Deep Sea Systems International
  dla-1000 linear actuator  
 
 

The DLA-1000 Digital Linear Actuator handles 100 pounds or more of dynamic push/pull load over a 5.25‑inch stroke at 0.5 inches per second or faster. A high performance stepper motor and gear assembly provides the necessary torque, both forward and reverse, and an output rod translates this force into a controlled, smooth linear motion. In addition, a built‑in multi‑turn potentiometer provides precise, repeatable position feedback of the output rod. 

The DLA-1000 is primarily designed for installation on remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and is typically used for manipulating the control surfaces on the vehicle. Other applications include extending and retracting antennas, activating release mechanisms, rotating thrusters, activating manipulator claws, controlling docking mechanisms, and other tasks requiring precise, controlled linear translations.

The DLA-1000 is a pressure balanced oil filled (PBOF) design that is rated to a depth of 1000 meters and includes a remote pressure compensator and a Motor Interface Board. The Motor Interface Board provides the drive signals for the stepper motor, an RS-485 serial interface for communications, and an analog‑to‑digital converter for the position feedback. Up to 16 actuators can be individually controlled from a PC over a single multidrop RS-485 serial interface using keyboard entered commands.

 
 
  Tech Specs:  DLA-1000 Digital Linear Actuator
 
Operating environment Seawater, 10–39 ppt salinity
Operating depth   1000 meters, with an optional 3000-meter rating available
Operating temperature   28°F to 100°F in seawater
40°F to 120°F in air
Storage temperature   -20°F to 150°F
Housing material   Hard-coat anodized 6060-T6 aluminum
Housing type   Pressure balanced oil filled (PBOF) with tattle tail on compensator for visual oil level verification, and quick-disconnect fittings for oil fill
Oil type   Tellus 22 and Slick 50, mixed in a 3:1 ratio
Compensator tube length   4 ft (1.2 m); longer lengths available, consult DSSI
Stall load   Greater than 100 lb (45.5 kg) at 0.66 in.(1.7 cm)/sec at 34 VDC
Stroke   5.25 in. (13.3 cm)
Output rod speed    0–0.95 in. (2.4 cm)/sec
Output rod position resolution   ±0.010 in.
Output rod position repeatability   ±0.010 in.
Output rod position accuracy   ±0.0025 in. of controlled movement at 15 1/2-steps commanded
Output rod backlash   ±0.005 to ±0.008 inches; measured using machine shop travel dial
Load holding, stepper motor off
(no power)		   100 lb (45.5 kg) for more than 3 hours; 150 lb (68.2 kg) for 16 hours; tested, with no movement observed
Impulse shock load   1000 lb (454 kg)
Weight in air   8 lb (3.6 kg)
Weight in seawater   5 lb (2.3 kg)
Position feedback sensor   100-turn potentiometer
Position feedback voltage
(output rod fully retracted)		   0.036 mV, ±15 mV typical
Position feedback voltage
(output rod fully extended)		   2.565 mV, ±15 mV typical
Output rod translation vs.
position feedback voltage		   0.002 inches/mV
Power requirements   66–160 VDC, 100 watts maximum, with Motor Interface Board installed on optional DC/DC Power Supply Board; 24–40 VDC (34 VDC nominal) without DC/DC Power Supply Board
Isolation (stepper motor
to feedback potentiometer)		   100 megohms (no leakage) at 50 VDC
Overall actuator housing size   11.8 in. (30.0 cm) long (output rod fully retracted) by 2.0 in. (5.1 cm) wide by 2.4 in. (6.1 cm) high (not including connector)
Overall compensator size   7.7 in. (19.6 cm) long (tattle tale fully extended) by 2.5 in. (6.4 cm) diameter
Output rod mounting   3/8-24 thread, 1.124 in. long
Actuator housing mounting   (4) 1/4-20, 1/4-inch deep tapped holes
Communications link   RS-485 two-wire
Number of actuators in communications link   1–16

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