Posted to News on 26th May 2010, 22:25
PosiStep intelligent drive simplifies single-axis motion control
Mclennan is launching the PosiStep intelligent microstepping drive that is aimed at simplifying both the selection and installation of motion control systems for single-axis applications in industry or research. The PosiStep is supplied as a plug-and-play package in an extruded aluminium enclosure for desktop mounting, complete with a 120/240V AC, 50/60Hz power supply. With colour-coded connectors and optional cable sets for stepper motor, I/O, communications, limit switches and optional encoder feedback, users simply make the connections and program the motion and I/O sequencing from a computer in a choice of user-friendly graphical or advanced ASCII command sets. PosiStep systems are available with 5A or 10A output currents and, for optimum performance and even simpler installation, they can be supplied with matching microstepping motors from Mclennan's connectorised HT series.
The new PosiStep drive is based on the ST range of intelligent microstepping drives from Mclennan's distribution partner, the USA motion specialist Applied Motion Products (AMP). The DSP-based ST range has been well proven over many applications, with sophisticated drive features such as advanced current control and anti-resonance for improved speeds and smoother motion. In addition, the ST has a choice of user program levels from simple to complex motion programming for single- and multi-axis use, as well as diagnostic and configuration software for straightforward set-up.
Mclennan chose to combine this powerful component into the PosiStep package following requests from several customers who preferred to purchase a single integrated system rather than purchase and interface the ST with all of the individual component parts for their automation systems. With the opportunity to save time and cost in both the planning and commissioning stages, industrial users can accelerate new product development or the building of production machinery, while research organisations can specify the PosiStep as a universal system that is easily adapted into new automated analytical tasks.
Choice of motion control software
The PosiStep includes a selectable microstepping resolution of up to 50,800 steps/revolution. On start-up, AMP's ST Configurator software is used to self-test and auto-setup the motion axis for optimum performance. A choice of AMP's Si or Q motion software provides a two-level approach. The Windows-based Si (Simple Indexer) graphical programming software is a user-friendly icon-based programming environment with mouse-guided point-and-click functions that allows users of all levels to quickly set-up and program standalone motion and machine I/O sequencing. The Si version covers interfacing with sensors, PLCs, HMIs and other machine controls. In addition to motion commands, programmers can control I/O, conditional branching, alarms, and operator interfacing, as well as troubleshooting the set-up.
An alternative Q controller version uses AMP's high-level Q programming language that includes complex multi-tasked motion and machine control functions. These include applications that require tightly synchronised 'on-the-fly' motion and I/O such as electronic gearbox and position registration functions. The Q version can be combined with encoder feedback for stall detection and position maintenance to return a motor to its commanded position under stall conditions.
Both controller versions carry a complement of I/O for machine interfacing. The Q version has two high-speed inputs for position registration in addition to six general-purpose inputs, two analogue inputs and four digital outputs.
In addition to colour-coded motor, encoder and limit switch cables, Mclennan also supplies a simple Jog Box with a rocker switch, and an extension cable for the MMI (man-machine interface).
Follow the link for more informaiton about the PosiStep intelligent microstepping drive.
