The servo technology landscape is evolving rapidly, and the decision to mix analog and digital servos must consider future trends and compatibility. While mixed systems solve immediate technical and economic challenges, they may present obstacles to future upgrades and integration with emerging technologies.
Digital servo technology continues to advance in several key areas:
- Prices are declining as production volumes increase and technology matures
- Performance is improving with better control algorithms and more powerful processors
- Integration is becoming easier with standardized communication protocols
- Smart features are expanding, including predictive maintenance capabilities
These trends suggest that all-digital systems will eventually become the norm, making mixed systems a transitional solution. However, this transition period may last another 5-10 years in many industries, making mixed implementations practical for current needs.
The future-readiness of mixed systems depends on several factors:
- Controller Compatibility: Modern controllers that support both servo types provide upgrade paths
- Mechanical Interfaces: Standardized mounting and couplings ease future component swaps
- Power Systems: Designs that can accommodate higher digital servo loads facilitate upgrades
- Control Architectures: Software that abstracts servo-specific details simplifies transitions
For organizations planning to eventually go all-digital, a well-designed mixed system can serve as an effective stepping stone. Strategies include:
- Using digital-ready analog servos with upgrade potential
- Implementing controller software that won’t need rewriting
- Designing mechanical systems to accommodate future digital replacements
- Choosing power systems with sufficient headroom
The Internet of Things (IoT) revolution adds another dimension. Digital servos increasingly come with built-in connectivity for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance—features that analog servos lack. In mixed systems, this creates an information gap that must be addressed through additional sensors or alternative monitoring approaches.
Looking ahead, the most future-ready mixed systems will:
- Use digital servos in positions likely to benefit most from future enhancements
- Deploy analog servos in locations where requirements are stable
- Implement modular designs that allow component-by-component upgrades
- Choose components from manufacturers with clear technology roadmaps
