C. Digital Control Versus Analog Control
For many years, analog controllers have dominated the motion control area. But the new requirements from industrial applications are such that they cannot adequately respond lacking processing capabilities. Even in small systems where the performance requirements are relatively modest, digital technology can be used with advantages over the analog approach because of the additional features they can provide. In complex motion controllers such as
field-oriented or adaptive controllers, where computationally intensive algorithms are to be implemented, digital technology is the sole solution.
The advantages of digital motion control systems are mainly related to the programmable nature of microprocessors and their computing and communication capabilities.