Drives Add Controller Smarts

Drives are adding more motion/logic control capabilities that are simplifying the design of servo systems, especially for systems with a low number of servo axes. These solutions combine the drive and motion controller in a single enclosure — reducing wiring, simplifying setup and reducing both the size and cost of total solutions. Because the two devices share one enclosure, drives with integrated control functions reduce the overall size of components in the control cabinet. New products are adding control functionality that offer the advantages of digital control, such as the replacement for the single axis Trans-01 used in automotive transfer lines. Users are also able to write more sophisticated programs for commanding complex motion profiles, monitoring machine operation and controlling I/O. A main disadvantage of single-axis drive-controllers has been the ability to synchronize motion, but even that is changing with new multi-axis drive offerings.

MULTI-AXIS PROGRAMMABLE SERVODRIVE

The Geo Brick multi-axis, smart servo-drives from Delta Tau deliver a highly integrated motion/drive solution to fit a wide range of machine automation applications using from four, six or eight servo axes. The embedded Turbo PMAC2 motion controller within the Geo Brick can be programmed for a variety of motion control applications. It includes PLC programming features for logic control, CNC, gantries and robotics with kinematics. All PMAC development tools, user knowledge base and source code apply seamlessly to the Geo Brick because it is based on the Turbo PMAC2 motion controller. Standard features include direct line connections on 240V ac mains and three phase operation. The 4-Axis and 8-axis Geo Brick are rated for 5A continuous and 10A peak per axis. The 6-Axis Geo Brick includes four axes rated for 5A continuous and 10A peak, and 2-axes rated for 15 amps continuous/30 amps peak per 2 sec

TRANS SOLUTION FOR SINGLE AXIS STATION CONTROL

The IndraMotion for Trans system from Bosch Rexroth is a reliable metal cutting solution for new machines, upgrades and retrofits. High production Powertrain manufacturers that have relied on Indramat servo and Trans-01 motion controls for over 30 years now have convenient replacement options with digital drive and control technology. The system is a new scalable single axis control solution specifically designed to replace legacy motion controls found in thousands of metal cutting tools. It is an economical replacement to the Trans-01 blue box and DSC drive, the Trans-01 + TVM/TDM drive, and the Trans-01 +KDV/KDS drive. This solution consists of the power amplifier and a scalable controller section which offers an integrated IEC61131-3 PLC. Ready-to-use software runs on the controller and Rexroth VCP08 operator panel. The solution offers easy startup with almost identical functionality as the Trans-01. IndraWorks engineering software provide tools for project data management, startup, adaptations and reuse of engineering software.

SINGLE-AXIS CONTROLLER AND DRIVE

The new version of the YET XtraDrive incorporates increased power capability to effectively command more demanding precision servo motion equipment while reducing cost. A simplified, cost-saving design features an integrated amplifier and powerful 5Kw, 1.5 axis controller enhanced with ECAM capability to provide complex motion profiles based on master or virtual axis encoder position. The 400V ac, 3-phase input drive system achieves speeds up to 6000 rpm with increased torque output to 629 lb-in (71 Nm) peak without sacrificing precision accuracy. The new drive delivers 16.5A RMS continuous and 40.5A RMS peak. Based on patented NCT (non-linear control) servo control technology, the XtraDrive solves system flexibility, tuning and compatibility problems. The adaptive control structure provides stability and eliminates costly re-tuning efforts by automatically adjusting to changing load requirements. Applications include high performance machines in the assembly, packaging, material handling, metalworking, machine tool, display inspection machines and other general purpose equipment.

MOTION CONTROLLER/SERVO DRIVE

The Digital MMC from Danaher Motion mounts directly in an MMC Smart Drive servo amplifier. It controls the amplifier it resides in and up to fifteen additional drives can be daisy-chained together with a simple RJ-45 connection. The field-installable unit is available in 1, 2, 4 and 16 axis versions. It can mount in both 230V and 460V drives which are available in power ranges from 0.5 to 24 kW. Eight dc inputs and 8 dc outputs are on-board. In addition, the I/O on each drive (8 dc inputs, 4 dc outputs and 1 analog input per drive) is accessible to the application program over the digital network. Additional features include access to G&L Motion Control's distributed I/O network, which allows up to 77 block modules. The drive offers an RS-232/422/485 serial port for connection to an HMI, and built-in 10/100 Ethernet for remote programming, an Ethernet HMI, peer-peer communication, or connection to a plant network.

SINGLE AXIS SERVO CONTROLLER

Aerotech's Soloist™ CP is a single-axis servo controller that combines a power supply, amplifier and position controller in a single package. Software tools include support for C#, VB.Net, C++, and LabVIEW®. Users can utilize these tools or full integrated development environment and AeroBASIC together with the multitasking operating system for complex or simple applications. The Soloist can control up to five tasks simultaneously, as well as handle variables and manage IO. It has high-speed position latch inputs and advanced data logging capabilities that are useful for laboratory and test instrument applications. Host-mode operation allows users to send commands with a PC via Ethernet or USB for immediate execution, while Ethernet or USB also permits networked operation for multi-axis sequenced motion and IO passing. The Soloist MP offers the same software tools as the CP but in a smaller package designed for OEMs that can supply bus power from existing power supplies.

SINGLE AXIS MOTION/MACHINE CONTROLLER

A new single-axis controller from ORMEC, combines high-performance drive technology with IEC 61131-3 programming capabilities in a single, compact, package. The SMLC-SA allows users to replace a standalone PLC and single axis motion controller/drive with a single box solution that reduces wiring complexity, panel space requirements and programming effort. The controller uses the same development and commissioning tools as the company's entire SMLC product line. The CoDeSys Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and runtime engine provide motion control tools, diagnostic capabilities and enables users to program logic and motion using all five IEC 61131-3 languages. The software supports PLCopen standard motion control function blocks plus ORMEC extensions. The controller offers a power range from 600 to 24,000W (30+ horsepower), and an input voltage range from 115 to 480V ac. It features removable program storage, built-in I/O (27 digital and 4 analog) and expansion to thousands of I/O points using Wago 750 Series Ethernet I/O.