HEIDENHAIN - Motion Control Tips

Medical applications benefit from precision encoders

December 4, 2018 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

Encoders are essential to accurate positioning in most motion systems, particularly where high precision is most needed. For instance, applications like semiconductor manufacturing with nanometer precision, or medical applications where there is virtually no room for error, because that could mean the difference between life and death.

Designers of medical equipment are able to use a plethora of new technologies. Motion control is an area where designers need to keep up to date with as technology increases in complexity. Medical applications such as robotic surgery, radiation treatment, and laboratory analysis such as DNA sequencing are all benefiting from advances in encoder technology.

Radiation treatment
Machines that treat patients for tumors with radiation inherently have complicated coordinated motion control. Guiding the radiation beams when the patient is on the table is critical, and any errors in positioning may damage healthy cells. Because of the radiation environment on the machine, communication between encoders and the control is of upmost importance and requires redundancy.

Encoders from HEIDENHAIN are used to provide exceptional repeatability and reliability required for computer tomography.

What caught the attention of medical machine designers is a little known ENDAT function called CRC. ENDAT is the high-speed serial interface from HEIDENHAIN that is RS-485 based and offers a fast bi-directional communication protocol. CRC is Cyclic Redundancy Check and is transmitted along with the position words from the encoder to the control. Basically, the CRC reports the number of bits transmitted to the control, and the control can then evaluate the number of bits and make a checksum. If the number of bits match, then everything is operating normally. However if the checksum does not match, then the ENDAT interface reports an error which the control can then handle and take the proper steps needed for reliable motion control.

Laboratory analysis
Machines that are performing large amounts of chemical analysis like drug testing machines or those that sequence DNA are also reliant upon high quality encoder feedback. For drug testing machines, they typically use pipettes and a high number of wells per tray. Smooth reliable motion is critical here as the machines are usually left to operate overnight and sometimes 24 hours a day. When moving the pipette array or trays, a motion that is jerky or somehow unsmooth can destroy data, as liquids can spill from the pipettes into unwanted wells.

HEIDENHAIN encoders help with accuracy, speed control, and limit splashing in medical fluid handling test equipment.

Repeatability is also critical. As the machine operates and heats up, the shape of the machine may change. Linear encoders that report the real position versus a rotary encoder/ ball screw set up are more accurate, the latter possibly causing repeatability issues that can even lead to the pipette array missing its targeted wells or causing a crash.

DNA sequencing machines are those that use flowcells, which are a “Lab on Chip” and may contain several billion micro wells. Colors need to be detected from these tiny wells and the motion system with cameras is designed for sub-micron repeatability. In these fine resolution applications, the interpolation error of the encoder (or sub-divisional error) is critically important. When the encoder signal periods are electronically subdivided to gain more resolution, errors can happen within that signal period and then eventually lead to errors in data collection from the camera. One encoder, the HEIDENHAIN LIP 200, has interpolation error at +/- 1 nanometer. This kind of encoder helps to ensure the stability of the image required to evaluate the colors of the wells on the flowcell.

Robotic surgery
Surgery robots that are surgeon-assist based are becoming more accepted in the medical world. In fact, over 80% of prostate surgeries done in the U.S. today are done with robotic assist surgery robots. Some surgery robots need to have redundancy for the motion control components, while others can drill and measure distances at the same time, making accuracy especially important. Here again, a reliable high-speed serial interface such as ENDAT as well as a full line of rotary and linear encoders that are Functionally Safe with various mechanical options can fulfill the need for these applications.

This human joint replacement demonstrates the exacting standards for surface finish precision that HEIDENHAIN 5-axis controls enable.

Large through-hole angle encoders from HEIDENHAIN offer high accuracy

November 6, 2018 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

HEIDENHAIN’s new sealed angle encoders can be used as an alternative to modular angular encoders in motion control machining applications that require a larger than usual through-hole. The new RCN 6000 series absolute sealed angle encoders with integral bearings have an exceptionally large hollow shaft diameter of 180 mm (7.09 in.), allowing larger scale machines to take advantage of high resolution and signal quality that’s expected from HEIDENHAIN angle encoders.

