Freescale’s new Kinetis K70 family features ARM Cortex-M4 core

Freescale Semiconductor (www.freescale.com) has unveiled an ARM Cortex-M4 core based microcontroller (MCU) family that is ideal for single-chip, graphics LCD applications. The Kinetis K70 family is suitable for applications requiring advanced connectivity, a graphic LCD user interface and security functionality, without the increased power consumption... [Read more]

Melsec L series positioning modules adds simple motion module

Mitsubishi Electric (www.mitsubishielectric.com) has optimized its Melsec L series positioning modules to include a “simple motion module”, which offers various advanced functions such as torque and speed control, using simple parameter settings. The module supports circular interpolation of two axes, linear interpolation of up to four axes, continuous... [Read more]

Siemens process control system offers new functions

The Industry Automation Division of Siemens (www.usa.siemens.com/process) has equipped its Simatic PCS 7 process control system Version 8 with a host of new features, including an easier engineering workflow and improved data exchange. It also offers more powerful communication, fault-tolerant and redundancy-related functions to its controllers as well... [Read more]

Aerotech unveils A3200 MotionPAC software-based PLC

Aerotech (www.aerotech.com) has announced that it has integrated the A3200 MotionPAC software-based programmable logic controller (PLC) with its A3200 motion controller to optimize programming quality and efficiency while reducing development time. Compliant with PLCopen and IEC 61131-3, the MotionPAC can be used in conjunction with AeroBasic programs... [Read more]

TI unveils new Stellaris ARM Cortex-M microcontroller motor control kit

Texas Instruments Incorporated (www.ti.com) has expanded its motor control solutions portfolio with the addition of DK-LM3S-DRV8312, which is a motor control kit suitable for spinning three-phase brushless motors with a Stellaris Cortex-M3 microcontroller (MCU). Offering 32-bit Stellaris LM3S818 microcontroller, the new motor control kit also comes... [Read more]

Tolomatic ACS Stepper Drive/Controller with Ethernet offers better flexibility

Equipped with Ethernet connectivity, Tolomatic’s (www.tolomatic.com) ACS Stepper Drive/Controller delivers better economy and flexibility to electric actuator applications. With the Ethernet, the ACS supports both Modbus TCP and Ethernet/IP, offering easy connectivity to Allen Bradley (www.ab.com) PLCs among other HMIs and PLCs. All of Tolomatic’s... [Read more]

Atmel’s first 32-bit AVR Microcontroller features floating point unit

Microcontroller and touch solutions leader Atmel Corporation (www.atmel.com) has unveiled the first 32-bit AVR microcontrollers (MCUs) that feature a floating point unit (FPU). Delivering a unique blend of high-processing power, the new Atmel AVR UC3 C MCU series offers high-speed communication, true 5V operation as well as reliability and advanced... [Read more]

EasySlave allows easy development of Sercos Slave Devices

Sercos International (www.sercos.com), has proudly introduced the Sercos EasySlave, which is an FPGA-based single-chip controller ideally suited for simple Sercos III slave devices, at the recently concluded SPS/IPC Show in Nuremberg, Germany. Featuring a real time channel with a single input and output connection, the EasySlave can support cycle times... [Read more]

Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions unveils PCM7539X IDEA Drive Stepper Motor Controller

Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions (www.HaydonKerk.com) has unveiled the Haydon RoHS compliant PCM7539X IDEA programmable stepper motor drive that can support up to 75VDC input voltage and a maximum output current of 3.85A RMS. Specifically developed to control larger-sized stepper linear actuators offered by the company, the new stepper motor drive features... [Read more]

Trio Motion unveils two new motion controllers

Trio Motion (www.triomotion.com) has introduced two new motion and machine controllers that economically and flexibly provide new levels of multi-tasking stepper or servo control for high performance automation. Based on the 533 MHz ARM11 processor, the MC403 and MC405 controllers offers a vast array of performance enhancements enabled by the ARM11... [Read more]

Sprint Electric’s high power field controller optimizes DC drive capabilities

Sprint Electric (www.sprint-electric.com) has expanded its range of DC drives for control of DC motor’s high current excitation fields, with the addition of QLX, a three phase field controller that feature fieldbus options such as DeviceNet, Profibus, ModBus TCP/IP, CanOpen and Ethernet. The QLX controller works with the armature controller to deliver... [Read more]

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix 5570 Series offer memory and speed

Rockwell Automation (www.rockwellautomation.com) has proudly released a range of programmable automation controllers (PACs) that offer manufacturers higher processing speed as it supports over 100 axes of motion. Seamlessly integrating through SERCOS and EtherNet/IP network interfaces, the Allen-Bradley Controllogix 5570 Series features optimized process,... [Read more]

