All of Tolomatic’s electric actuators feature built-in configurations that enable the ACS with Ethernet to simplify the creation of linear motion. Paired with Tolomatic’s ERD low-cost rod-style electric actuators, the ACS offers cost-efficient solutions for automation applications such as product diverting, sorting, pick-and-place, pressing and changeovers.

“The ACS Stepper Drive/Controller with Ethernet completes the actuation solution,” said Aaron Dietrich, Marketing Manager at Tolomatic.

“With Ethernet, the ACS is a unique entry-level automation solution that brings connectivity to the control systems that customers already have in place. This reduces costs and greatly simplifies the integration of low-cost electric actuators into the motion system.”

For infinite position capability, the ACS with Ethernet is capable of preconfigured moves or immediate move command. Each move features configurable motion profile parameters such as force, position, velocity, and acceleration/deceleration that are independent for every move. For better fault recovery and monitoring, the Ethernet connectivity also provides the control system with additional diagnostic and status information.

“With Ethernet connectivity, the ACS has a lot more flexibility in operating the motion control system. Additionally, Ethernet allows more information such as better diagnostics compared to digital I/O control schemes found in many low cost actuator applications. With Ethernet, faults are easily indicated and identified,” he added.

The ACS with Ethernet is available with a starter kit that includes two set-up manuals and configuration software.

Motion Control Tips

With a built-in CPU, the FMC32 board also has the ability to register up to 256 steps as well as up to 32 operation patterns in an execution sequence in the internal memory of the board. Eliminating the need for an external PC, the FMC32 automatically processes those sequences and patterns. With the help of the built-in CPU, users can easily repeat the execution sequence automatically.

In addition, users can utilize a USB-to-4-wire serial conversion to simplify the writing as well as the saving of patterns and the execution of sequences to the board’s non-volatile memory.

Aside from the PCD2112 serial bus control chip, the FMC32 control board is also equipped with a NP3775E3 driver chip. The chip enables the board to drive a motor in both half-step and full-step execution modes.

Nippon Pulse’s FMC32 control board offers other features including a maximum current of 1.2 A, an input voltage of DC 24 V, a maximum output pulse frequency of 2.4 Mpps and two different operational modes, which are the stand-alone control mode and the PC control mode.

Motion Control Tips

Completing the platform’s power range, the PCM7539X allows the IDEA system to be utilized with any stepper motor product offered by the company. In particular, the PCM7539X programmable stepper motor is designed to control the bigger size 23 stepper motor units as well as size 34 stepper motor units.

Similar to all Haydon IDEA Drives, the compact PCM7539X is a fully programmable control unit that is easy to use. Featuring a patent-pending graphic user interface, the stepper motor drive can be programmed using on-screen buttons instead of other proprietary programming languages or complex command sets. The software enables the system designer to troubleshoot programs that use multiple line or line-by-line program execution through interactive debug feature. The software also has the ability to simulate inputs and outputs prior to connecting in actual I/O hardware.

The PCM7539X IDEA programmable stepper motor drive’s technical specifications include 12VDC to 75VDC input voltage, programmable current control, eight digital I/O points, memory for up to 75 stored motion control programs and drive current per phase of 3.85A RMS plus a 30 percent “current boost” function that can be used during ramping.

Motion Control Tips

Fitted in a compact package, the new step motor driver, with integrated HT23 motor offers up to five amps per phase and is available in 220 VAC and 120 VAC versions.

The STAC5 is available in two options — the S models and the Q models.

Using the SCL language, the S models accept analog input, step and direction, joystick control as well as streaming host commands. The models include a 12-bit analog input, four digital inputs and two digital outputs.

Meanwhile, the Q models provide extra standalone programmable operations utilizing the Q programming language. This language offers high-level features that include complex motion, conditional programming, multi-tasking, register access, math functions and more. The models also include a 12 bit analog input, 12 digital inputs and six digital outputs.