Common applications for the RCN 6000 encoders are large-scale rotary tables and radio telescopes which can easily adapt their design to the encoder while the integrated stator coupling ensures ideal alignment of the components involved in the scanning process, even if there are deviations in the shaft coupling.

Unlike other angle encoders with integral bearing, the RCN 6000 series encoders use HEIDENHAIN’s METALLUR process (in which the graduation is applied directly to the bearing ring) and a reflected light scanning method which gives it compact dimensions and larger mounting tolerances when compared to other products of its type. These integrated features along with the compact design keeps mounting difficulty to a minimum while making the most of its unique shape.

The RCN 6000 encoder provides a through hole of 180 mm, overall height of 44 mm, a system accuracy of ±2 in., can handle speeds up to 200 rpm, is able to interface with EnDat22, Fanuc05 and Mit03-4, and has an IP 64 protection reducing the effort required for protective measures.

For more information, visit www.heidenhain.us.

Heidenhain introduces new improved DRO for machinists

May 9, 2018 By Paul Heney Leave a Comment

Heidenhain has introduced the new ND 5023 digital readout (DRO) for use with manually operated machine tools. This new DRO replaces Heidenhain’s entry-level ND 522/523 models and consolidates it to one three-axis product. The new DRO comes equipped with a new TFT color display that significantly improves the readability of the information displayed over older models, plus features other design changes and enhanced functions.

To make installing the readout easier for users or an inexperienced machinist, a new installation guide has been implemented to assist in performing the basic configuration. When switching on the unit for the first time, the user can select this support feature and will then be guided through the required settings step-by-step.

A straightforward user management has been introduced in order to make it easier for multiple users to operate the product. Up to nine operators can save their personal settings with a user number and call them again.

Many new features are being introduced on the ND 5023 including the new dynamic zoom feature which offers a noticeable improvement in position value readability. Once activated, the display value for the axis currently being moved is magnified. For small numbers (i.e., numbers close to zero), the character height can be increased from 17 mm (standard height) to 25 mm. The operator immediately sees which axis is currently moving and can also easily read the numerical value from a greater distance. When the axis stops moving, the display returns to its standard size. The display is also easily configured for right-handed or left-handed operation.

The new ND 5023 DRO also has a powder-coated, die-cast aluminum housing and, just like its predecessor, uses a membrane keyboard. As before, encoders with a TTL interface (differential and single-ended) can be connected via a 9-pin D-sub connector.

The data interface on the ND 5023 was changed to USB Type C which has the advantage of allowing the digital readout to assume the tasks of both master and slave.

In addition, a universal mounting option has been implemented on this new DRO. It features a VESA-MIS 100 interface on the rear that allows the use of standardized holders for mounting. Heidenhain solutions are available.

Heidenhain
www.heidenhain.us

Motion Trends: Robotics, IoT impact encoder design

March 30, 2018 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

We asked encoder manufacturers to weigh in on the trends they’re seeing in their industries. Here’s what they had to say.

What new design trends are you seeing in areas such as robotics, battery powered designs, automated vehicles, and safety in motion control designs?

Jonathan Dougherty
Product Specialist
HEIDENHAIN

HEIDENHAIN rotary encoders are critical components found in Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) used in distribution warehouses, manufacturing plants, and medical facilities globally.

These encoders typically provide motion and speed feedback in motors operating a multitude of the axes found in these applications, with the most common axis being the motors used on the drive wheels of these AGVs.

Our encoders also offer a slim, lightweight design allowing designers more flexibility, especially in applications where space and weight are critical. The encoders combine brushless motor commutation pulses and incremental position feedback, which reduces the cost while improving the performance and reliability of the brushless motor/encoder package.

Robots
One key driver in robotics has been the aerospace industry because it must perform highly accurate machining operations on large components. A robot, however, can easily reach any position on a large component, such as the fuselage of an aircraft, and can perform tasks on it such as drilling and milling. However, accuracy is impaired by many factors for these kinds of applications and the tool center point (i.e., the tool at the end of the robot’s arm) must be positioned and guided with sufficient accuracy. This is where the classic industrial robot runs up against its limits.

Yet robot manufacturers have been responding to this problem with highly dynamic motor control, use of secondary encoders for highly accurate position measurement, and implementing accurate position measurement for movable robots.

