Precision Tension Control System for VCR Using Moving Tape Guide Actuator

We have developed a new precision tension control system which can suppress the head-impact and transient tension alternation. This system is suitable for home-use digital VCRs which require thin tape to run stably.In this system, a moving tape guide actuator is installed at the entrance side of a rotary drum, serves as a tension detector and a tension control actuator.This moving tape guide actuator consists of a swing arm type voice-coil motor and a movable pin which stays in contact with the tape.The tension control system which employs the tension detector based on the modern control theory (detection range: 1kHz) achieved the wide control band (170Hz).