Backstepping controller design for a planar Maglev positioning system

In the previous research, an electro-magnetic actuator (EMA) system has to be designed and implemented successfully [1]. The system can demonstrate good performances including stiffness and resolution. Based on those experiences, a prototype of a novel planar Maglev positioning system is designed in this research. In the new structure, the carrier motion (both levitation and propulsion) results from a sum of repelling forces each exerted on some magnet from its corresponding coil. Likewise, the associated full-DOF (degree-of-freedom) model is initially derived and analyzed, and then a backstepping controller for this Maglev positioning system is developed. Finally, from the experimental results, satisfactory performances including regulation, tracking accuracy and control stiffness have all been demonstrated.