In this industry, classic rotary encoders continue to provide the servo motor feedback at the robot’s axes. Because servomotors require high control dynamics, encoders that deliver high control quality and system accuracy that are resistant to strong vibrations are ideal. HEIDENHAIN provides a line of inductive rotary encoders, which support these features along with offering safety levels up to SIL 3, or category 4 PL e.

Additionally, robotics manufacturers have found they can significantly improve the absolute position accuracy of their robots by using additional, high accuracy angle encoders or rotary encoders at every robot axis. These so-called secondary encoders, which are mounted after each gear train, capture the actual position of every robot joint. This allows the encoders to account for zero position error and backlash, which results in a 70 to 80 percent improvement of the absolute position accuracy at the tool center point.

New robotic applications include closer interaction between robots and human workers in manufacturing and packaging applications, which require enhancements to encoders including implementing safety protocols.

For the highly accurate positioning of robots with a linear drive, enclosed linear encoders from HEIDENHAIN are used in lengths of up to 30 m. Position measurement from a linear encoder compensates for thermal errors and other factors that influence the feed mechanisms. These factors cannot be captured by means of conventional position detection methods based on the pitch of the recirculating ball screw and the angular position of the rotary encoder on the motor.

Safety and (motion) control on common networks
Functional safety is playing an increasingly important role in machine-tool manufacturing and now the automation world. In fact, countries in the European Union already require it in many applications, and regulations are being considered in the United States and Asia as well. For encoders, that doesn’t only mean correctly and accurately measuring position data and transferring it to the machine control. Functional safety also includes encoder diagnostics and mechanical fault exclusion.

For a machine designer, the Functional Safety certification process can be arduous and confusing; assessing an entire system component by component to ensure redundancy and mechanical fault exclusion is inefficient and costly. HEIDENHAIN offers a range of pre-approved, safety-related position measuring systems which can achieve safety levels up to SIL 3, PL e, category 4, to remove some of the burden on the machine designer.

Jeff Smoot
VP of Application Engineering & Motion Control
CUI

CUI has been actively involved in many of the emerging markets and recent innovations in motion design. Our products are inherent and integral components of the motion control system and are helping to drive innovation in automation.

In the motion industry we are committed to the growth and development of the next generation of motion engineers. CUI is a proud supporter of the FIRST Robotics program on all levels; from contributing our AMT10 encoders to the FIRST Kit of Parts, financially supporting local teams and volunteering as First Lego League coaches and mentors. It is our belief and hope that the FIRST program will inspire and help cultivate the next generation of motion engineers that will drive innovation for years to come.

Christian Fell,
VP, Technology and Custom Solutions
POSITAL-FRABA Inc.

Robotics
We’re excited about the emergence of collaborative robots or “Cobots”. These are smaller and less powerful than traditional industrial robots and designed to operate beside people in a shared work environment. To operate safely, they need sophisticated sensor systems that include encoders for position control, along with presence sensors and force transducers to help avoid collisions with people or equipment. These sensors need to be compact and adaptable, accurate and cost effective. POSITAL encoders have already made an appearance in this market and we expect that our kit encoders and capacitive encoders are well positioned to fit into Cobot designs. Our kit encoders are, in effect, the sensing elements of our popular magnetic encoders sold as separate modules that can be easily built into servomotors, stepper motors or other rotating mechanisms to provide position feedback and commutation signals. Capacitive encoders, currently under development, will be available in through-shaft (ring-shaped) configurations that can be readily incorporated into robot arm joints or other applications where the sensor must fit around a central shaft.

Safety and motion control on common networks
We have recently introduced a line of rotary encoders with redundant, diverse, sensing elements. These devices have two separate rotary sensors mounted on a common shaft, in a shared housing. One is an optical sensor that measures rotation angle with a code disk and array of photocells, while the other is based on our magnetic rotation measurement technology, featuring Hall-effect sensors and signal processing software. These independent measuring mechanisms allow machine builders or system integrators to improve the functional safety and reliability of their systems by reducing the possibility of undetected sensor malfunction. Readings from the two rotation sensors can be compared by the control system to ascertain the everything is working correctly, or to signal that a safety shut-down is needed.

How do you see IIoT influencing your products and what you supply to industry? In what ways is your company helping end users increase use of application data?

