week program) |
| Fundamentals of Motor Sizing (day 4 of the two-week program) |
| Any combination of Technical Modules from the list below |
Segment 1 – Open-Loop Systems
Day #
1 Realities of Motion Control
Seminar to establish a background motion control fundamentals. Mostly
done with the white board with some video presentation. Examples of
equipment displayed.
2-3 Application #1
Each trainee is asked individually to interview a trainer for the
technical details of a simple application. As they ask questions,
constraints arise that lead them to a simple stepper system. As they
determine the equipment they need they must ask for it specifically. With
equipment in hand, the trainee must wire it and demonstrate the application.
As they solve the application, they are presented with either application
changes or problems. These changes allow them to discover different
properties and options available with steppers, including:
 | Vibration and Resonance |
| Microstepping |
| Effects of Inertia |
| Parallel vs. Series Wiring |
| Effects of Inductance |
| Drive Technologies |
They must adhere to the following procedure for all applications:
- Ask questions of a "client" (trainer)
- Size all motors
- Wire
- Program
- Attach mechanics
- Test
- Analyze results and demonstrate a proof-of-concept
4 Fundamentals of Motor Sizing
Trainees learn how to properly size motors without software. They solve
fundamental sizing problems and learn how to put those together to solve
complex mechanical systems. A difficult, multi-axis sizing is given as a
test.
5-6 Application #2
Additional concepts added are:
| Simple controller programming |
| Interface Programming |
Segment 2 – Closed Loop Systems
Day #
7 All day discussion and
application of servo loops, modern servo control, feedback, and tuning.
8-11 Application #3+
Depending on the speed of the trainee, this is 1or 2 applications.
Applications could be anything from point-to-point coordinated moves,
registration, following, camming, or CAD-to-Motion.
Technical Modules
Modules have been developed to address specific technical issues
engineers face in this industry. Interaction between the trainer and
trainees is encouraged and expected. They are scattered throughout as they
become needed. A comprehensive motion control exam is given after completion
of the modules. The modules are, in no particular order:
| Mechanical Gearing |
| Electrical Safety |
| Resolvers vs. Encoders |
| Amplifier Enable Circuits |
| Coupler Technology |
| Ground Loops and Electrical Noise |
| Things That Hurt Servo Performance |
| I/O Circuits |
| Power Supplies |
| Regeneration |
| Building Mechanical Systems |
| Controlling Vertical Loads |
| Connectivity and Networking |
| Matching Mechanical Power to Electrical Power |
| Troubleshooting Electromechanical Systems |
| Fun with Brushed Motors |
Some non-technical training modules which are centered around how to be a
professional may be included. They include:
| Phone Application Support |
| Finding and Developing Clients |
| Office Organization for Efficiency |
| Dressing for Success |
| Employee 101 – How to transition from the university environment |
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