CSA employs advanced magnetic modeling techniques to create high force actuators with minimum added mass and power. Our actuators consistently perform as predicted whether they are pure electromagnets or include rare earth permanent magnets and electric coils. Stray magnetic fields are minimized and coil impedances are optimized to balance bandwidth with available power amplifiers and thermal considerations.

Our electromagnetic actuators generally fall into two categories:

• Reaction mass actuators, also called proof mass actuators, that produce a force by pushing against a suspended internal mass
• In-line or voice coil actuators that produce a force between two points.

The uses for these two actuator types differ, but the core design and manufacturing capabilites are similar. Reaction mass actuators are normally used at frequencies near to or greater than the primary suspension resonance frequency.

Standard Actuators

CSA's standard reaction mass actuators are the SA-10, SA-5, and SA-1 (see datasheet). Each is conservatively sized to deliver a force over a wide frequency range. For example, key specifications for the SA-10 include:

• Force output greater than 10 pounds (45 N) from 20 to 1000 Hz
• Dimensions of 3.5 inches high by 3.75 inches diameter
• Low frequency impedance of 2-20 ohms, depending on drive preferences

Download a complete set of specifications below. Other actuators, including the SA-30, are also available.

Custom Solutions

Our customers have different uses for our actuators. They also have other constraints that may narrowly define force and motion requirements or limit acceptable actuator geometry. CSA responds with custom designs that are extensions of our standard products and previous custom designs. Contact CSA with your requirements and together we can determine the right electromagnetic device solution.

Contact michael.evert@csaengineering.com with questions about electromagnetic actuators.

SA series datasheet