Jonathan Dougherty
Product Specialist
HEIDENHAIN

One of the biggest benefits of modern encoders is their ability to act as multimodal sensors. Increasingly, encoders are being fitted with additional sensors such as temperature transducers, voltage meters, and humidistats. These sensors allow for greater condition monitoring of the encoder along with overall machine.

HEIDENHAIN’s Leine and Linde brand encoders feature Advanced Diagnostic System (ADS) Online that monitors encoder parameters. Operators can also set alarm levels on any of these parameters, as well as set logging intervals for trend evaluation with the ADS software.

Our first step was through adding an additional external temperature sensor, which could be used to monitor the temperature of the motor windings to avoid overheating.

One big step forward was through our Leine and Linde brand encoders where we introduced the Advanced Diagnostic System (ADS) Online. The ADS Online system monitors a number of parameters and characteristics in the encoder that are fundamental to its functioning. The operator can set alarm levels on any of these parameters, as well as set logging intervals for trend evaluation with the ADS software and, by monitoring trends in performance, it is possible to predict end-of-life conditions and plan maintenance activities before a failure occurs. The addition of online access to the current capabilities also brings enhanced functionality like vibration and temperature monitoring. With ADS Online, the encoder may be connected to an Ethernet network to provide access to diagnostics and analysis regardless of location.

Jeff Smoot
VP of Application Engineering & Motion Control
CUI

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and the ability to harness sensor data, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication and automation technologies are revolutionizing the way machines capture and communicate data. These advances are driving what have historically been analog devices to evolve and join the transition or become obsolete. CUI’s line of digital ASIC-based AMT encoders bridges this gap and incorporates valuable diagnostic and programming tools that can speed the time to market and reduce machine downtime in the field. The diagnostic data can be used to quickly determine if the encoder is operating properly, has failed or become misaligned. This data can be used to make smarter and more reliable systems as well as monitored over time to provide performance trends that can be analyzed and used to predict failures.

What are some newer products your company sells with features to impart simplicity or turnkey operation?

Jonathan Dougherty
Product Specialist
HEIDENHAIN

HEIDENHAIN has launched a new product family that is a merger of HEIDENHAIN bearing and angle encoder technologies. Resulting in the MRP 2000, 5000 and 8000, these unique modules contain bearing sets not conventionally available and are able to be integrated with various encoder types to yield highly stiff modules that are easy to install. The angle encoder modules represent a successful merging of the key requirements for precision rotary axes used in metrology, calibration devices, automation technology, micro machining, and the semiconductor industry.

Key features of the MRP series bearing include high guideway accuracy combined with high rigidity, a low starting torque and a constant continuous torque. At the same time, value was placed on compact dimensions due to the fact that the bearing raceway are machined directly onto the shaft. Bearing loads up to 300 N are possible while still maintaining the system accuracy.

Jeff Smoot
VP of Application Engineering & Motion Control
CUI

CUI’s AMT encoders were designed with simplicity and ease of installation and operation in mind. Features such as “One Touch” zeroing allows for simple, repeatable, and straightforward alignment of the encoder’s index signal and commutation outputs, dramatically reducing the time and headaches normally associated with this process during manufacturing. Furthermore, the programmability of the AMT encoders via our AMT Viewpoint GUI offers maximum flexibility to the designer allowing for optimization of the motion control system with a click of the mouse. Finally, the integrated diagnostics available within the AMT family allow for assessment of the motor and motion system to ease troubleshooting, both during the design and prototyping process as well as once the product is in the field.

Christian Fell
VP, Technology and Custom Solutions
POSITAL-FRABA Inc.

Our kit encoders for servomotors or stepper motors are available with single-cable connectivity, based on the open-source BiSS Line communication protocols. Single-cable connectivity combines power and data communications onto one cable with a single connector. This simplified approach to wiring makes position-controlled motors less expensive to manufacture and easier to install.

What kinds of customization have you done on your products to satisfy specific customer and application requirements? What design problems are you eliminating with this customization?

