Released in 2014, it ran remote servo and stepper drives via the EtherCAT real-time bus, controlling up to 32 axes.
Today, the most powerful motion controllers, such as Trio’s MC664-X, can synchronise up to 128 axes, with EtherCAT cycle time as low as 125µs. Not all applications demand this level of performance across a very high axis count, so pocket-sized controllers that still support multi-axis applications, as well as a range of click-in I/O modules, are also available. In addition to the focus on high speed EtherCAT- based motion control, analogue as well as step and direction devices also remain in frequent use, which the most flexible motion controllers can also integrate. Crucial to overall machine performance, the
motion controller also has to seamlessly operate with drive and motor packages. The drives have to meet the demands of today’s machine builders, including fast update rates, compact dimensions and a low cost per axis. In addition, a drive with plug-and-play compatibility with its controller ensures a fast and reliable set-up.
In combination with advanced hardware is the motion engine, the software environment that enables machine designers to develop motion applications. Trio’s Motion-iX, for example, is capable of simple and advanced motion trajectory profiling as well as kinematic structures including common robot types.
Motion commands are accessible through an easy to use application programming interface (API), all of which can be simulated in a 3D virtual model to test and develop motion control. Engineers can use a variety of IEC 61131-3
languages and tools including PLCopen function blocks, plus the Motion-iX core programming option. Motion-iX uses native English language commands that make it easier to create and review, compared to languages such as ladder that follow a cascading format.
For machines that primarily have a logic requirement, for example, a reliance on AC induction motor speed control and a high I/O count, a PLC is usually the preferable means of control. Alternatively, for applications where precise and accurate control of a machine’s moving parts remain fundamental, a controller focused on optimising motion will remain the most effective option. A PLC or PC-based solution could leverage high processing power against the motion challenge, but with a purpose designed motion controller, this can be achieved with the equivalent of a mobile phone processor in a compact footprint, and at a fraction of the cost. To improve productivity and efficiency in
the factories of the future, robotics technology increasingly comes to the fore. While robots aren’t new in themselves, we are seeing the growing integration of robots into control solutions. Essentially, robotics is based on kinematic structures, which is at the heart of motion control. Specialists like Trio handle the
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kinematic maths for the control of multiple axes, which coordinated together creates what we understand as robotic movement. For this reason, industry’s reliance on advanced motion control is set to grow even more.
Trio’s MC664-X can synchronise up to 128 axes, with EtherCAT cycle time as low as 125µs
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