A universal driver for vibration free operation of mechanical shutters. (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Acharya, A.; De, S.; Arora, P.; Sen Gupta, A.
• Is Part Of: Measurement. Volume 61(2015:Feb.)
• Page Start: 16
• Page End: 20
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: Shutter -- Laser beam blocking -- Low noise driver; Weights and measures -- Periodicals; Measurement -- Periodicals; Measurement; Weights and measures; Periodicals; 530.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.measurement.2014.10.022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-2241

Abstract

Highlights: Universal driver for mechanical shutters based on relay, dc motor and hard drive. Novel design of the driver controls the motion of all the shutters. Three stage currents for overcoming the inertia, fast sweeping and soft landing. 250–600 μs opening and closing times for all the shutters. Significantly reduced mechanical vibrations and produce low acoustic noise. Abstract: We report design of an universal driver circuit for efficient operation of home made mechanical shutters using electromagnetic relay, dc motor (DCM) and laptop hard disc drive (HDD). The driver puts out high, medium and low currents for overcoming the inertia, fast sweeping and soft landing of the shutters. All the shutters operate with significantly reduced mechanical vibrations and hence produce low levels of acoustic noise. The electromagnetic relay, dc motor and HDD shutters operate at sweeping speeds 1.7(2) m/s, 1.6(2) m/s and 2.8(3) m/s, respectively.