The STAC5 series also features 100 Mbit Ethernet communication which it uses to configure the motor. The Ethernet interface also supports the Q and SCL languages over standard Ethernet cabling, protocols and addressing.

The new step motor driver also comes with an encoder feedback option, which offers position verification, stall prevention and/or stall detection. The company’s proprietary stall prevention algorithm automatically reduces acceleration or speed to avoid motor stalls while monitoring rotor lag, to allow 100 percent torque utilization.

Motion Control Tips

The R325 microstepping driver is capable of output currents ranging from 0.3 to 3.0A peak while handling +15 to 48VDC of input voltage. Selectable step resolutions from Full, 2x, 4x, 8x, 16x, 32x, 64x, 128x, and 256x microstepping are also available. The R325 has hold current reduction capability with adjustable current and timeout settings. It also features three optically isolated inputs and one optically isolated control output that can be used for step, direction, disable/enable, and fault detection.

The R325 features Pole Damping Technology™ (PDT) which enhances a step motor’s performance by creating a more accurate and smooth motion profile. PDT optimizes the microstepping performance of the step motor by outputting the correct amount of run and hold current to the motor, at the right time. Thus, each step will overcome the motor’s natural tendency to want to “jump” towards the full step ON position.

www.linengineering.com

Motion Control Tips

Integrated with configurations for the ERD, Tolomatic’s rod-style electric actuator linear motion is easily and automatically created in the desired linear units (inch or mm).

The ERD range of actuators, which has been originally developed as an economical replacement for pneumatic cylinders, has become an affordable solution for applications such as pick-and-place, heat-staking, sorting and diverting, changeovers and more.

“The primary goal in designing the ACS Stepper Drive/Controller for the ERD product family was to create a low-cost, extremely easy-to-use drive and control product intended for single-axis actuator solutions,” said Aaron Dietrich, Electric Products Manager at Tolomatic.

“What makes creating motion so easy is that through two simple configuration steps, the ACS drive knows everything about the axis of motion. Combined with any of Tolomatic’s electric actuator products, the entire axis of motion is available from one supplier.”

For infinite position capability, the ACS provides four, eight or 16 move command modes (incremental, absolute or jog). This range of command modes is flexible enough for a vast array of single-axis actuator solutions. It also features adjustable motion profile parameters (velocity, position, force, acceleration/deceleration) that are configurable separately for each move.

To save energy, the ACS reduces holding current when not in motion. Aside from its force-limiting capacity, the ACS is also capable of zone output based on the position of the actuator. Its digital I/O can be configured in either 24 VDC Opto-Isolated, NPN or PNP, while its drive/controller is suitable for use with most brands of 24 VDC stepper motors.

Motion Control Tips

The SPiiPlus UDMnt is available in a 5A, 10A, or 20A peak current rating at up to 60Vdc bus voltage, and has dedicated encoder and limit inputs as well as general purpose I/O and robust fault protection. The drive performs real-time control of position, velocity and current at a 20kHz update rate for each axis.

The SPiiPlus EtherCAT family of products offer advanced, high-level machine control with a small footprint and low cost. The universal drive technology provides a flexible solution for all motor topologies, helping to reduce costs by letting users run multiple axes from one drive module.

For more information about the SPiiPlus UDMnt and other ACS EtherCAT network control components, visit the ACS Motion Control website at www.acsmotioncontrol.com.

Motion Control Tips

The microstep drivers allow designers to optimize vibration, noise and motor torque for a broad range of applications. The circuit design is simplified by combining the features of an internal voltage regulator, DMOS output and control input translator. Operating from a maximum single 36 V supply, Rohm advanced DMOS (Pch + Nch) output topology does away with the need for external charge pump components.

The stepper motor drivers incorporate over-voltage, thermal protection and under-voltage not typically integrated in motor driver ICs. The drivers’ packaging benefits include a bottom-side heat sinking to simplify thermal design, pin-compatibility within parts with different current ratings, as well as adjacent-pin short protection on most of the models to reduce field and production failures, said the company.

