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Servo Bandwidth Targets for Robotic Joints

Set bandwidth targets that survive real payload, cable drag, and gear compliance instead of only lab-bench conditions.

Bandwidth must be measured on the real joint

Joint bandwidth is constrained by compliance, encoder placement, and the move profile that matters in production. Bench-only figures mislead the quoting phase.

We separate target bandwidth into command-following, disturbance rejection, and recovery after payload swing so controls and mechanics can tune against the same brief.

  • Validate with the actual harness and mounting stack, not a shortened test rig.
  • Track position error under disturbance, not only under command input.
  • Record gain windows that remain stable across temperature spread.

Joint tuning windows

Use one worksheet for controls, mechanics, and production FAT.

WindowGoalFailure sign
Command following< 5% overshootOscillation on short point-to-point moves.
Disturbance rejection< 0.8 deg driftPayload bump causes visible lag.
Thermal driftStable after 20 minRetune required after warm-up.

Loop-check pseudocode

const stable = overshoot < 0.05 && settlingMs < 80 && disturbanceDriftDeg < 0.8;
return stable ? 'ready-for-fat' : 'retune-with-payload';
MH

Marco Hein

Drive Systems Architect — STEPMOTECH

Marco focuses on driver tuning, industrial Ethernet integration, and test workflows for distributed motion systems.

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