Skip to main content
Find a contact

Synchronization Control System

Synchronization Control Systems provide an electrical solution to synchronizing actuators where mechanical shafting and coupling cannot be achieved. It is ideal for systems using multiple electric motors, and are designed to hold a tolerance that supports your application needs.

Need Assistance?

Not sure if this is the right product for your application, or need a custom solution? Contact us today for help from an expert.

Features and Benefits

  • Enhanced Safety
    Mechanically interlocked, short circuit protected, main disconnect switch, prevent conflicting actions. Such as extending and retracting an actuator simultaneously, eliminating potential damage to the actuator and associated equipment.
  • Optional Enclosure (application specific)

    NEMA Type 4 Enclosures
    Robust Protection: Offers excellent protection against water, dust, and windblown dust, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

    NEMA Type 12 Enclosures
    Dust and Drip Protection: Designed to prevent ingress of dust, falling dirt, lint, fibers, flyings, and dripping non-corrosive liquids.

    NEMA Type 4X Enclosures
    Enhanced Corrosion Resistance: Offers superior protection against corrosive substances, including saltwater, chemicals, and industrial pollutants, thanks to materials like stainless steel or special coatings.

    Explosion-Proof Enclosures
    Hazardous Area Safety: Designed to prevent explosions from escaping the enclosure and spreading to the surrounding environment in hazardous locations.

  • Enclosure Door Mounted
    Illuminated or non-illuminated, emergency stop (E-Stop) labeled terminal strip, for field installed devices
  • Overload
    Adjustable motor overload on each motor (for motor starter applications)
  • Short Circuit Protection
    For all motor starters, VFDs, and servo drives
  • Two Channel Safety Relay
    For VFD and servo applications.

Specifications

Synchronization Controls Comparison Chart

Control Type Ease of Installation Accuracy Tolerance System Flexibility Longevity Overall System Performance Cost
Motor Starter

★ ★

 ★

★

 ★ ★ ★ $
VFDs ★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★★ ★★ $$
Servo Motors ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★ ★★★ $$$
★= Good     ★★=Better     ★★★=Best   

Standard Synchronization Control Methods

Method 1 - Synchronization Using Motor Starters

Synch-Motor-Starters.jpg

 
  • Encoder 1 and 2 communicate the position of both jack 1 and jack 2 to the controller.
  • The controller turns motor starter 1 and 2 on or off depending on the position of jack 1 and 2.
  
  • Motor starter 1 and 2 apply power to jack motors 1 and 2 based on encoder feedback to keep the system synchronized.

Method 2 - Synchronization Using Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)

Synch-VFD.jpg

 
  • Encoder 1 and 2 communication the position of both jack 1 and 2 to the controller.
  • The controller commands VFD 1 and 2 to change output frequency to motor 1 and 2 based on each jacks position.
  

  • VFD 1 and 2 change output frequency to both motor 1 and 2 based on the encoder feedback to keep the system synchronized.

  

Method 3 - Synchronization Using Servo Motors With Absolute Encoders

SynchServoAbsolute-Encoders.jpg

 
  • The controller commands servo drive 2 to follow server drive 1.
  • Servo drive 2 adjusts the output power to servo motor 2 in order to keep jack 2 in sync with jack 1.
  
  • Integrated absolute encoders in both servo motors feedback position to the controller.

Documents

Brochures & Catalogs

[Brochure] Duff-Norton Motion Control Solutions