A software-based EtherCAT motion control platform from ACS Motion Control (www.acsmotioncontrol.com) helps minimize costs for HDD, semiconductor, PV equipment, biomedical and LED manufacturers while maximizing performance.

The SPiiPlusSC (Soft Controller) allows standard PCs to operate a high-speed PLC and a 64-axis real-time motion controller. Its advanced soft controller solution eliminates Windows dependency or latency and dedicated controller hardware, simplifying the connectivity of the whole motion control system.

Upon automatically installing the real-time operating system, the SPiiPlusSC converts the Ethernet port into an EtherCAT master communication channel, enabling it to manage all I/O and machine drives. The SPiiPlusSC provides superior throughput by communication to the host application through simultaneous virtual TCP.IP as well as direct memory access channels.

“The PC-based SPiiPlus Soft Controller platform is the world’s most powerful EtherCAT motion and machine controller that also minimizes costs for semiconductor, HDD, biomedical, PV equipment and LED manufacturers,” remarked Jason Goerges, Sales and Support Manager at ACS Motion Control.

“The SPiiPlusSC leverages the processing power of modern PC and the connectivity of a real-time open industrial Ethernet network to provide a cost-effective replacement for dedicated motion controllers.”

The SPiiPlusSC comes in two versions — the economical SPiiPlusSC-LT, which addresses the demands of cost sensitive applications featuring one to eight axes, and the SPiiPlusSC-HP, which is ideal for performance-demanding and complex applications that comes with up to 64 axes. Unlike other solutions that need a dedicated controller unit, both versions does not only offer the same uncompromising motion and servo performance, they are also more cost effective.

Complemented by a full line of I/O modules and EtherCAT motor drives, the controller features an architecture that supports ACS and other vendors with qualified EtherCAT components. Its full controller simulator enables users to develop the front end and the motion application without any hardware.