When Servo Motors Come to Architectural Choice: A Story of Flexibility

Imagine you are assembling a precision device. All the parts were welded together, a gear was broken - well, the whole system had to be stopped and dismantled. Does this bother you? We have been in the field of machinery and automation for a long time, and we will encounter similar troubles from time to time.

This isn't just a hardware issue.

That system that is always "moving one hair and affecting the whole body"

In the early years, how were many control systems built? A huge code base crams all functions - motion control, data acquisition, status monitoring - together. It seems to work pretty well until you need to change something.

For example, you want to add new feedback logic to the servo. It turned out that moving here actually affected another completely unrelated data processing module. Debugging is like finding the exit in a maze, let alone leveling up - almost like rewriting it all over again.

"It looks like a solid whole, but sometimes that solidity becomes a burden."

Some people began to wonder: What if our software could work like a modular mechanical assembly? Each module is like an independent servo unit with its own clear functions and can be adjusted, replaced, or even upgraded independently. If one breaks, the others will continue to function as usual.

This is the idea of ​​​​microservice architecture. The flip side of that, the old model of wrapping everything together, became known as "monolithic architecture."

Take it apart to collaborate more freely

What exactly does this “unpacking” bring about?

It’s the courage to change. You don’t need to be afraid of doing something local because you’re afraid of affecting the whole situation. Just like adjusting the parameters of a certain servo in a piece of equipment, there is no need to shut down the entire production line.

It's elasticity. If a certain module is under great pressure, more resources can be allocated to it individually instead of upgrading the entire system. It's economical and smart.

Also, freedom of choice of technology. Different modules can be developed with the tools best suited for it. It's like choosing the best motor for different mechanical tasks - some require high torque, while others pursue high speed.

Of course, this does not mean that the more broken it is, the better. If there are too many cables connected, the interface will be a hidden danger. A clear and stable communication protocol is needed between modules, otherwise the collaboration will be more chaotic than a monolithic architecture. This requires design and discipline.

kpowerChoice: The Art of Balance

existkpower, we have dealt with too many projects migrating from rigid systems. The truth we see is: there is no absolute "best", only "more suitable".

For applications with clear functions, direct interaction, and stable scale, a well-designed monolithic architecture may be more concise and efficient. It is like a highly integrated special machine tool, focused and powerful.

But when the business begins to expand, requirements change rapidly, and frequent iterations are required, the flexibility advantage of microservices becomes apparent. It is more like a modern flexible production line that can be reorganized at any time to adapt to new products.

We are often asked: “So which one should we choose?”

This depends on a few key points: How frequently do you expect changes? What is your team structure and technology stack like? What is the system complexity growth curve? Sometimes, you can even start with a well-designed monolith and then naturally evolve to microservices after the boundaries are clear.

Written in: The thinking behind the tools

After all, architecture is a tool and a reflection of thinking. Whether monolithic or microservice, the goal is the same: to build a control system that is reliable, maintainable, and can grow over time.

It ultimately serves a simple desire: to make machines more obedient and innovation less obstructive.

existkpowerEvery day, we deal with these choices. We believe that good technical decisions are like choosing the right drive solution for a mechanical system - it is silent but determines whether the entire system can run smoothly and permanently.

The next time you are confused about system design, you might as well go back to the original scene and think about it: What do you need, an integrated precision instrument, or a modular tool kit that can be freely combined? The answer often emerges slowly in your specific needs.

Established in 2005, Kpower has been dedicated to a professional compact motion unit manufacturer, headquartered in Dongguan, Guangdong Province, China. Leveraging innovations in modular drive technology, Kpower integrates high-performance motors, precision reducers, and multi-protocol control systems to provide efficient and customized smart drive system solutions. Kpower has delivered professional drive system solutions to over 500 enterprise clients globally with products covering various fields such as Smart Home Systems, Automatic Electronics, Robotics, Precision Agriculture, Drones, and Industrial Automation.