Jeff Smoot
VP of Application Engineering & Motion Control
CUI

CUI’s digitally based AMT capacitive encoders are suited for providing the customization required by more and more of today’s demanding applications. All standard AMT encoders are programmable with up to 20 different output resolutions, allowing the designer the upmost flexibility in their design, with the ability to change the encoder resolution with a few simple keystrokes using the AMT Viewpoint GUI. In addition to this standard programmability, the digital nature of the AMT encoders allow for additional customization in a greatly compressed timeframe when compared to a traditional encoder technology. In recent months, we have provided customized resolutions, sampling rates, and communication protocols to customers, allowing for greater optimization of their motion system and improved performance of their end product.

Christian Fell,
VP, Technology and Custom Solutions
POSITAL-FRABA Inc.

“Mass customization” is central to POSITAL’s business plan. Our position and motion sensors are designed to be highly modular, with largely interchangeable components and sub-assemblies. As a result, we can offer encoders and inclinometers with a range of performance specifications, communications interfaces and mechanical configurations – over a million choices in all. We are continually updating our catalogue to meet local and emerging requirements. Customers can order just what they need, whether for a new design or as a drop-in replacement for older equipment where the original encoders are no longer available, or where new capabilities are needed.

Describe a newer component offering that your team designed with miniaturization in mind.

Jonathan Dougherty
Product Specialist
HEIDENHAIN

HEIDENHAIN is actually working on a next generation of our Renco brand encoders with miniaturization in mind. The key advantage is its compact design combined with an easy, self-centering mounting method.

The new generation encoders will have increased functionality along with feedback signals to assist in the mounting process. We are also looking to eliminate cumbersome commutation alignment procedures with an easy programmable shift. This is all done in a package that will be only 8.7 mm in height, our lowest mounting profile yet.

How do you see battery-powered designs (for mobile equipment and consumer products) prompting design changes?

Jeff Smoot
VP of Application Engineering & Motion Control
CUI

With more and more applications relying on battery power, careful management of the limited power budget of the system is essential. Every milliampere-hour of battery energy becomes increasingly precious and the need for maximum efficiency extends to all aspects of the design. Within an electric-actuator this extends to the method for commutating the motor as well as for measuring the travel. Encoders, with dramatically lower current consumption than traditional magnetic solutions are coming to the forefront as part of the solution to reduce the overall power budget and maximize battery life. Among available encoder technologies, capacitive encoders are growing in favor for battery-powered designs thanks to a typical power draw much lower than traditional optical encoders.

New SRP direct drive from HEIDENHAIN with integrated motor and sensing delivers smooth motion

December 12, 2017 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Now SRP series integrated direct drives from HEIDENHAIN integrate MRP series angle-encoder modules with ETEL torque motors having very low detent torque. These direct drives deliver smooth motion control for exacting positioning and measuring tasks.Precision rotary axes are complex, which is why integrated designs with tested and specified properties (instead of those made by machine builders of numerous separate components) excel.

SRP series direct drives have compact dimensions and large hollow shafts. They include HEIDENHAIN angle encoder modules and ETEL integrated torque motors for precise drive, control, and measurement of motion tasks. Click to enlarge.

This higher performance (from integrated options) is what drove HEIDENHAIN to offer integrated MRP angle-encoder modules — including a bearing with high guideway accuracy and high rigidity as well as low and consistent moment of friction for steady rotary motion. Now taking it a step further is the pairing of this angle-encoder module with a torque motor to make the rigid and compact SRP series.

There’s far less installation and calibration time; a simple mechanical interface eliminates critical mounting tasks and elaborate matching of subcomponents otherwise needed to complete the assembly.

The SRP series drives are particularly well suited to the requirements of metrology applications. Here, high motor torque is generally unimportant — but high resolution and repeatability (even under varying operating temperatures) is paramount. Custom modifications are possible.

HEIDENHAIN-manufactured bearings and the encoders are matched to the ETEL torque motors. More specifically, the specially designed rolling bearings outperform conventional bearings with special adaptation to rotary-axis requirements. Emphasis was placed on a compact and lightweight design; high-speed and load-bearing capacities were deemphasized. HEIDENHAIN verifies the bearing accuracy at the actual guideway to quantify the deviation between the actual rotary axis and target nominal rotary axis. So radial and axial guideway accuracy (and wobble) are all well-defined … and there’s distinction between reproducible and non-reproducible error.

SRP series direct drives include bearings that HEIDENHAIN designs, manufactures, and verifies. Shown here is simplified schematic of bearing-guideway measurands and measured locations that HEIDENHAIN quantifies to supply exact accuracy values.

