Subsea Electric Rotary Actuators

The actuator supports RS422 (RS485 full duplex on 4 wires) and RS232 serial communication protocols. Default settings are 19200 baud, 8, N, 1, and all configurable parameters — including baud rate and status message frequency — are stored in EEPROM, ensuring settings are retained across power cycles.

Yes. The actuator uses a 30-bit absolute multi-turn encoder (14-bit single turn plus 16-bit turns counter) mounted on the output shaft. This design ensures that exact position data is retained even after power is removed and restored, eliminating the need for re-homing routines in subsea applications.

The actuator uses a brushless DC motor operating at 24 VDC with a maximum continuous current draw of 2.9 A. The brushless design offers superior reliability and longevity compared to brushed alternatives, particularly important in sealed subsea housings where maintenance access is limited or impossible during deployment.

At a gear ratio of 238:1, the actuator delivers a nominal continuous torque of 19 ft·lbf (27 Nm) at a maximum output shaft speed of 30 RPM. This torque and speed combination is well suited for subsea valve actuation, robotic joint control, and positioning systems requiring precise, controlled rotational movement.

The actuator uses an MCBH8M Subconn underwater connector with 8 pins, a widely used standard in subsea and ROV applications. This connector type provides reliable wet-mate compatibility and is recognized throughout the underwater robotics and marine technology industry for its robustness and sealing performance at depth.

The actuator supports two primary operating modes: continuous spin (jog) mode for free rotation, and precise position control mode offering 0.1-degree resolution at the output shaft. Additionally, two software-configurable virtual travel limit switches can be set to protect equipment and define safe operational ranges for specific deployment configurations.