Motion Control Tips

The TMCM-078 stepper motor drive is made for bipolar two-phase stepper motors, operating with motor coil currents of 0.7A to 7A (rms) (9.8A peak) and voltages of 15V to a maximum of 75V.

Depending upon the application, a high RPM of up to 256 micro steps or a high accuracy is possible, according to the press release.

A sensor-less load measurement capability can detect mechanical blocking, thus it can substitute reference switches plus the needed wiring.

The inputs for the direction, step and enable signals are optically isolated. The motor current is reduced to an adjustable level in standstills (standby) to prevent the motor from heating up unnecessarily, as well as to prevent the waste of energy.

All the outputs and inputs can be linked with JST crimp connectors or screw-pluggable connectors.

The module is available in rugged aluminum housing measuring 145mm x 96mm x 33mm.

Motion Control Tips

Designed to enable current and next generation office and home automation applications, the manufacturer’s wide range of industrial devices provides market-leading levels of reliability and ruggedness to support the drive for high efficiency, low power design.

The all-new AMIS-30523 combines a CAN transceiver and a stepper motor driver in one package, two-die device. This one-of-a-kind configuration can be utilized to control several motors of the same type on one bus, and provides important space-saving designs where a PCB real estate is limited or where one PCB mounted on the rear side of the motor is employed. Usual applications include general purpose stepper motors in industrial, automotive, marine and medical environments.

The AMIS-30523, which has a high speed of one megabit per second (Mb/s), delivers seven step modes from full step up to 32 micro-steps.

Meanwhile, the latest NCP1090, NCP1092 and NCP1091 are Power over Ethernet Powered Devices (PoE−PD) interface controller offering reliable and cost-effective integrated detection, ‘hot-swap’ and classification control in applications such as video over IP, voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) and wireless access point (AP).

Motion Control Tips

The selectable current decay pattern (MIXED/FAST/SLOW decay modes) further improves motor performance. Its circuit design is simplified by a combination of features, which include an internal voltage regulator, DMOS output and control input translator. Its built-in regulator allows operation from a single 36V (max) supply. A single clock (CLK) input instead of parallel control lines is converted by the equipment’s internal translator into motor drive signals. Moreover, the advanced DMOS (Pch + Nch) output topology from ROHM eliminates the need for external charge pump components.

The new microstep drivers from ROHM are the newest addition to the ROHM Stepper Motor Driver Series. They incorporate overvoltage, undervoltage, thermal and overcurrent protection not typically included in motor driver ICs. The series features the company’s unique Ghost Supply Prevention (GSP) function, which prevents aberrant operation during off mode.

“The combination of ROHM’s advanced power semiconductor process technology and enhanced packaging has resulted in exceptional motor driver solutions. Packaging benefits include bottom-side heat sinking to simplify thermal design, adjacent-pin short protection on most models to reduce production and field failures, as well as pin-compatibility among parts with different current ratings,” said Jeremy Bridges, Field Application Engineer of ROHM Semiconductor.

Motion Control Tips

The N-725 PIFOC scanner for microscope objectives with NEXACT piezo stepping drives offers travel ranges of up to 1mm along the optical axis. The N-725’s focusing system can achieve transient times of up to 20ms for steps of 200NM. It has a compact design and is no larger compared to conventional, piezo-based PIFOC objective stages.

The focal plane can be changed with a single mechanism due to the combination of long travel ranges and high resolution. Therefore, there is no need for combining Z-positioning of the objective (with stepper motor and more piezo stages).

The NEXACT piezo stepping drive combines the best traits of piezomotor principles in a compact unit, including high speed, high resolution and high force. The feed motion can be achieved solely through the nanometer-accurate motion of clamped piezo actuators – high resolution, non-wearing and with controllable speed.