Single-Axis Controller with 800W Sine Drive from Galil

Rocklin, Cal. – Galil Motion Control introduces the DMC-300xx Pocket Motion Controller Series, a single-axis Ethernet motion controller. It combines a high performance motion controller and a 800W sine drive in a low cost, compact 3.9-in. x 5.0-in. x 1.5-in. package. The DMC-300xx is also available as a controller-only model that can be connected... [Read more]

Rockwell Automation introduces two new programmable logic controllers

Rockwell Automation (www.rockwellautomation.com) has announced the release of its two new Allen-Bradley controllers, the Micro830 and Micro810, as well as the Connected Components software. A part of the Allen-Bradley Micro800 range, the component-class micro programmable controllers provides machine manufactures a cost-effective control solution, making... [Read more]

Servo2Go Adds New DMC-1417 Econo PCI BUS Motion Controller from Galil

Greenville, Del. – Servo2Go.com has added Galil Motion Control’s new PCI BUS Econo Motion Controller, the DMC-1417, to its broad range of PCI-based motion controllers.  The DMC-1417 can handle the most demanding applications with features such as an extra encoder input for electronic gearing, program memory with multitasking, uncommitted I/O and... [Read more]

Siemens expands its Simotion D motion controllers portfolio

Siemens Industry, Inc. (www.sea.siemens.com) has expanded its range of upper performance Simotion D motion controllers with the addition of the latest Simotion D445-2 DP/PN and D455-2 DP/PN versions. The new Simotion D445-2 multi-axis controllers offer high-speed I/O, onboard Profinet interfaces and with thrice the performance, a single controller can... [Read more]

What is a Servo Controller?

More specific types of controllers, such as servo controllers, are used to control servomotors. When dealing with servo systems, it’s important to note that definitions for servomotor, servo system, and servo controllers can differ widely throughout industry. When selecting a servo system for an application, it’s best to ask suppliers what exactly... [Read more]

What are Programmable Logic Controllers?

Programmable logic controllers,or PLCs, are highly specialized, programmable microprocessor-based controllers used to control a specific application on a machine or a process. They are used in automation and manufacturing to control assembly lines and machinery on factory floors as well as many other types of mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment... [Read more]

Motion controller

Motion controllers are the brains of any motion control system. In feedback-based systems, they take an input command from the user, compare it with a feedback signal from the motor, and take corrective action to bring the output (or actual position) and input (or desired position) in line with one another, ideally with little or no error. A motion... [Read more]

Machine Controller

In the most general sense, a controller receives some type of input and produces outputs for some device, most commonly an electric motor. More specifically, machine control, unlike a more specific type of controller such as a motion controller, refers to the control of an entire stand-alone machine such as a CNC machine, packaging machine, or even... [Read more]

Dunkermotoren USA unveils STM Solar Tracker Motors

Dunkermotoren (www.dunkermotoren.de) has unveiled its brushless dc motors integrated with fieldbus-enabled motion controllers that have been optimized to reduce installation costs, minimize development time and offer lowest total cost of ownership (TCO) in various solar tracking applications. Compared to fixed photovoltaic panel, the STM Solar Tracker... [Read more]

Messung Systems unveils NX7 PLC

Messung Group of Companies (www.messung.com) has introduced an exclusive range of PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) that is equipped with state-of-the-art product, featuring a seamless combination of PC & PLC – the NX7 PLC. The new PLC offers extremely fast I/O update, user defined web pages, various field-bus options (Profibus / Modbus), redundancy... [Read more]

New Simotion D Motion Controllers from Siemens

Atlanta, Ga. – Siemens Industry, Inc. has announced an extension of the upper performance range of its popular Simotion D motion controllers. The new generation of Simotion D445-2 multi-axis controllers has new features such as onboard Profinet interfaces, high-speed I/O, and with three times the performance, a single controller can support up to... [Read more]

Novatec’s PLC system suitable for centralized conveying systems

Novatec (www.novatec.com) has launched its latest Novatec FXS (FlexXpand) programmable logic controls (PLC), which helps processors monitor plant-wide operations. Featuring color touch screen control panels, this Siemens-based PLC can support polymer-conveying systems with up to 120 stations and 20 pumps. Its base panel can control up to 25 purge valves,... [Read more]

SEL-2240 Axion seamlessly combines PLCs and RTUs

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (www.selinc.com) has announced that the SEL-2240 Axion is now available for sale. With integrated security and flexible system architecture, the Axion extends SEL’s control and automation product family by delivering high density, highly configurable programmable logic controller (PLC) and modular RTU system.... [Read more]

Multicore CompactRIO With Intel® Core™ i7 Processor from National Instruments

Austin, Tex. – National Instruments announces an expansion to its growing NI reconfigurable I/O (RIO) platform with the addition of the highest performance and first multicore NI CompactRIO systems and smallest NI Single-Board RIO devices.  The new NI cRIO-908x systems feature an Intel® Core™ i7 dual-core processor for increased processing power,... [Read more]

