Maxon Motor has released a new compact digital controller with EtherCAT that allows for real-time positioning and high-speed synchronization of multi-axis systems, including robotics, automation, and mechantronics, according to the company.
Switzerland-based precision drive and system provider Maxon designed the
EPOS3 70/10 EtherCAT to fit seamlessly as a slave device into real-time EtherCAT protocol-based networks with a nominal power-supply voltage range from 11V DC to 70V DC, the company said. A slave device in a master/slave communication model takes direction from the system’s master device.
The new EPOS3 70/10 EtherCAT digital controller allows for real-time positioning and high-speed synchronization of multi-axis systems, including robotics, automation, and mechantronics. (Source: maxon)
Specifically, the new controller features a continuous output current of 10A and can deliver up to 25A during acceleration and deceleration for DC and EC motors with a power range up to 700W. It also supports a broad number of encoders and servos, featuring built-in motor filters with motor chokes for EMC-conform operation. Additionally, the controller comes with prefabricated cables and other accessories for fast and easy deployment, according to Maxon.
The company has optimized the EPOS3 70/10 EtherCAT’s motion control functions with additional features such as speed control and the ability to define mechanical positioning. The controller also eliminates the need for an extra EtherCAT I/O module because of its number of inputs and outputs. Specifically, the controller has 11 digital inputs and five digital outputs, with two analog inputs and one analog output.
The controller also offers a number of protections against temperature or voltage problems, with circuitry against overcurrent, excess temperature, undervoltage and overvoltage, as well as against voltage transients and against short-circuits in the motor cable, according to Maxon. It also has an adjustable current limitation to protect motor and load, as well as protected digital inputs and outputs.
EtherCAT -- short for Ethernet for Control Automation Technology -- is an open-standard, high-performance fieldbus system based on Ethernet that's used in industrial environments, especially for robotics and other automated assembly-line technology. The technology processes Ethernet frames on the fly within an EtherCAT network, which are being adopted more and more as the standard for industrial environments as a way to unify the factory floor with front-office functions.
Companies more and more are integrating EtherCAT support into microcontrollers to support the automation and control of multiple connected motors and devices in an industrial network. Aerotech, for example, recently
added EtherCAT to its machine controller to allow engineers build high- and low-power digital and analog I/O into a system that includes performance motion, motion tools, and diagnostics all in one.
Elizabeth, Thanks for the update. EtherCat solutions continue to generate a broad base of supplier companies using the technology. Excellent technology.
I hope Maxon creates some app notes for this controller. It think it might be a hit in the DIY CNC community. I have noticed a drift from serial to communication like this over the past few years. It's about time too.
I'm not sure if they have, Cabe, but you're right, it sounds like a good idea. I think most of this type of communication is heading in this direction, and it's good now that the products to support this trend are becoming more available.
How long until wireless communication is tackled completely in an industrial environment.
I recently did a product demonstration for a company. I had to string long cables out to my sensors. It seemed so old-school to me. (My demo went great, btw.)
Wires are the bane of our existence when it comes to devices, aren't they? Think of how long it's taken us to get unwired outside of an industrial environment with our consumer devices! We all still grapple with cables, mainly due to battery limitations. At least wireless Internet in the "real world" is becoming the norm. But it's a good question, Cabe, and I guess time will answer it.
A mesh network, like Zigbee, has a better time handling the electrically noisy industrial environment. Even with dozens of modules, I would be safe to say a CNC motor's connection between itself and the driver/PC can not be guaranteed. If they can place the driver at the motor, these days, I imagine wireless connectivity is not far away.
I have already seen such connectivity. http://youtu.be/Z7ZE5-5udB0
But I want to see it backed by the big companies is all.
I never thought about it that way but that is a much better idea. And I guess you're right, it won't really fly unless it's backed by the big companies, who seem pretty keen on EtherCAT and Ethernet connections at the moment. Seems like a no brainer to do it wirelessly, though. I'll check out the video. Thanks, Cabe.
My pleasure, apresher. It does indeed seem that the future of industrial networking lies in EtherCat, so it's definitely an interesting space to track and watch.
I am glad to see the continued adoption of EtherCat as an industrial control network protocol. I get ill when I think of the implementation of EthernetIP (who came up with that convoluted name!) and the garbage that I see when I WireShark it.... :)
I've only used EtherCat with Beckhoff equipment, but after reading about the details of EtherCat, I really believe it's the best Ethernet protocol for proper equipment control.
Quite an informative article. I think that etherCat will play its fair share in industries in the years to come, mainly because it will take quite some time for industries to shift to wireless communication.
Most of the industries do take decent amount of time to adopt change. Many industries which I have visited are still holding on to Rs232 serial communication. So, I think that the use of etherCAT will be quite effective for the years to come and this controller will have its stay in the market. It would have been cherry on top, if they had increased the no. of outputs though. Nonetheless, Still a great investment.
Thanks for your comments, tai. I agree with you, it will take awhile before wireless is universally adopted, and an EtherCAT controller like this one can go a long way.
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