High positional resolution is achieved in a stepping mode over the complete travel range in high drive forces. Furthermore, the high stiffness allows a rapid oscillatory motion with resolutions of up to 30 pm and an amplitude of 7 micrometers.

The drive does not need to be powered and is self-locking when it has reached its target. Its position is stable in the nanometer range, thus there is no jitter about its target position compared with stepper motors and servo motors.

Motion Control Tips

These new devices are made to operate bipolar stepper motors in sixteenth, eighth, quarter-, half- and full- step modes, with output drive capacity of up to ±2A and 35V. These devices include a fixed off-time current regulator, which can operate in Mixed or Slow decay modes. The translator is the key to implement devices easily. Simply inputting a single pulse on the STEP input drives the motor one microstep. There are no complex interfaces, phase sequence tables or high frequency control lines to program. The interface is best suited for applications where a complex microprocessor is overburdened or is unavailable.

The chopping control automatically chooses the current decay mode (“Slow or Mixed”). Once a signal occurs at the STEP input pin, the devices determine if that step results in a lower or higher current in every motor phase. If it changes to a higher current, the current decay is set to Slow decay. If it changes to a lower current, the decay mode is set to Mixed (“set initially to a fast decay for a period amounting to 31.25 percent of the fixed offtime, then to a slow decay for the remainder of the off-time”). The current decay control scheme results in increased step accuracy, reduced power dissipation and reduced audible motor noise.

To improve power dissipation in PWM operation, an internal synchronous rectification control circuitry is provided. This internal circuit protection includes: over-current protection, crossovercurrent, undervoltage lockout (UVLO) and thermal shutdown with hysteresis.

Motion Control Tips

Ideal for harsh environments, the compact EtherCAT module in protection class IP 67 allows the connection of Beckhoff stepper motors up to 50VDC and 5A. An integrated incremental encoder connection on the EP7041 permits the implementation of a single servo axis with the compact IP 67 module.

Within the housing, which measures 5-in. x 1.2-in. x 1-in. (126 x 30 x 26.5mm), the EP7041 contains an encoder connection, two digital inputs for limit switches and a digital output for a brake, ensuring that all signals from a motor are combined in one compact box. In addition to the modules designed for 5A, there is also a 1.5A version (EP7041-1002) for the control of lower power stepper motors. By entering just a few parameters, the EP7041 EtherCAT Box can be adapted to suit the motor and the application.

The stepper motor module is capable of 64-fold micro-stepping, which ensures a smooth and precise motor rotation. The stepper motor modules are particularly well-suited for use in the feed axes of handling and processing machines as well as in assembly technology. Beckhoff offers a corresponding range of stepper motors with standstill torques ranging from 0.38 to 5 Nm.

For more information, email beckhoff.usa@beckhoff.com or visit www.beckhoffautomation.com.

Motion Control Tips

The Compact Driver provides 3-wire operation of 28mm Saia motors, including UCL and UCE linear step motors and UCD and UCB rotary stepper motors. The linear Compact Driver solution provides forces from 0.1 to 50N with a step resolution down to 0.021mm and distances up to 150mm. The rotary Compact Driver solution can be combined with an Saia UGA, UGD or UGM gearbox to obtain higher torque and RPM outputs, and increase step resolution, all from the same integrated driver board.

The Compact Driver’s algorithm is programmed to detect the end of the motor’s stroke. This automated end stop detection eliminates noise, reduces mechanical stress, and compensates for transverse distance tolerances, helping decrease system hysteresis and maximizing operating life.

Additionally, the Compact Driver is available with three different types of control interfaces that can be used for any number of applications where on/off or proportional functions are desired, making it simple to integrate into new and existing device designs. The ON/OFF mode is operated by an external switch where the proportional function is controlled by a 0-10V or pulse width modulation (PMW) signal.

