Vibration Motors - Eccentric weight pager motors

Vibracall, Playstation and Wii - the origins and application of vibration motors

The use of vibration motors has increased rapidly since the dawn of the vibration function on pagers - originally marketed as Vibracall. Use of vibration for small consumer appliances has now expanded from the obvious extension to the mobile phone to game consoles such as Playstation, Nintendo Wii, Gamecube and Microsoft Xbox. Studies have shown the a variety of frequencies such as heartbeat simulation has significant soothing benefits for infants, so the range of baby products such as cots and childrens' toys has also grown to utilise this technology.

Microprocessor control with pulse width modulation

Microprocessor control through generation of pulse-width modulation (PWM) signals has further improved the level of control that can be gained in the use of DC vibration motors. Precision Microdrives has pioneered several designs using this technology for a number of client projects. The pulse-width modulation of the driving voltage with a suitably high frequency allows the motor to be activated with a controlled duty cycle. The motor will be driven at the rated voltage, but only for specified short bursts, hence controlling the overall power input into the DC motor. Combined with an eccentric weight attached directly to the main rotor of the motor, this system can generate a wide range of pre-set or environmentally controlled vibration frequencies.

Precision Microdrives offers an unprecedented number of vibration motor options

A wide range of vibration motors, or pager motors as they are often called due to their origins, are available from Precision Microdrives. The company has expanded in this market segment due to the rapidly growing demands of new products requiring vibration functions. UK engineering development for handheld devices has shown great strength and micromotors with eccentric weights are being required in more and more industry sectors. PMD offers ranges from 4mm diameter miniature cylinder type units to shaftless coin or button type units with no external moving parts.

Production parts from concept stage

Precision Microdrives offers a unique supply strategy. Engineers can gain access the same components as mass production with no minimum order requirement. So product developers and designers are able to test and select which type most suits their application from day 1. The concept development stage already contains the production components and Precision Microdrives is capable of handing the module manufacture on behalf of the client; advising on China manufacturing and possible customised solutions for the particular project.

For more details and to purchase your first selection of precision motors click here to head to Precision Microdrives.