Advanced Micro Controls Inc. (AMCI) (www.amci.com), has announced that its much awaited stepper motor indexer/drive package comes with network communication. Simplifying installation, the company’s new ANG1(E) seamlessly integrates drive as well as motion technology in a single package.

The new drive/controller communicates with its host PLC over the Modbus-TCP or EtherNet/IP network. Move commands can be easily programmed using the host PLC’s software, while cabling is reduced significantly by expanding up to six axes of motion in one network connection. The revolutionary design of the ANG1(E) makes it an ideal solution for controls upgrades or new installations.

The company’s ANG1(E) integrates a driver and stepper controller in a single, compact package that can conveniently communicate with the host controller — which could either be a PAC or PLC — over the network. Its indexer/drive can be easily mounted on a standard DIN rail, effectively simplifying installation while reducing costs.

The new drive/controller eliminates the need to learn a new language or new software since all programming is now performed by the same software utilized to configure the PAC/PLC.

Requiring one network connection only for all axes of control, the ANG1(E) also expands from one-to-six axes of motion by stacking onto the “master” additional controller drives. Aside from simplifying installation, its innovative product design also ensures system integrity while optimizing network performance.

The compact drive/controller delivers high torque motion control (similar to a stepper) and excellent low speed. It can also be fitted with encoder feedback to offer closed loop performance (similar to a servo).