ARM-based motion and machine controllers offer high performance

The MC403 controls two servo axes with a master encoder input, or three stepper axes, while the MC405 has a choice of four servos plus a master encoder or five step-and-direction axes. The 6MHz servo encoder ports are selectable for incremental linear or rotary feedback, or they may be configured for SSI, Tamagawa and EnDat absolute types. The maximum stepper output frequency is 2MHz. Any combination of servo and stepper axes is possible.

Trio's MC403 and MC405 build on previous Motion Coordinators with an abundance of performance enhancements enabled by the ARM11 core. With more than four times the clock frequency at 533MHz, an improved selectable servo update rate from 125 to 2000us and a maximum data table size of 512K, the double-floating-point precision processor delivers much improved servo loop accuracy with fast 64-bit real-number mathematics and 64-bit integer position registers.

Application types

The ability to use multi-tasking TrioBASIC and/or IEC 61131-3 programming support provides OEMs and end-users with higher flexibility for tightly synchronised, high-throughput motion and machine control tasks. The MC403 and MC405 will suit applications where any combination of linear or interpolated motion, electronic gearbox or linked axes need to be co-ordinated with machine I/O and sensor interfacing. Trio's Motion Perfect support software provides a fully scalable single programming environment across all of the Motion Coordinator range for setting up, motor tuning and diagnostics. Other programming possibilities for both models include TrioPC for ActiveX with HPGL and DXF import capability. A G-code programmable option is coming soon.

These new Motion Coordinators include a complement of built-in digital and analogue I/O with a fast dual-position input capture capability on every axis. Electronic switches with supporting FIFO's on each axis allow outputs to be accurately toggled, for example for laser control. A CANbus expansion port provides a CANopen master or DeviceNet slave as well as optional TrioCAN I/O modules for up to 512 digital I/O points and 32, 12-bit analogue inputs and 16 12-bit analogue outputs.

Both models have a built-in RJ45 Ethernet port for programming and connecting HMIs or other devices; protocols available include Modbus TCP and Ethernet IP. There is also both RS232 and 485 serial ports as an alternative for communications, or for use with Modbus-RTU, Hostlink or user programmable devices. Memory expansion is made possible with a Micro SD card slot that also allows program and configuration data transfer across machines.

The attractive and neatly packaged MC403 and MC405 Motion Coordinators suit enclosure, panel or DIN-rail mounting with a single-piece cast metal backplate that provides an integrated earth chassis for improved EMC performance. A combination of removable screw terminals and D-type connectors provide fast and convenient interfacing.

Model differences

Apart from the axis count and the encoder provision, the main differences between the two models relate to the multitasking capability and the number of virtual axes available, as well physical variations such as I/O count, size and status display: the two-servo/three-stepper MC403 can run six simultaneous tasks and has a total of eight axes in software, while the MC405 runs up to ten tasks with 16 axes in software. Axes not assigned to built-in hardware can be used virtually, which is particularly useful for simulated motion or event timing. Both controllers have eight 24V DC inputs and two 12-bit analogue inputs, but the physically larger MC405 has ten rather than six registration inputs and eight rather than four 24V bidirectional I/O channels. Furthermore the MC405 includes an LCD display in addition to the two status LEDs available on the MC403.

The MC403 and MC405 Motion Coordinators are aimed at relatively low-axis-count applications. Trio Motion's MC464 Motion Coordinator offers a diverse multi-axis capability for up to 64 independently configured servo or stepper axes, together with a very wide range of fieldbus protocols, increased multitasking support and numerous additional features where more complex motion and machine control is required. Contact Trio Motion Technology for more information about the MC403 and MC405 Motion Coordinators.