One of the overriding trends for machine and motion control is more compact solutions and more power in smaller packages. Conserving cabinet space is almost universally important to end customer engineers, and suppliers are responding with a continuing focus on how to pack more capability into as small of a footprint as possible.
In applications such as semiconductor manufacturing, conserving space in clean room environments is at an even higher priority. Control manufacturers are responding with more highly integrated control products, more effective connector interfaces and tighter overall product designs.
COMPACT STAND-ALONE POSITION CONTROLLER
Maxon's new EPOS P 24/5 is a programmable digital motion controller capable of position, velocity and current modes, and effectively controlling small brush or brushless motors. After initial programming, it operates as a stand-alone position controller or can control other non-programmable EPOS units for a cost-effective multi-axis control system. The small package size features dimensions of 105 × 83 × 24 mm (4.2 × 3.3 × .9 inch) and weight of approximately 180 g (6.4 oz). Communication is via RS-232 or CANopen, and programming is accomplished via IEC 61131-3. All software is complimentary and available via the internet. Requiring a supply voltage of 11-24V dc, the controller is capable of 5A max continuous current and 10A peak current. Efficiency is up to 90 percent. The 50 kHz switching frequency and built-in choke insures compatibility with most low inductance motors, while the sinusoidal commutation for brushless motors insures minimal torque ripple and low noise.
WEB ENABLED AUTOMATION CONTROLLER
The Model 5300 Blue Fusion™ Web-enabled automation controllers from Control Technology Corp. integrate solutions for motion control, I/O, user interfaces and enterprise connectivity. A modular architecture lets the user optimize controller configuration for each application including a choice of multiple CPUs, and a wide array of I/O and motion modules. Up to 32 I/O or motion modules can be connected to a single CPU. For applications that require more than 1,024 I/O or require distributed I/O, the controller supports the company's Ethernet QuickLink (EQL) high speed remote I/O. EQL nodes can be located up to 100 meters apart and are easily connected with standard Ethernet cables without requiring hubs, routers, or switches. Use of Crossfire dual CPU technology allows a second CPU processor to be added for increased performance or redundancy, and enables the two CPUs to seamlessly share information and controller resources.
DUAL-AXIS DIN-RAIL MOUNTED MOTION CONTROLLER
The MC302X from Trio Motion Control is a small, dual-axis, DIN-rail mounted motion controller based on Trio's latest ARM processor technology. The controller has been designed to provide a compact, cost effective solution for OEM applications. The unit features two axes, the first of which can be configured in software for either servo with encoder feedback or high-speed stepper control. The second axis may be either a reference encoder or a stepper axis. Differential line driver stepper outputs can be configured for standard simulated quadrature encoder outputs to synchronize multiple units. The MC302X can be easily expanded up to 256 external input/output channels and up to 32 analog input channels connected using DIN rail mounted I/O modules, via the on board CAN channel of the MC302X. The unit is programmed using Trio BASIC which provides pre-emptive multi-tasking of up to three simultaneous processes.
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