Optoelectronic position control simplifies motor movements

The simplification of motor movements of an optoelectronic circuit which uses a power op amp to achieve sequential position control, was investigated. The optoelectronic technique to achieve position control provides an inexpensive, easy-to-design method of achieving simple, repeatable movement using fixed index points with linear- or rotary-motion components. To ensure continued motion in the desired direction, the motor drive receives reinforcement by the output from the first photodiode as it illuminates. By the selection of a resistance value that allows a logic-level supply high enough to provide at least twice the maximum current from each photodiode, the circuit maintains system control regardless of the photodiode signals.