I/O products are expanding their capabilities in motion control. The trend is a natural extension of I/O solutions that have, over the past several years, embraced distributed I/O, new controller products and local serial communications networks. According to Mark DeCramer, product manager for WAGO Corp., the move to distributed intelligence is resulting in new products for motion control such as WAGO's new stepper motor controller.
Because it is no longer necessary to bring all of the communications back to a main processor, I/O suppliers are using available processing power and the ability to unify the software development environment for motion and I/O into new products and capabilities.
I/O Module Eliminates Motion Controller
A new 750-670 I/O module from WAGO Corp. provides stepper motor and servo drive control in a compact 12-mm wide package. By integrating stepper motor and servo drive control into the fieldbus node (PLC- or PC-based), customers can eliminate the need for a separate motion controller. The 750-670 supports two pulse output patterns, step/direction or incremental encoder, which are configured via a function block in WAGO's IEC 61131-3 programming tool. Communication is established via an RS-422 interface and controlled by a variable output frequency (0 to 500 kHz). Two digital inputs can be configured to support common motion signals such as start/stop, jog/trip, right/left, reference, next position, end-stop and master clock.Get more information on WAGO Corp.'s I/O module.
Solution for Multi-Axis Stepper Motor Control
SNAP motion control products from Opto-22 provide a compact, easy-to-use method for multi-axis stepper motor control. A motion control host communication module (SNAP-SCM-MCH16) mounts on an Opto I/O rack with a SNAP PAC programmable automation controller to effectively control up to 16 axes. The controller interfaces SNAP-SCM-BB4 breakout boards, each of which handles control for up to four stepper motors. Combined with SNAP PAC and ioProject control software, this solution provides a single, integrated development environment for applications that require motion control, analog and digital control and serial device connectivity. Get more information on SNAP motion control products.
I/O Terminal Controls DC Motors
Beckhoff KL2532 and KL2542 I/O modules provide low-cost, extremely compact control for dc motors. These I/O terminals are a cost-effective alternative to traditional drive systems for dc motors, and solutions are available for control of stepper motors, hydraulic valves, lifting magnets and other devices. Two 24W dc motors can be supplied with up to 1A from a KL2532 Bus Terminal which have a width of only 12 mm. The larger Bus Terminal model (KL2542) for two motors with ratings of up to 175W includes an output stage for up to 50V operating voltage and can supply a continuous current of 2 × 3.5A. Short-term peak currents are permitted and allow for fast acceleration. Get more information on Beckhoff modules.
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