The requirements for machine tools to deliver precise, fast motion continue. Fortunately, motion vendors are up to the challenge. Two newer motion and machine controllers are based on the latest 533 MHz ARM11 processor, which enables these devices to flexibly and economically deliver greater levels of multi-tasking servo or stepper control.

The MC403 will control two servo axes with a master encoder input, or three stepper axes; while the MC405 has a choice of four servos plus a master encoder or five step and direction axes. The 6 MHz servo encoder ports are selectable for incremental linear or rotary feedback or may be configured for SSI, Tamagawa and EnDat absolute types. The maximum stepper output frequency is 2 MHz. Any combination of servo and stepper axes is possible.

These controllers deliver more than four times the clock frequency (533 MHz), selectable servo update rate from 125 to 2000 microseconds, and a maximum data table size of 512 K. The double floating point precision processor delivers improved servo loop accuracy with fast 64 bit real-number mathematics and 64 bit integer position registers.

The ability to use multi-tasking TrioBASIC and/or IEC 61131-3 programming support gives you maximum flexibility for tightly synchronized, high throughput motion and machine control. The controls will suit applications where any combination of linear or interpolated motion, electronic gearbox or linked axes need to be coordinated with machine I/O and sensor interfacing. Programming options include Motion Perfect support software, TrioPC for ActiveX with HPGL, and DXF import capability.

These motion coordinators include a complement of built-in digital and analogue I/O with a fast dual position input capture capability on every axis. Electronic switches with supporting FIFO’s on each axis allow outputs to be accurately toggled, for example for laser control. A CANbus expansion port provides a CANopen master or DeviceNet slave as well as optional TrioCAN I/O modules for up to 512 digital I/O points and 32 12-bit analogue inputs and 16 12-bit analogue outputs.

Both models have a built-in RJ45 Ethernet port for programming and connection of HMI or other devices; protocols available include Modbus TCP and Ethernet IP. There is also both RS232 and 485 serial ports as an alternative for communications, or for use with Modbus-RTU, Hostlink or user programmable devices. Memory expansion is made possible with a Micro SD card slot that also allows program and configuration data transfer across machines.

The attractive and neatly packaged MC403 and MC405 Motion Coordinators suit enclosure, panel or DIN-rail mounting with a single-piece cast metal back plate that provides an integrated earth chassis for improved EMC performance. A combination of removable screw terminals and D-type connectors provide fast and convenient interfacing.

The discernible differences between the two models, apart from the axis count and the encoder provision, relate to the multitasking capability and the number of virtual axes available, as well physical variations such as I/O count, size and status display: The 2-servo/3-stepper MC403 can run six simultaneous tasks and has a total of eight axes in software, while the MC405 runs up to ten tasks with sixteen axes in software. Axes not assigned to built-in hardware can be used virtually, which is useful for simulated motion or event timing. Both controllers have eight 24 Vdc inputs and two 12-bit analogue inputs, but the physically larger MC405 has ten rather than six registration inputs and eight rather than four 24 V bidirectional I/O channels. Furthermore the MC405 includes an LCD display in addition to the two status LEDs available on the MC403.

Trio Motion Technology
www.triomotion.com

::Design World::

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Filed Under: Machine tool industry + subtractive manufacturing, Motion control • motor controls

 

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