Actuators are devices used to produce action or motion.

Input(mainly electrical signal , air, fluids)

Electrical signal can be low power or high power.
Actuators output can be position or rate i. e.
linear displacement or velocity.
Actuation can be from few microns to few meters

Unmodulate
Energy source

Control
signal

Power
amplification A
& modulation

Energy
conversion
Actuator

Output

Linear actuator: solenoid, Hydraulic/Pneumatic.

Rotary actuator: motor, Hydraulic/Pneumatic.

A solenoid is a coil wound into a tightly packed helix.

In physics, the term solenoid refers to a long, thin loop
of wire, and wrapped around a metallic core.
which produces a magnetic field when an electric current
is passed through it.

Pneumatic valve.
Car door openers.

Hydraulic cylinder

Single pressure line

Hydraulic systems are used to control & transmit power.

A pump driven by prime mover (electric motor) creates flow of fluid

Linear actuator (hydraulic cylinder)Provides motion in straight line.

Linear displacement depends on stroke length.
Usually referred to as cylinders, rams (single acting cylinders)
or jacks.
Rotary actuators (Hydraulic motors)Produces continuous rotational motion.
Pump shaft is rotated to generate flow.
A motor shaft is caused to rotate by fluid being forced into the
driving chambers.

Semi rotary actuatorsProduces non-continuous rotational motion.

Limited to less than one revolution (<360).
Used to produce oscillatory motions in mechanisms.

Hydraulic jack.
Hydraulic brake.
Hydraulic ram.
Used as sensor.
Close loop velocity controlling.
Highly precise positioning for heavy loads.

Pneumatic actuator
It convert energy formed by compressed air at high pressure
into ether linear or rotary motion.
Quickly respond in operation.

Hydraulic & pneumatic actuators: cylinders

Single acting:
work can be done only in one direction

Double acting piston:

Work is done in both directions

Plunger

Piston rod on both sides

Piston

Tandem

Telescopic

Telescopic

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Non cushioned cylinders

are suitable for full stroke
working at slow speed.
Higher speeds with
external cushions.

Rotary hydraulic actuators

Vane rotary actuator:

Limited angle in both directions.

Maximum angle always smaller than 360

The same torque in both directions.

Limited angle rotary

actuator

Parallel
piston
rotary
actuator

Limited angle rotary

actuator

Piston rotary actuator:

With rack and gear coupling.

Here maximum angle may be larger than 360

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Mechanical linear actuators typically

operate by conversion of rotary
motion into linear motion.

Screw
Wheel and axle
Cam

Electrically actuated system are very widely used in control system

Working Principle of motor
Every motor works on the principle that when a current-carrying
conductor is placed in a magnetic field, it experiences a mechanical force.
There are three types of motor used in control system

D.C. motor
A.C. motor
Stepper motor

A.C. motor

Stepper motor
A stepper motor is an electromechanical device which converts electrical pulses
into discrete mechanical movements.

Permanent magnet type

Variable reluctance type
Hybrid type