Schneider Electric’s new Lexium Motion Modules (LMM) are ultra-compact, programmable motion controllers. LMM delivers many features of Lexium MDrive integrated motors, but in an extremely compact size. Lexium Motion Modules are programmed via MCode, also used in MDrive products. This shared platform can fast track motion concepts to market: speeding proof-of-concept, reducing risk and expediting […]
Controls
Standalone motion controller in small package from Kollmorgen
Kollmorgen’s new Programmable Controller Multi-axis Master (PCMM) is a powerful new motion controller that meets a broad range of OEM requirements for a wide range of machines. The PCMM delivers complete PLC and motion control functionality in a compact, easy-to-use controller. Integrated programming, configuration screens, and diagnostics in a single software package simplify and minimize […]
Leading the trend toward integration in 2016: Motion controllers
Motion controllers are more integrated and programmable than ever, thanks to increasing capabilities on both ASICs and FPGAs to process inputs and outputs for motion control. Some electronics even let end users customize feedback for closed-loop control. Industries spurring controller innovation for all hardware types are packaging, paper and pump processing, and medical. The former demands […]
FAQ: What are servo feedback gains, overshoot limits, and position error limits?
Servo tuning can be accomplished by several methods, but the most common way is to use a PID algorithm. The PID algorithm uses three feedback gains—proportional gain, integral gain, and derivative gain—to compare the commanded position (or velocity) with the actual value and issue commands to correct errors between the two. Feedback gains determine how […]
Five key electrical design concepts for mechanical engineers
Edited by: Paul J. Heney, Editorial Director Mechanical engineers often overlook important electrical issues when specifying their respective parts of an electromechanical system. This targeted advice will help you design your next electromechanical system. Mechatronic systems are the state-of-the-art technology in automation systems, intelligently integrating mechanical and electrical elements to perform increasingly complex and demanding […]
FAQ: How do PC-based controls differ from traditional motion controls?
Recently, our regular contributor Steve Meyer spoke to us about the history of motion control and how PC-based controls came about. Here’s what he said. Traditional motion controllers are the result of decades of slowly evolving electronics hardware and custom software libraries … dedicated to performing motion-control tasks. PC-based control systems are relatively recent, and […]
3 Omron engineers answer 7 FAQs on controllers and PC-based motion control FAQs
In a recent exchange with Omron Automation and Safety, we got the chance to speak with three industry experts in the field of motion controllers and industrial PC-based motion control: S.R. Ramadurai — product marketing manager, Controls for Automation Greg Dieck — product manager, Motion Control and Drives Clark Kromenaker — product manager, HMIs, IPCs, […]
Steve Meyer on the history of motion control and PC-based control
Recently, our regular contributor Steve Meyer spoke to us about the history of motion control and how PC-based control came to be. Here’s what he said. In the Industrial Revolution, machinery was mechanical. Production looms for weaving fabrics and floor coverings were programmed with mechanical memory in the form of hard stops and pins to make sizes […]
FAQ: How are the controls for servo motors tuned?
Servo motors are used in closed loop systems and operate based on error feedback—the comparison of a target value to the value actually reached by the motor/load. Because mechanical systems have inertia and compliance, the target value is rarely achieved on the first position command—hence, the need for feedback and correction commands. Servo tuning is […]
New lower cost 7-in. UniStream™ HMI panel from Unitronics
Unitronics recently launched the fourth model of the UniStream product line – lower cost UniStream 7-in. panel. This model was designed specifically to improve the price competitiveness of the current UniStream 7-in. panel in the market. The differences between the current 7-in. panel and the new model are minor, and the unit is completely backwards […]