A PC-based embedded vision board, the NI PCIe-1473R frame grabber seamlessly combines Camera link interface with field-programmable gate array (FPGA) to allow engineers to easily create high-performance inspection and imaging applications. It is ideally suited for advanced inspection and imaging applications demanding image preprocessing as well as high-speed control, such as high-speed sorting, medical imaging and web and surface inspection.

Aside from allowing engineers to drive brushless servo motors, the addition of the NI 9502 brushless servo drive C Series module for CompactRIO has also enabled engineers to power six new custom NI motor options from the reconfigurable CompactRIO system, addressing advanced motion control challenges. The NI 9502 features not only 4A continuous/8A peak current, but multiple commutation modes as well. It is complemented by NI’s six three phase brushless motors that are specifically developed for optimum performance and direct connectivity with the module.

“With its superior I/O and motion control capabilities, along with the flexibility and reliability of its onboard FPGA, the new NI CompactRIO system helped us to create a high-performance embedded monitoring and control system that matches our rigorous requirements,” commented Pascal Wattellier, Automation Products Coordinator at Serimax, an international full-service welding solutions company.

“The CompactRIO system was the only commercially available solution that we could use to integrate motion control, I/O measurements, and HMI functionality within one system.”

Motion Control Tips

LabVIEW NI SoftMotion offers the convenience of programming motion profiles with a high-level, function block API based on the Motion Control Library defined by PLCopen. It includes function blocks for straight line, arc and contoured move types as well as function blocks for advanced operations such as electronic gearing and camming. The module also features advanced functions for designing custom motion applications including trajectory generation, spline interpolation, position and velocity control and encoder implementation. Because the module is an extension of LabVIEW, engineers and scientists easily can synchronize their motion applications with I/O and measurements in a single development environment.

LabVIEW NI SoftMotion seamlessly integrates with CompactRIO to deliver an ideal solution for advanced motion control applications. Using the new C Series drive interface modules, engineers and scientists can take advantage of a CompactRIO feature that automates FPGA programming to easily integrate FPGA benefits such as reliable, high-speed control and synchronization into their applications. Additionally, LabVIEW NI SoftMotion works with customized axes for engineers and scientists who want to use third-party hardware.

With direct connectivity to hundreds of servo and stepper drives, the new C Series drive interface modules make it easy to incorporate new or existing motors and drives into motion systems. The NI 9512 module connects to stepper drives and motors, while the NI 9514 and NI 9516 modules feature single- and dual-encoder feedback, respectively, and interface with servo drives and motors. Because motion applications tend to be processing-intensive, the drive interface modules perform onboard processing to free up processing power and increase performance. Additionally, the drive interface modules work with the NI 9144 deterministic Ethernet expansion chassis, which features two Ethernet ports that make it possible to daisy-chain multiple chassis from a CompactRIO, the NI 3100 industrial controller or a real-time PXI controller to create distributed motion applications.

Readers can visit www.ni.com/motion to learn about NI motion control products as well as read case studies and download white papers on how NI technology can be used for motion applications.

National Instruments
www.ni.com

Motion Control Tips