Objective: building and testing a prototype modular linear permanent magnet (PM) motor.

Linear motors generate force only in the direction of travel. They are capable of extremely high speeds, quick acceleration, and accurate positioning.

1. Motor: The motor consists of a U-shaped guide, a shuttle and several stator modules.
   • The U-shaped guide acts as a support that holds together the stator modules.
   • Shuttle Structure moves back and forth on the guide due to the magnetic force produced by its magnets and the electric current in the stator modules.
   • The stator modules are lined on both sides of the U-shaped guide.
   
   
2. Switching Boards: A switching board is connected to each stator module. The switching boards are connected to the power board and the motor. They act as switches and turn on and off the power flowing from the DC supply to the motor. The on or off state is decided by the control board.
   
   
3. Power Board: The power board supplies DC voltage to the motor, and is connected through the switching boards to it. The power board has current and voltage sensors and supplies feedback to the control board.
   
   
4. Control Board : The control board gets feedback from the power board. The user gives it reference position, velocity or current.
   
   
5. Interface Board: The control unit and the power board operate at different voltage level, requiring a voltage level translator between them. This task is performed by interface board.

Background Research Done: