Wineman Technology Inc (www.winemantech.com) recently unveiled the upgrades to RAPID — an integrated, data acquisition and multi-loop control system suited for test cell applications requiring fast development and low-cost deployment.
The 3U, 19-inch and rack-mount controller supplies real-time data acquisition and control for servo-hydraulics test cell applications and dynamometers. It is also ideal for data acquisition and motion control applications, including hydraulics test systems.
Moreover, RAPID is also designed for other test cell applications such as frame testing for material load, contract lab testing, small engine test cells, as well as engine and transmission remanufacturing.
The recent upgrades include user variable functions that allow RAPID’s eight-user variables to be utilized as control mode feedbacks, set-points and outputs. Another new feature is data acquisition decimation, which enables up to 3rd order polynomial scaling on the 1st eight analog inputs.
Another enhancement is the configuration of encoder/frequency, wherein four frequency inputs can now be configured to receive a combination of encoder and frequency signals.
The last upgrade is the watch dog timer, which generates a two kilohertz square wave output, enabling an additional external hardware for detecting any lapse in the hardware’s utility.
Commenting on the upgrade, Jim Wineman, Chief Executive Officer of Wineman Technology, said: “The RAPID controller is a real-time, digital controller that uses the power of an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) for maximum determinism and performance.”
He also added that Wineman Technology is constantly looking for ways to improve the integration, performance and flexibility of RAPID so that their customers will “continue to have a competitive advantage.”
Filed Under: Motion Control Tips