For more information, contact Johnson Electric at (937) 454-2345 or by fax at (937) 898-8624.

www.saia-motor-usa.com

Motion Control Tips

AMCI’s stepper drives provide a wide range of features including network connectivity, onboard indexers, encoder feedback, compact design, and simplified set-up. All of AMCI’s UL-Listed drives are self-contained with their own power supplies, and range from 4.0 Arms – 9.8 Arms (Amps RMS) of output current. Additionally, a high voltage version is now available from AMCI to meet European standards that require 230Vac input. All of the units can be installed into tight spaces without thermal issues, and offer panel or side mounting for increased flexibility.

“Most machine builders and OEMs require UL approved control products because their equipment must meet safety and performance standards around the world. AMCI’s UL listed stepper drives achieve this level of excellence as verified by Underwriters Laboratories’ rigorous testing & certification”, explained Stan Mantchev, AMCI Engineer. Many stepper drives with UL approval are only recognized, whereas AMCI’s stepper drives are UL listed to ensure hassle free compliance in any installation.

Underwriters Laboratories® (UL) is a company that has developed standards and testing systems to ensure products are safe. A UL Listing mark on a product is always composed of four elements including the UL in a circle mark (logo), and the word LISTED in capital letters. UL Listed products represent products that are found to be free from reasonably foreseeable risk of fire, electric shock, and related hazards, and that the product was manufactured under UL’s follow-up service program.

Advanced Micro Controls Inc.
www.amci.com

Motion Control Tips

The ST-Plus is available in two models, the ST5-Plus and the ST10-Plus delivering 5A and 10A respectively. The ST-Plus drive measures just 3” x 3.65” x 1.75” and has 3 digital inputs, 1 digital output and an analog input accepting 0-5VDC.

The Q software allows users to create sophisticated and functional programs that Q drives can run stand-alone. The commands available in the Q software environment consist of instructions for controlling motion, inputs & outputs, drive configuration and status, as well as math operations, register manipulation and multi-tasking.

ST-Plus drives are ideally suited to applications needing full motion control capability but only require a small I/O count.

Applied Motion Products
www.applied-motion.com

Motion Control Tips

Configuration is done entirely with switches on the drive. AMP engineers optimized the performance for a number of motors, storing all the configuration parameters on the drive. The motor is then selected by a 16 position rotary switch. Custom configurations are welcomed for OEMs wishing to use a different motor. The STR is compact, measuring only 4.64” x 2.97” x 1.29”.

Applied Motion Products
www.applied-motion.com

Motion Control Tips

STAC6 drives are rated at 6A for the 110V version and 3.2A with the 220VAC version. Adding CANopen allows the drives to be controlled by a CANopen master utilizing the DS301 and DSP402 communications protocols and the CAN 2.0b Passive physical layer. STAC6 drives have 7 digital inputs, 3 digital outputs and 2 analog inputs, encoder feedback is standard.

All AMPs CANopen compatible drives include Q programmer, Applied Motions powerful motion control language. Q programs can be downloaded and stored on the drive and then using the CANopen network, users can access, modify and trigger Q programs. Free printed literature and a price quote are available to aid product selection efforts. Full product CAD drawings are also available.

Applied Motion Products
www.applied-motion.com

Motion Control Tips

The R525 measures just over 3.3″ in length and 1.3″ in height making it very easy to accommodate in most systems. The R525 has been extremely competitively priced coming in at almost 20-30% less than similar products. The R525 is capable of outputting up to 5 amps peak current and handling up to 75 volts DC. Not only can it be used with all NEMA 8, 11, and 17 motor motors, it is compatible with the majority of NEMA 23 motors and many NEMA 34 motors as well.

Configuring the R525 unit is simple as well. With built-in RS485 communication, the unit can be easily connected to a computer and configured via Lin Engineering’s graphical user interface (GUI), LinDriver. Configurable settings include, but are not limited to:

1. Step resolution
2. Run current
3. Hold current
4. Damping modes for smoother motion
5. Selection of sensing the step pulses on the rising edge or falling edge

Visit the company website for more technical specifications as well as the downloadable R525 manual.