New CANopen Brushless DC Motor Control from Dunkermotoren USA

Elgin, Ill. – A new, compact 4-quadrant positioning motion controller with integral output stage is now available from Dunkermotoren USA to control brushless and brushed DC motors as a slave in widely used CANopen networks or in stand-alone operation with digital or analog IO.  Two versions of the new control are available in the same compact, power-dense... [Read more]

Microchip unveils 16-bit dsPIC DSCs and PIC24 MCUs

Microchip Technology Inc. (www.microchip.com) has announced its support to 16-bit processors with the unveiling of 60 MIPS 16-bit dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs) and PIC24 microcontrollers (MCUs). Based on the next generation dsPIC DSC/PIC24 MCU core, the new dsPIC33 and PIC24 “E” devices provide larger Flash memory (536 KB), a USB 2.0 OTG... [Read more]

WAGO “ETHERNET 2.0” Controller comes with SD Card

Wago Corporation (www.wago.com) has announced that its 750-880 “ETHERNET 2.0” Programmable Fieldbus Controller now features one MB data memory as well as SD port for up to eight GB of additional memory. Aside from increasing the intelligence of industrial Ethernet applications, the 750-880 — which is the third from the “ETHERNET 2.0” platform... [Read more]

New Catalog from Quicksilver Controls Highlights Servo Motion

Covina, Cal. – Quicksilver Controls’ new 48-page catalog provides a review of the full range of QuickSilver’s motors, drives and controls that feature their high pole count, 2-phase permanent magnet motors when operated in a vector control mode as a full 4 quadrant servo motor system. QuickSilver’s electronic drives and controls use size 17,... [Read more]

Moog’s Modular Test Controller handles vast array of tasks

Moog (www.moog.com), one of the world’s leading manufacturers of precision control components and systems for space, aircraft and industrial applications, has announced the release of its latest test controller intended for complex and simple tests on materials, components and vehicles — the new Modular Test Controller. Together with the Portable... [Read more]

New ACS GEN6 Motor Controllers from Kollmorgen

Radford, Va. – Kollmorgen’ ACS GEN6 Motor Controllers are the new generation of the company’s highly successful ACS product family. ACS motor controllers are available in a variety of voltages (24, 36, 48, and 80V) and power levels (5-50kVA, 2min) to suit various types and sizes of electric vehicles. Using the latest MOSFET technology in combination... [Read more]

Lenze introduces Controller 3200 C with EtherCat

Lenze (www.lenze.com), a leading specialist in drive and automation technology, has announced that its ECS servo system now comes with a clock-synchronized EtherCAT interface. The company’s new ECS servo system offers the servo drives high dynamic performance, which is vital in motion tasks requiring the highest precision and speed. Specifically engineered... [Read more]

Rockwell’s motion-control technology enhances packaging machine

Faced with the challenge of developing machines that produce more products at a faster rate but offer greater accuracy and efficiency, Thiele Technologies (www.thieletech.com) turns to Rockwell Automation (www.rockwellautomation.com) for solutions.Rockwell Automation provided the control solution that would enhance the flexibility and performance... [Read more]

Delta Tau Introduces Next Generation Motion Controller

Delta Tau Data Systems has taken the leap into a more innovative and useful general-purpose control format for OEMs and end users alike. Their Power PMAC Motion and Machine Controller features a full-featured real-time operating system. Due to the latest embedded hardware available, the unit is said to provide the highest level of peripheral integration... [Read more]

Rexroth IndraLogic XLC PLC offers faster automation functions

Rexroth (www.boschrexroth.com) has introduced its latest range of PLC controllers that uses IndraLogic XLC (eXtended Logic Control). Offering capabilities beyond the standard functions of traditional PLC’s, Rexroth’s IndraLogic XLC PLC allows users to leverage numerous new functions that quickly deliver modular software projects.The new PLC controllers... [Read more]

ACS Stepper Drive/Controller offers affordable Electric Actuator Solutions

Tolomatic (www.tolomatic.com) has unveiled its latest ACS Stepper Drive/Controller. Specifically designed for use with electric actuators, the company’s latest actuator control solution (ACS) is a low-cost, easy-to-use stepper drive and controller.Integrated with configurations for the ERD, Tolomatic’s rod-style electric actuator linear motion... [Read more]

Motion over Ethernet provides new level of performance

Rockwell Automation (www.rockwellautomation.com) proudly offers a fully integrated motion solution that operates on similar high-level communications protocol such as those running on other parent automation systems.With the enhancements on its programmable automation controllers (PACs) portfolio, the company now offers Integrated Motion over EtherNet/IP... [Read more]

