NPN Transistor Drive For SMA (MEC145E)

This circuit is part of my book Robotics, Mechatronics and Artificial Intelligence (sold out) published in the United States. It can be used to control SMA (Shape Memory Alloy) and other DC loads in robotics and mechatronics projects.

Figure 1 shows a simple block using an NPN transistor driving an SMA (electronic muscle) up to 2 A. This circuit needs 20 mA to drive an 1 A SMA and less to drive lower-current muscles. TTL and CMOS outputs can drive low-power SMAs using this block.

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Constant Current Source (MEC144E)

This circuit described here is based on my book Robotics, Mechatronics and Artificial Intelligence (sold out) published in the United States. It can be used to control SMA (Shape Memory Alloy) and other DC loads in robotics and mechatronics projects. The resistance of a SMA changes when it is heated means that the current sourced by the power supply also changes. This variation can cause overheating or other problems. If the SMA is powered from a constant current source, secure operation can be achieved.

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Rheostat for SMA (MEC143E)

This circuit described here is based on my book Robotics, Mechatronics and Artificial Intelligence (sold out) published in the United States. It can be used to control SMA (Shaoe Memory Alloy) in robotics and mechatronics projects. The SMA requires a specific minimum amount of current to be heated to its transition temperature. You can determine this current using the circuit shown in Figure 1.

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Simple Driver Circuit For SMAs (MEC142E)

This article was written based on my book Robotics, Mechatronics and Artificial Intelligence (sold out) published in the United States. The described circuit can be used to control SMA (Shaoe Memory Alloy) in robotics and mechatronics projects. The block circuit in Figure 1 illustrates the simplest way to drive an SMA. The voltage must be calculated according to the SMA (length, current, and resistance by meter) and the power supply must be able to supply the necessary current.

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The Basic of Solenoids, Servomotors, and Shape Memory Alloys (MEC141E)

This article was originally published in my book Robotics, Mechatronics and Artificial Intelligent (sold out) in the United States. In it we describe the basic aspects of the use of solenoids, servomotors and SMAs in mechatronics and robotics projects. Several circuits follow this sequence with specific applications.

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Dimmer Using UJT and SCR (MEC140E)

This article is from my book Robotics, Mechatronics and Artificial Intelligence (sold out) published in the United States. The described circuit can be used to control loads powered from the AC power grid. The circuit shown in Figure1 can be used as a linear power control for loads in the range between 12 and 48 V.

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