Lin Engineering
www.linengineering.com

Motion Control Tips

The Si2035 includes Applied Motion Products, Microsoft Windows based, Si™ software language for quick set up and ease of use. The Si™ is ideal for stand-alone operation. For more experienced users, with software development expertise, the Si2035 also comes with Applied’s Si Command Language (SCL) programming instruction set. SCL allows for control of the Si™ drive from a host PC or PLC thus permitting the user to perform a variety of motion, I/O tasks and system status retrieval via the host.

Multiple axis applications are handled by our SiNet™ Hub Programmer, which gives you the ability to control up to 8 Si™ drives, either stepper or servo on the same hub. Not only can you coordinate up to eight motors, the hub also has access to the inputs and outputs of all the drives, providing your program with up to 64 inputs and 24 outputs. You can also use Applied’s MMI which allows the machine operator to enter specific motion commands. Factory set to operate at 110-volt input; the Si2035 can be set by the user to operate at 220-volt input by a simple switch selection. Pluggable screw terminal blocks are provided for the I/O, motor and AC power inputs. Mating connectors, programming cable with computer interface connector as well as all operating software are provided with each Si™ drive.

Servo2Go
www.Servo2Go.com

Motion Control Tips

Terryville, CT – Advanced Micro Controls, Inc. (AMCI) introduces a space saving, powerful, 170V bus, 4.0 Amp microstepping driver. The SD17040C requires no additional power supply and can drive 4, 6, or 8 lead step motors, NEMA sizes 23 to 42. Standard features include switch selectable microstep resolutions, automatic idle current reduction, anti-resonance, short circuit protection, and over-temperature circuitry.

The SD17040C is designed to withstand demanding applications, with board-level components rated to 105^oC (221^oF). Panel or side mounting options allow the SD17040C to be installed in tight spaces without supplemental fans or cooling aids. The use of DSP (digital signal processor) technology in combination with high quality transistors has enabled AMCI to customize the drive’s performance for most applications, while also reducing space within the unit. The drive’s exceptional power combined with anti-resonance circuitry delivers the smoothest, most reliable performance possible in a stepper motor system.

AMCI’s SD17040C microstepping driver offers several standard features from safety, to performance, to customization. Features include:

• Compact Size (2.1”W x 4.0”D x 6.2”H)
• 170V Bus, AC Line-Powered (No Additional Power Supply Required)
• Switch Selectable Motor Current, 1.0-4.0 Amps
• (16) Switch Selectable Microstep Resolutions, up to 50,800 steps/rev.
• Selectable Self-Test Feature
• Interlock Safety Feature and Short Circuit Protection
• Automatic Idle Current Reduction, Fully Programmable
• Anti-Resonance

AMCI’s SD17040C stepper drive is 100% compatible with all of AMCI’s stepper controllers and motors.

Phone: (860)-585-1254
Fax: (860) 584-1973
http://www.amci.com

Motion Control Tips

The R525 measures just over 3.3” in length and 1.3” in height making it very easy to accommodate in most systems. The R525 has been extremely competitively priced coming in at almost 20-30% less than similar products. With the R525, you get a lot more than you pay for.

The R525 is capable of outputting up to 5 amps peak current and handling up to 75 volts DC. Not only can it be used with all NEMA 8, 11, and 17 motor motors, it is compatible with the majority of NEMA 23 motors and many NEMA 34 motors as well.

Configuring the R525 unit is simple as well. With built-in RS485 communication, the unit can be easily connected to a computer and configured via Lin Engineering’s graphical user interface (GUI), LinDriver. Configurable settings include, but are not limited to:

1. Step resolution
2. Run current
3. Hold current
4. Damping modes for smoother motion
5. Selection of sensing the step pulses on the rising edge or falling edge

Lin Engineering
www.linengineering.com

Motion Control Tips

Measuring only 1.1 inches across, the Accuriss 28 is capable of microstepping at up to 1,600 steps per revolution, virtually eliminating the resonance inherent in step motors. The Accuriss 60 is 2.36 inches across and can microstep up to 51,200 steps per revolution. A high-level command language is embedded in the controller to allow users to execute real-time motion commands or write programs that can be executed with a start command, upon power-up, or via input signals.