New IndraLogic XLC PLC Family from Rexroth

Hoffman Estates, Ill. – A new PLC family from Rexroth (www.boschrexroth-us.com/brc), the IndraLogic XLC PLC family, enables scalable, controller-based and embedded PC solutions in conjunction with the company’s latest IndraControl device platform.  IndraLogic XLC (eXtended Logic Control) PLC controllers feature capabilities go beyond standard PLC... [Read more]

Fanuc’s high-speed laser CNCs optimize processing capabilities

Fanuc Factory Automation America (FANUC FA America) (www.fanucfa.com) has unveiled its latest Series 30i/31i-L MODEL B high-speed laser controls, which provides optimum support to high speed laser processing.Even when processing thin gage materials at extremely high speeds, the new Series 30i/31i-L MODEL B CNCs can provide seamless choreography between... [Read more]

Emerson’s FIELDVUE digital valve controllers features FDT/DTM system interface

Emerson Process (www.emersonprocess.com) has launched its Fisher FIELDVUE digital valve controllers, which can now be incorporated into any process control system supporting FDT/DTM technology, features HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus communications. The Valvelink DTM software enables users to perform startup, diagnostic and commissioning activities by... [Read more]

Triangle Research optimizes integrated PLCs

Triangle Research International (www.tri-plc.com) has announced the latest addition to its extensive portfolio of programmable logic controllers (PLC) for original equipment manufacturers (OEM) — the FMD1616-10 and FMD88-10 PLCs.These new FMD PLCs complete Triangle Research’s lineup of highly integrated “Super PLCs”, which starts from the... [Read more]

Cognex Connect provides ID readers industrial connectivity

Cognex Corporation (www.cognex.com) has announced the release of its Cognex Connect, which provides industrial protocol connectivity for hand held ID readers such as the Cognex DataMan 8000 ID readers, via PROFINET and EtherNet/IP support. Available in In-Sight vision system, Cognex Connect is an extensive collection of communication capabilities that... [Read more]

Single-Axis Motion Controller with Onboard Brushless/Brush Servo Drive

Greenville, Del. – Servo2Go.com has just added Galil Motion Control’s New Econo Series Motion Controller with Ethernet & Onboard Servo Drive, the CDS-3310, to its broad range of high-performance cost-effective Ethernet-based motion controllers. Galil Motion Control recently released the CDS-3310 single-axis controller and drive system designed... [Read more]

ATEX-Rated High-Temperature Hazardous Location Positioner from Exlar

Chanhassen, Minn. – Exlar’s EXP-24 Positioner conforms to both ATEX (Directive 94/9/EC) and CSA regulations for explosion-proof applications, and can be used to control most of the company’s three-phase linear and rotary actuators, including the EL100 linear and ER115 rotary actuators. Housed in an IP66-rated enclosure, the Exlar EXP-24 Positioner... [Read more]

ABB Drives unveils FECA-01 EtherCAT Adapter

ABB Low Voltage Drives (www.abb.com), the world’s leading producer of electric drives and motors, has proudly announced the launch of the FECA-01 EtherCAT Adapter, which supports CANopen protocol over EtherCAT (CoE) protocol.“Combining this feature-rich industrial fieldbus adapter with the ACS355 and ACS850 drives will make available a great drive... [Read more]

Schneider Electric unveils Modicon M168 Programmable Logic Controller

Schneider Electric (www.schneider-electric.com) has announced the release of Modicon M168 Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), which was designed to help end users and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) speed time-to-market, optimize costs and improve performance of HVAC/R machines. The new controller uses flexible architectures, SoHVAC software... [Read more]

Lenze unveils “motion-centric” controller for complex machines

Lenze (www.lenze.com) has launched a controller for centralized control systems at the SPS/IPC/Drives show in Germany. The 3200C controller combines motion control, PLC logic and visualization functions. It is also intended at “motion-centric” automation of complex machines with multiple linear and rotary axes.Lenze’s I/O System 1000 is integrated... [Read more]

Fast Piezo Focusing Systems presented at BIOS

Physik Instrumente (PI) L.P. (www.physikinstrumente.com) proudly introduces a more affordable series of Fast Piezo Focusing devices at the 2011 BIOS (Biomedical Optics) conference held together with SPIE’s Photonics West.The latest PIFOC system packages are developed to improve results in lens positioning and fast focusing including deconvolution... [Read more]

Animatics Introduces the Class 5 SmartMotor™

Animatics introduces the world’s most powerful integrated servo: the Class 5 SmartMotor featuring patent-pending Combitronic technology.  In 1994, Animatics introduced the first fully integrated SmartMotor servos featuring an internal brushless motor, encoder, controller and amplifier, and have... [Read more]