Limitations of datasheets and specifications in motors and motion control product selection

Introduction

In mechatronics and human centered robotics, optimum motors, drives and controllers’ selection is difficult. The rapid advances in computation, vision, and motion control where software development outpaces hardware development, and mission’s profiles are difficult to predict.

Datasheets and specifications are commonly used and provide valuable information for comparing and evaluating different products or solutions. They also have limitations in trade-off analysis and product selection. 

Datasheet, specifications, and trade-offs

In situations of certainty, we can objectively evaluate the trade-offs between different options based on their preferences, priorities, and the importance assigned to each attribute or outcome, ultimately, selecting the option that maximizes technical and commercial objectives. However, datasheet and specifications limit optimized trade-offs.

• Limited Scope: Datasheets and specifications often focus on specific technical aspects or features of a product. They may not cover all relevant factors that could impact the performance or suitability of the product for a particular application. For example, they might not include information about long-term reliability, material compatibility with other systems, or ease of integration.
• Assumed Conditions: Datasheets typically present performance metrics under standardized laboratory conditions. Real-world performance can vary significantly depending on factors such as temperature, humidity, voltage levels, and environmental conditions.
• Incompleteness and reduction of information: Datasheets and requirements may not provide comprehensive information about all relevant parameters or characteristics of a product. Important details might be omitted or not clearly specified, making it difficult to make informed comparisons between different options.
• Manufacturer Bias: Datasheets are often created by the manufacturers themselves, so there may be a bias towards presenting the product in the best possible light. The continuous and peak performance rating are not the same for all motor manufacturers.
• Dynamic Nature: Datasheets and specifications are generally created at the beginning of the product design cycle and often become outdated over time as products and manufacturing processes evolve.
• Interpretation Challenges: Understanding and interpreting datasheets requires technical expertise. Without a deep understanding of the underlying technology and terminology, it can be challenging to accurately assess the implications of the specifications presented.

Conclusion

Technologies optimized for use in controlled industrial environments are not well suited for an uncontrolled environment. At Designatronics SDP/SI, we offer an alternate path in motors and motion control designs with open dialogues with customers to optimize your mechatronics and robotic systems.  https://sdp-si.com/products/Motors-Gearheads-and-Motion-Control/index.php