Both Accuriss motors include programmable I/O ports. Communication to the motors is via RS485 and up to 16 units can be daisy-chained together. A USB-to-RS485 converter is a standard Accuriss option to allow users to communicate with standard USB ports.

Three different lengths of each motor are available allowing the Accuriss 28 to achieve up to 11 oz in of dynamic torque and the Accuriss 60 to achieve more than 300 oz in. The Accuriss 28 can be supplied as a standard motor option on USAutomation’s Microstage™ positioning system.

Accuriss motors can be programmed from any standard terminal program (such as HyperTerminal) or from the Accuriss Terminal™ program, a free dedicated terminal program available for Windows. Once the Accuriss is programmed it is capable of independent motion sequences with only the DC power source connected.

USAutomation also offers a wide variety of modifications to the Accuriss Series to help users design an ideal solution. These include custom connectors, cabling harnesses, and unique mounting provisions.

For more information, contact USAutomation at (949) 588-0513 or on the web at:  http://www.usautomation.com.

Motion Control Tips

Greenville, DE – The STM is a stepper drive and motor unit fused into a single device that offers significant savings on space, wiring and cost when compared with conventional motor and drive solutions.

Powerful features such as advanced current control, anti-resonance technology, torque ripple smoothing and microstep emulation allow the STM to deliver optimized stepper performance ideal for medical, packaging, semiconductor and a wide variety of other automation applications. STM drive+motor units come standard with protection against over and under voltage, over-temp, motor shorts and motor open phase. They are RoHS compliant and CE certified.

The STM is available in lengths of 92.4 mm with an output torque of up to 125 oz-in, or 114.4 mm with an output torque of up to 245 oz-in. They provide three digital inputs, one digital output and one analog output.  Users can choose from an RS232 or RS485 communication interface and an optional 1000 line encoder that is integrated to the motor body without increasing the size of the unit. The optional encoder provides stall detect and stall prevention functionality.

Two versions with different control options are available; the S version with step and direction input, and the programmable Q version. The STM-S is quickly and easily configured with graphical, intuitive CONFIGURATOR software. The STM-S can be configured from a drop-down menu, or the user can quickly create custom motor configurations if desired. The STM-Q is well suited for more complex motion. It provides stand-alone operation and is quickly programmed with the robust Q programming environment, which delivers a number of benefits including register manipulation, conditional processing, math functions, multi-tasking and “generic” HMI compatibility.

Self-Test and Auto Setup features measure and configure motor parameters automatically, while Electronic Damping (anti-resonance) technology eliminates midrange instability for higher motor speeds and fuller use of available torque. Command Signal Smoothing reduces extraneous system resonances for smoother motor performance and reduced wear on mechanical components. Torque Ripple Smoothing adjusts the current waveform to reduce low speed torque ripple for smooth motion at low motor speeds. Additionally, MicroStep Emulation provides smooth motion for systems that require low step resolutions, such as retrofit systems with controller resolution that is fixed at a low value and cannot easily be changed.

For more information, visit www.servo2go.com.

Motion Control Tips

AutomationDirect has expanded their line of SureStep motion control products. Stepping motors in standard NEMA sizes (17, 23, & 34) now include bi-polar models with output torques ranging from 61 oz-in. to 1291 oz-in. The motors feature a pigtail cable with locking connector for easy hook-up and 200 steps per revolution. The stepping motors are CE compliant and prices start at $17.

