Posted to News on 19th May 2009, 14:16
Motion controllers offered with EtherNet/IP fieldbus option
Aerotech's Soloist and Ensemble series advanced motion controllers now include an ODVA-certified EtherNet/IP fieldbus option to enable direct programming from Allen Bradley PLCs using the RSLogix development environment. Register-to-register and ASCII interface programming are available to bring real-time I/O and message exchange with device configuration and data collection over the EtherNet/IP open industrial network standard for integrated machine automation and motion control products. EtherNet/IP is built on a standard Ethernet TCP/IP network and uses the proven Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) of DeviceNet.
Aerotech's Soloist and Ensemble motion controllers are DSP-equipped multitasking intelligent drives that can be configured for linear and rotary, brushed and brushless servo motors as well as open-loop stepper motors. They are equally suitable for use with Aerotech's wide range of medium to ultra-high precision positioning systems or as standalone motion control and drive devices for OEM applications such as packaging and processing machinery or robotics.
The single-axis Soloist combines a power supply, amplifier, position and I/O controller in a single package. The multi-axis Ensemble is available as the Epaq - a motion controller with integral drives and power supply for up to six axes in desktop or rack-mount configuration - or as the CP/MP/CL distributed network of individual panel-mounted units. The Ensemble Epaq can handle up to 10 tightly synchronised servo or stepper axes with fully deterministic real-time Ethernet networking for microsecond level motion interpolation and I/O handling. Through all ranges, peak current is up to 30A as standard and up to 150A on request.
Easy programming
Both Soloist and Ensemble feature an easy-to-use GUI for straightforward setup, auto-tuning, programming, diagnostics and debugging with point-to-point motion, linear and circular interpolation, electronic gearing with high-speed position latching, and velocity profiling.
Advanced features include PSO (position synchronised output) for high-speed synchronisation of a single- or combined-axis position with an output to control precisely an external source such as the firing and power control for a laser. Both products also feature axis calibration and backlash compensation, providing higher levels of precision and performance when used with Aerotech's positioning mechanics. A wide choice of programming languages includes Aerotech's own AeroBASIC, Microsoft .NET, C++, LabVIEW over Ethernet, USB from Windows, etc.
Full details of the new EtherNet/IP fieldbus option are available from Aerotech's website for the Soloist and Ensemble series advanced motion controllers.
