TRINAMIC Motion Control GmbH & Co. KG now sells the TMCM-6214, a highly integrated module capable of driving up to six two-phase stepper motors, drawing up to 1.9A RMS each at supply voltages of up to +24 V. Thanks to its three integrated encoder inputs for incremental A/B/N encoders, it can support high-precision position feedback for three of its six motors, making it suitable for multi-axis applications in laboratory and factory automation, life science, robotics, test and measurement, and applications handling precious goods and liquids.

“By monitoring the motor and relaying feedback back to the operator, the customers can closely track performance of their applications. Making it easy for customers to use these features allows them to implement a wide variety of applications. The controller’s position feedback capabilities, for example, can be used to implement predictive maintenance functions, which can dramatically reduce equipment downtime while increasing its overall lifespan,” states Michael Rand, Founder and CEO of Trinamic.

The TMCM-6214’s advanced features allow engineers to add an extra layer of reliability to their applications, while ensuring the best performance possible throughout its extended life span. The controller also incorporates Trinamic’s industry-exclusive DcStep function that enables the stepper motor to mimic the characteristics of a dc motor by delivering higher torque at lower speeds. Similarly, Trinamic’s unique SixPoint ramping profiles allow developers to create complex acceleration/deceleration profiles that are precisely tailored to their application’s requirements.

To increase ease of integration, the TMCM-6214 is available in two versions. The first version supports Trinamic’s TMCL motion control command language.

Note that TMCL (the Trinamic Motion Control Language) is a programming language dedicated to motion control applications. TMCL includes commands for moving one or more motor axes at certain velocities or to certain positions, and for setting all relevant motion controller parameters. TMCL also provides access to additional general-purpose digital and analog inputs and outputs. TMCL is available on most Trinamic modules with an integrated motion controller.

Full remote control of the device with feedback is possible and the module’s TMCL firmware can be updated via any of the serial interfaces. As an alternative to the TMCL version, the TMCM-6214 also comes with firmware that supports the industry standard CANopen communication protocol.

Recall that CANopen is a communication protocol and device profile specification for embedded systems used in automation. regarding the OSI model, CANopen implements the layers above and including the network layer. The CANopen standard consists of an addressing scheme, several small communication protocols, and an application layer defined by a device profile.

The module supports CAN, RS485, RS232 and USB interfaces for communications.  Both versions of the controller module come with six general purpose digital inputs and two analog inputs. The modules also have eight protected general purpose outputs that can be used for diagnostics. An integrated power supply switch is available together along with two hardware torque off inputs. The controllers’ powerful, integrated processor helps minimize communication traffic by performing all time-critical operations, such as ramp calculation, on-board without the assistance of an external host.

Both versions of the TMCM-6214 will be available through Trinamic’s normal distribution channels at the end of May.

Features and benefits:

• Six-axis controller/driver for two-phase bipolar stepper motors
• Linear and SixPoint ramps
• +9V to 30V DC supply voltage
• Up to 1.9A RMS motor current
• RS485, CAN, RS232 & USB interfaces
• 3x A/B/N encoder inputs
• Multi-purpose inputs and outputs (protected)
• Hardware torque off with integrated power switch for the driver supply
• On-board voltage regulators (+5V and +3V3) for supply of all on-board digital circuits.

TRINAMIC Motion Control develops the world’s most sophisticated technology for motion and motor control applications, making it as easy as 1-2-3. the state-of-the-art ICs, modules, and mechatronic systems enable today’s software engineers to quickly and reliably develop highly precise drives that work efficiently, smoothly, and quietly. Trinamic is headquartered in Hamburg, Germany with a research center in Tallinn, Estonia, and Sales Engineers in both Chicago, IL, USA and Suzhou, China.

For more information, visit this TMCM-6214 product page on trinamic.com. Also download the data sheet (as a PDF) listing the specifications of the motor controller/driver board.