Posted to News on 21st Aug 2007, 19:34
New dual-axis servo module for automation controller
Control Technology Corporation is launching the M3-40A dual-axis servo control module. The M3-40A is one of more than 40 specialized modules for I/O, motion control and communications that may be installed in the Blue Fusion Model 5300 Automation Controller. Because a single Model 5300 can have up to 32 I/O modules, the new dual-axis servo module enables users to tackle applications with as many as 64 axes of servo motion control. The M3-40A can handle advanced applications such as fast point-to-point moves, gearing, camming and changing trajectories on the fly.
The M3-40A is a single-slot (0.75 x 4inch) module with on-board processors that handle all motion-related processing for two axes. To provide advanced motion control performance, CTC has fitted each dual-axis module with a powerful RISC processor as well as CTC's new Motion Accelerator Chip (MAC). This gives the M3-40A the ability to run CTC's latest 64-bit floating-point motion loops and handle local high-speed I/O events. Each axis has a precision 16-bit analogue output that can command both torque and velocity mode drives, giving designers great flexibility in motor and drive selection. The encoder feedback rates can be up to 20MHz, accommodating even the fastest linear motors. Each axis has five fast user-assignable inputs and five fast user-assignable outputs.
Configuring and programming the M3-40A is fully integrated into CTC's award-winning QuickBuilder Automation Suite. QuickBuilder programming software simplifies and accelerates every step of the machine development process. QuickBuilder's drag-and-drop graphical user interface and intuitive programming tools - such as the built-in oscilloscope and tuning wizards - simplify the process of adding motion control to an automation project. A new extension to QuickBuilder called QuickMotion contains a library of more than 50 new commands and 100 specialised motion variables that adapts to the most complex applications.
The M3-40A Dual Axis Servo Module is available now.