The encoders are available in absolute and incremental versions with high line count and minimal interpolation error, positioning noise, and drift instability.

The ETEL torque motor is a slotless type that combines high torque density and low detent torque with a symmetrical construction and modal coil. It has none of the slots of motors with classic windings, as its design includes an airgap winding that allows rotor de-energization and a constant magnetic field through te rotor rotation.

Noise has minimal effect on control and measuring accuracy. AccurET controllers from ETEL are compatible with the SRP series direct drives where applications need maximal dynamics and position stability. For more information, visit heidenhain.us/resources-and-news/integrated-drive-motor-smooth-motion-control.

HEIDENHAIN to spotlight encoders for automation at SPS IPC Drives show

October 31, 2017 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

At the upcoming SPS IPC Drives show on November 28-30, HEIDENHAIN will be presenting encoders designed specifically for the requirements of the robotics, medical technology, and drive technology industries.

At the show, HEIDENHAIN will present the ECI 4000 absolute inductive rotary encoder for hollow shaft diameters of 180 mm. Not only is this encoder robust and accurate, but, as a modular system with a scale drum and a separate scanning unit, it also features mounting characteristics specifically for use in robots.

The ECI 4000 rotary encoder, as well as HEIDENHAIN’s ECA 4000 angle encoder and the WMRA from AMO, significantly improve the absolute position accuracy of the tool center point on industrial robots by up to 70 to 80%.

Of particular importance for medical technology machines and systems is the gentle and safe handling of patients and examination equipment. This includes, for example, being able to move a patient table or examination chair as smoothly as possible during an examination. Motion control plays an important role in the precise control of a CT scanner’s X-ray system, as well as linear accelerator in radiation therapy.

For this, HEIDENHAIN will be presenting linear and angle encoders that meet this industry’s special needs including the LIC 4000 absolute linear encoder and the ECI 4000 inductive rotary encoder for a hollow-shaft diameter of 90 mm.

The inductive rotary encoders titled ECI/EQI 1100 without bearing (diameter of 37 mm) and ECI/EQI 1300 (diameter of 65 mm) provide position feedback in highly dynamic applications. These encoders’ strengths include providing high control quality and system accuracy as well as high resistance to vibrations and electromagnetic influences. All variants support safety integrity level SIL 2, category 3 PL d.

HEIDENHAIN at the SPS IPC Drives in Nuremberg, Germany: Hall 7, Booth 190

For more information, visit www.heidenhain.us.

HEIDENHAIN’s magnetic spindle encoder now with functional safety

August 15, 2017 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

HEIDENHAIN CORPORATION has made improvements to its ERM 2200 and 2400 series of magnetic modular angle encoders with Functional Safety in mind. The ERM series has long been used by machine manufacturers around the world

In keeping with the growing trend requiring “Functionally Safe” axes (an EU standard) on machines, HEIDENHAIN has improved its ERM angle encoders to permit mounting to include a mechanical fault exclusion of these encoders, a key requirement in making a machine Functionally Safe.

These changes include deeper, more robust fastener mounting holes in the reader head and fastener holes in the scale drum itself. While making these changes, HEIDENHAIN also consolidated the reader head designs into a single, smaller footprint so the new heads will drop into the old designed space.

For more information on the entire line of ERM magnetic modular angle encoders, visit www.heidenhain.us.

New angular positioning system for metrology and micromachining from HEIDENHAIN

August 1, 2017 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

The new SRP 5000 angular positioning system from HEIDENHAIN incorporates its high accuracy MRP 5000 angle encoder with accomplished bearing technology along with a unique ETEL torque motor with ultra-low detent torque. This combination allows for high stiffness with low cost of ownership and can easily replace rotary air bearing systems used for metrology. Industries that could take advantage of the SRP 5000 system are semiconductor manufacturing, metrology, and micromachining.

The SRP 5000 is compact in size and is only 46.3 mm in height and 124 mm in diameter.

The system can be ordered in incremental or absolute models, where the incremental versions have encoders with 30,000 signal periods per revolution and system accuracies down to +/- 2.5 arc seconds. The absolute version has the same accuracy level and resolutions to 28 bits via the EnDat 2.2 interface.