Also, three additional power supplies are now offered for SureStep drives and motors.  These unregulated linear power supplies offer full load outputs of 32, 48 and 70 VDC.  The power supplies are electronically overload protected and electrically isolated from motor supply output. They feature screw terminal connections, power-on LED indicators for motor supply and logic power, and have fast acting, 3AG fuses on both input and output. The new unregulated power supplies start at $119.

Two new Advanced Programmable SureStep Drives offer more functionality and higher current capability. Software-selectable resolutions up to 51,200 steps per revolution provide smoother, more accurate motion and power capability up to 10A per phase. These new drives accept step and direction, CW/CCW pulse inputs, A/B quadrature inputs, and 12-bit analog input (analog velocity mode). Other features include a discrete speed command (oscillator mode), a joystick mode, and a built-in indexer which can use serial communications to configure and execute motion profiles on the fly. The drives come with a serial cable for setup and programming and the SureStep Pro Software, also available as a free download.  Programmable SureStep drives start at $199.

See the complete line of SureStep motion products at www.automationdirect.com/stepper-systems.

Motion Control Tips

Q. Can I daisy chain the intelligent motor control systems and run three stepper motors using one serial connection?

A. Yes, you can daisy chain up to 16 devices on the same serial bus. Each has an address switch to easily set the address of the unit. You can also use firmware settable address for up to 64 devices on the same bus.

Q. Do I need the starter kit or can I wire a serial cable directly to the intelligent motion unit?

A. The devices communicate via RS-485. Our starter kit includes the necessary USB to 485 converter and will
allow you to get up and running quickly. The starter kit is free for first time buyers.

www.allmotion.com

Motion Control Tips

The new mechatronic units from TRINAMIC have an integrated absolute sensOstep™ encoder. CANopen firmware lets the PANdrives™ be used in large networks.

Optional CANopen firmware makes it easy to use the PD-140 and PD-116 in large net-worked applications, even with components from various vendors. The advantages of such distributed designs include greater flexibility, reduced wiring expenditure and main-tenance-friendly service.

TRINAMIC also offers its TRINAMIC Motion Control Language (TMCL) which lets engi-neers develop programs easily. Complete programs can be downloaded and run inde-pendently on the PANdrive, or specific commands can be sent to the drive. A selection of different interfaces such as RS-232, RS-485, CAN and USB are supported and a com-plete PC-based Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is available for free.

The new PANdrive™ PD-140-42-SE from TRINAMIC has sensOstep™, which offers recognition and correction of step losses, and allows exact positioning and ‘step loss correction’.

Both models have general purpose inputs and outputs as well as additional inputs for limit switches or reference switches. The supply voltage is typically 24V.

The PD-140-42-SE is based on a 42 mm NEMA17-flange stepper motor. There are sev-eral variants, with retaining torque from 0.22 Nm to 0.47 Nm. The larger PD-116-60-SE has a 60 mm NEMA24 flange and retaining torque options from 1.1 Nm to 3.1 Nm. An impact-resistant cover protects the electronics module.

An integrated encoder for position maintenance increases the system reliability at low cost. This is especially important in applications such as laboratory automation, biotech-nology, wafer-handling and chip testers.

www.trinamic.com

Motion Control Tips

The addition of a CANopen option card to the range of communication options allows the drives to be controlled by a CANopen master utilizing the DS301 and DSP402 communications protocols and the CAN 2.0b Passive physical layer. Using these standard protocols the drive can be commanded to execute point to point moves, homing routines or run at a set velocity. ST CANopen Drives are available in 5A and 10A versions. Each has eight digital inputs, four digital outputs and two analog inputs. ST drives are configured using ST Configurator software.

CANopen is utilized by OEM machine builders to integrate many devices of different types on a single field bus connection. Drives such as the ST can be put on the same network as sensors and interfaces. The user then has a single learning curve to develop programs that can communicate to all compatible devices. Up to 132 devices can be connected on a single CANopen Network.

Free printed literature and a price quote are available to aid product selection efforts. Full product CAD drawings are also available.

www.applied-motion.com

Motion Control Tips