ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the various actuators available for PC's and their control. It looks at different actuators and also explores how to control them under the command of the Personal Computer (PC). Data acquisition, together with the actuation, makes the PC much more useful than the case where the PC is utilized only for acquiring data. The chapter discusses the different types of actuators and ways of interfacing them to the output ports. An actuator is any device that converts electrical commands of the computer into physical action. There are several different actuators suitable for use with computers. There are: Stepper motors, DC motors, AC motors, Solenoids, Solenoid valves, Hydraulic actuators and Pneumatic actuators. The chapter considers each one of these actuators and the ways of interfacing them to the computer. A stepper motor is a very versatile and highly reliable motor which is very suitable for computer use. AC motors constitute the backbone of industry.