The slotless iron-core ETEL torque motor has a peak torque of 2.7 Nm, a rated torque of 0.387 Nm and the detent torque is just a mere 0.2% of the rated value. The motor is rated for 300 RPM and permits an extraordinarily smooth motion.

The SRP 5000 is best used with the AccurET position controllers from ETEL as absolute peak performance can be achieved with regard to dynamics, thermal management, and position stability. Other controllers can be used, however thermal overload protection must be maintained in the controller.

For more information visit www.heidenhain.us.

Applied Motion partners with HEIDENHAIN, RENCO on new StepSERVO integrated motors

June 7, 2017 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

HEIDENHAIN CORPORATION has partnered with Applied Motion Products, Inc. in the development of their StepSERVO™ integrated motors for high performance motion control applications. Using HEIDENHAIN’s RENCO brand RCML 15 rotary encoder inside, StepSERVO offers the next evolution in step motor technology, combining the high torque capabilities of step motors with the closed loop dynamic control of servo systems.

The result is a motor-and-drive solution that operates more quietly and efficiently, while providing greater torque and higher acceleration rates than traditional step motor systems. To develop this system for use by machine builders, Applied Motion started with a proven integrated motor design, added closed-loop servo firmware and RENCO’s high-resolution incremental encoder to create StepSERVO.

“The RENCO encoder is compact, and its thinness allows us to minimize the length of our integrated motor and its relatively small OD allows it to fit inside a NEMA 17 integrated motor,” explained Applied Motion’s CTO Jeff Kordik. “Also, it’s easy to mount, the connector is easy to work with and it delivers 20,000 counts per rev (5,000 lines) which is important to a 50-pole sine commutated servo system.”

Kordik further explains that the StepSERVO motor’s increase in torque and acceleration leads to greater throughput for the user, especially where repeated indexing or start-stop motion is required. It is ideally suited for applications such as packaging and labeling, automated test and measurement, automated assembly and life sciences, among others.

HEIDENHAIN’s RENCO brand RCML 15 incremental rotary encoder features low profile with a height of only 8.9 mm, offering performance potential of modern rotary encoders, and particularly useful in applications with limited space and installation conditions. Its performance includes providing a resolution of 5,000 signals per revolution, commutation signals U, V, and W, and an operating temperature range of –30 °C to +100 °C. It also features a patented slide lock mechanism for simple, self-centering mounting.

For more information, visit www.heidenhain.com or www.applied-motion.com.

TI collaborates with HEIDENHAIN to add EnDat interface to industrial drive control system-on-chip (SoC)

May 31, 2017 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

HEIDENHAIN CORPORATION announced that it is working with Texas Instruments (TI) in the development of the semiconductor industry’s first microcontroller (MCU) using the HEIDENHAIN EnDat 2.2 interface as an option. TI’s C2000TM MCU industrial drive control System-on-Chip (SoC) delivers a complete solution with a direct connection for industrial motor and servo drives, supporting both analog and digital position sensors.

When combined with TI’s DesignDRIVE Position Manager, this new solution eliminates the complexities of position sensor management in the industrial drive development cycle, saving ancillary components, development time and system cost. Common applications include use in industrial inverter and servo drives for robotics, CNCs, elevators, material conveyance, transportation, and other industrial manufacturing applications.

TI’s MCU system solution improves machine performance by completing decode tasks on-chip, reducing the communication latency and enabling faster control loop performance. It also allows developers to decrease system cost by reducing the board area required in FPGA or ASIC-based solutions.

TI is the only semiconductor vendor that supports both digital and analog position sensors for industrial applications. TI worked with HEIDENHAIN to test this on-chip solution to ensure compatibility. “We approve of TI’s successful implementation and testing of Position Manager to our EnDat specifications,” said Herbert Reiter, HEIDENHAIN’s Senior Product Manager, “and we look forward to working with TI as they enable new EnDat capabilities for our customers.”

HEIDENHAIN’s EnDat 2.2 interface is well known as a digital, bidirectional interface for encoders. It’s capable both of transmitting position values from incremental and absolute encoders as well as transmitting or updating information stored in the encoder, or saving new information.

For more information, visit www.ti.com and www.heidenhain.us.