Motion Controller Information

Motion control today takes place under the guidance of computers, solid-state logic, or pneumatic sequencers. A motion controller can take on a variety of forms and provide motion control on different levels.

Motion controllers can be divided into four basic types. A chip-level motion controller consists of a few integrated circuits combined to produce signals that drive positioning equipment. A board-level motion controller is made up of one or more circuit boards containing computer functions as well as input/output (I/O). These motion controllers often handle control, sensing, and power drive for positioning equipment. A box-level motion controller generally features a display, keyboard, computing, and I/O functions into a single enclosure. Finally, dedicated motion controllers include programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and pneumatic sequencers. These are designed to handle specific chores common to factory-floor control.

Motion controllers in each of the four categories play a different role in motion control. As an overview of motion controller technology, capabilities that typify equipment applications for each type will be outlined.

Motion Controller - Microcontrollers

Motion controllers made with integrated circuits frequently use single-chip microcontrollers primarily for computing power. This kind of motion controller features a computer processor and memory, which can perform simple input/output functions and is combined on a single chip.

Microcontrollers developed in the past few years are frequently used in motion controller applications because they contain several features optimized for such uses. These features often include special timers and counters. The timers and counters are set up to facilitate the generation of pulse-width-modulated (PWM) waveforms used to drive motors and other industrial loads.

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Motion Controller: Basics of Motion Controller Design Engineering

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