Variably damped servomechanisms

VARIABLE DAMPING allows more efficient use of the inherent capabilities of the components making up a servomechanism. It becomes possible to obtain a considerable improvement over the dynamic performance of a linear servomechanism using the same components. It permits the designer to use lower amplifier gains and smaller servo motors, thereby saving space, weight, and electrical power. The stability of the servomechanism can be made less dependent on backlash because a lower gain error transducer can be used. The variation of the characteristics with amplifier gain is also quite small. The servomechanism will follow high velocity inputs almost as accurately as it follows low velocity inputs, and in addition, “ideal” transient response is possible with no overshoot and low settling time.