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Motors and Drives


machine controller system. This is described as a PC-based single development environment and machine controller that combines an industry-standard PLC engine with Aerotech’s sophisticated multi-axis motion engine. The system is versatile and customisable, and includes programming options such as adding custom function blocks using Microsoft’s .NET Framework or running Aerobasic programs directly on the controller and interfacing with other software such as Labview. Aerotech explains that Motionpac enables users to control


Fig. 3. Bosch Rexroth says its new Indralogic XLC enables users to leverage a wide range of new functions to realise modular software projects quicker than before.


interfacing. Motiflex e100 drives offer card slots for further local I/O expansion and fieldbus connectivity. This versatility enables drives to be configured very cost-effectively to provide single-box controls for automation applications. If used in a Powerlink system, the local intelligence adds


versatile new system building capabilities. Critical events can be acted on, eliminating the impact of network and controller scan time latencies; the faster response of critical axes can therefore be translated directly into higher throughput. .


Motion and machine control


Aerotech already has an extensive range of drives and motion controllers, but at the 2010 SPS/IPC/Drives Exhibition the company unveiled its new Motionpac integrated motion and


multi-axis motion trajectories to within microns using the company’s direct-drive positioning mechanics, and with real- time and real-position data acquisition from its nanometre- level encoder technologies; at the same time the system can output position-synchronised pulses to control external events such as the firing pattern of a laser or precisely timed ‘electronic gearbox’ functions. In addition, the single development environment is


said to enable machine builders and OEMs to benefit from considerably reduced machine integration and build timescales, with the machine tags defined only once and accessible across all applications, regardless of the programming language selected. For machine builders looking for something beyond a


conventional PLC, Bosch Rexroth introduced the Indralogic XLC (extended logic control) towards the end of 2010. According to Rexroth, users can leverage a wide range of new functions to realise modular software projects quicker than before (Fig. 3). All planning, configuration, programming and diagnostic functions are standardised in a single engineering environment; motion control functions are also integrated. Indralogic XLC can be connected to various communication networks thanks to real-time communication via Sercos III and other common communication protocols such as Profinet RT, Profibus and Ethernet/IP. l


Stepper motors replace servos N


anotec Electronic’s new SMCI36 motor controller is


aimed at engineers who require quick, small and energy-efficient motor controllers for distributed applications (Fig. 4). The company says that its Closedloop technology provides energy-efficient motor control and, with the field- oriented control, expensive geared servomotor systems can be replaced with more economical stepper motors. This is particularly true for rotational speeds of up to 1500 rpm or torques of up to 10 Nm. Not only is the SMCI36 controller


compact, but its Closedloop-capable encoder input means that the motor stator magnetic field is controlled via the rotary encoder, as with a


58 www.engineerlive.com


the current is continually adjusted to suit the required torque, which substantially decreases current consumption and heat generation in comparison with conventional stepper motor controllers, resulting in a reduced electrical power requirement and a longer service life for components. The combination of dspDrive


Fig. 4. Nanotec Electronic’s new SMCI36 motor controller can be used to achieve near-servo performance from lower-cost stepper motors.


servomotor. The stepper motor therefore cannot lose steps, even at maximum torque. In addition,


technology and the SMCI 36 model is said to achieve a low-vibration stepper motor, as is typically required for medical technology, laboratory automation, optical devices and sensitive applications. Thanks to the software-based control circuit, both stepper and brushless DC motors can be controlled with the same hardware. l


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