Programmable Logic Controller (PLCS) - Servo Control - Motor Controller - Article List

The Motion Controller Reference Center, from Machine Design, is designed to provide design engineers with the information they need to specify or purchase Motion Controller including: AC motors, DC motors, stepper motors and servo motors. The Motion Controller 101 section includes reference information about the various types of motors and the selection criteria and requirements used for typical mechanical engineering applications.

Axial-Piston Pump Reduces Noise in Hydraulic Systems

The A10VSO series 32 axial-piston pump is a medium pressure and made to reduce noise in stationary hydraulic systems.

Mulitple-Axis Motion Controller

This NYCe400 multiple-axis controller combines the control and drive hardware in one unit for a smaller footprint than an industrial PC.

MACHINE DESIGN partners with PARTsolutions to launch new 2D/3D CAD Library

Penton Media's Design Engineering group, anchored by Machine Design magazine, announced today that it has entered into a strategic partnership with PARTsolutions®, LLC, a leading provider of publishing solutions for 2D/3D digital parts catalogs, to launch the Machine Design CAD Library, a powerful, new resource for design engineers.

Motion Checkers

Motion Checker MCH-5 is a RoHScompliant, palm-sized stepper-motor controller with an internal 2-ph constant-voltage driving circuit.

Pumping iron

Artificial muscles mimic the action of their human counterparts to synthesize novel kinds of motion.

Go with the flow

Graphical data-flow techniques are particularly helpful when perfecting embedded controls for real-world processes.

Stepmotor, Driver, and Controller Combined

The IMC23 integrated stepmotor, driver, and intelligent controller is capable of 3-A peak of output current, 256 microstepping, 12 to 40-Vdc operation, and 294 oz-in. of holding torque.

Stepmotor/Driver/Controllers

SilverPak 17T bipolar stepmotors integrate stepmotor, microstepping driver, and controller, eliminating the need for external equipment.

Servocontroller with Ethernet and Can

Communication options for the SilverDust IG8 single-axis servocontroller with drive include RS-232/485, CAN, and Ethernet.

Integrated Motion Controller

Controlling up to four axes of motion, the CompactLogix 1768-L43 controller is targeted for material handling, packaging, metal forming, and other applications that require speed, motion synchronization, and informationsharing capabilities.

PoE Motion Control Card

The FMOD-IPDCMOT combines a 32-bit motion controller with Ethernet communication protocol and an integrated HTTP Web server.

Stepping out

Higher step counts do not automatically mean better accuracy or more torque.

The "no-cog" motor

Brushless dc motors without wire windings rotate smoothly with practically no cogging or torque ripple.

Safety Controller

The GuardLogix safety controller features a two-processor safety architecture and is rated up to Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3.

Real-time ethernet lets stitcher heal itself

A real-time motion-control network based on the physical layer of Ethernet, called SynqNet, let a printing and converting manufacturer devise a stitching machine that can "heal" itself if one of its stations go down.

Unit replaces motion controller and PLC

ServoWire Motion and Logic Controllers replace a motion controller and PLC combination with a single unit that can control up to thousands of I/O points.

PCI Motion Controller

Featuring a servoloop rate of 50 sec/axis, the Magellan-PCI motion controller supports both brush and brushless dc motors, microstepping, and pulse and direction motors.

Real-Time ethernet controller

Targeted for the ProfiNet isochronous real-time Ethernet (IRT), the Asic Ertec 400 combines real-time communication for high-speed control of all Ethernet communications, including TCP/IP.

Motor controller for mobile robots

A microcomputer-based dc motor controller puts out 30 A on each channel at up to 40 V.

Universal motor controllers

Movidrive B universal motor controllers have extended lower speed range and better overload capacity than previous models.

Bus coupler and controller

The BC9100 bus-terminal controller and the BK9100 bus coupler have an integrated two-port switch that simplifies cabling between Ethernet stations and reduces overall wiring.

Programmable automation controllers

Snap PACs (programmable automation controllers) are high-performance, multidomain, Ethernetbased controllers targeting applications in automation and control, remote monitoring, and data acquisition.

Fan motor controller

The TDA21801 is an intelligent controller that lets cooling-fan manufacturers deliver the functions of a four-wire fan using a less-expensive two-wire fan.

LIN microcontroller targets industrial uses

MM908E621/22/26 system-in-package (SiP) devices combine the LIN physical layer with HC908 Flash microcontrollers and Smartmos analogintegrated circuits.

PLCs Pack it in

Programmable automation controllers enhance PLC's process-control capabilities.

THK & Yaskawa Form Alliance To Offer Complete Motion Control Package

THK America, Inc., announced a new generation of complete motion control packages by forming a strategic alliance with Yaskawa Electric, the world's largest producer of variable speed drives, servo controls and robotics.

New Brushless DC Motor Controller

The new 371-0028 brushless DC motor controller from Servo Magnetics Inc. provides 1000 watts of power in an amazingly small footprint of 3.00"W x 4.65"L x 1.75"H.

Motion-control chips

Magellan motion processors feature real-time servo-trace capability that improves servotuning performance, optimizes motion trajectories, and captures time-sensitive data that is stored automatically.

Analog Output Card

The PCI-1724U has 32 channels of analog output on a single PCI-based interface card.

ATEX Approved Rotary Position Systems from BEI Save Time

A complete rotary position and speed sensing system from BEI Industrial Encoder Division meets international CENELEC/ATEX hazardous environmental ratings.

Smallest Ultra-compact Servo Driver released

Smallest, easy to use, off-the-shelf driver/controller speeds development, lowers cost for integrators.

Field-Programmable Hall-Effect Sensors

The A1373 and A1374 outputpin programmable linear Halleffect sensors come in a modified four-lead SIP package.

Power-Over-Ethernet Controller

Next-generation power-management IC aids in the design of IEEE 802.3afcompliant powersource equipment (PSE).

Feedback for servos

The right feedback sensor is a key in motion systems that do what they are supposed to.

A Web Site For Motion Control

A comprehensive Web site provides users with an in-depth view of the company, highlighting new products and those already well known in the industry.

Temperture Controllers

DIN ETR-8300 and 1/8 DIN ETR-4300 temperature controllers feature digital MODBUS communications, several error-protection modes, remote set-point inputs, dual-input delta-T (differential) controls, heater alarms, and current monitoring.

Compact linear actuator packs more punch

The UL-recognized GSX Series actuators from Exlar Corp., Chanhassen, Minn., has been upgraded with T-LAM , a more efficient segmented motor-stator design.

BLDC Motor Control IC

The MC73110 motor-control IC features an onchip a/d converter that digitizes analog current feedback, and provides multiple current sensing methods to maximize motor performance.

Adjustable-speed control

The H2 family of adjustable-speed controls features a large multiline graphical display, selectable text sizes, large keypad, and fast navigation with directional arrows and enhanced soft programming keys.

Motion Control From Servoamplifers

The SAC option card provides simple machine control transforming a base servodrive package into a motioncontrol system.

Motion Control For Canbus

Motion ICs for one, two, three, and four-axis configurations directly support a CANBus interface.

Micro Variable-Speed Drive

The L200 Series micro variablespeed drive features new and enhanced functions including side-by-side mounting capability, built-in timing logic and analog input math functions, DIPswitch hand-off ratio, and an RS-485 Modbus RTU communication interface.

Ethernet I/O comes to industrial autoclaves

PC-based Ethernet controls are increasingly the means chosen to power industrial ovens and autoclaves.

Sercos standard ties different systems together

An exhibit at Pack Expo 2004 in Chicago, Ill., demonstrated how controllers and servodrives of five different manufacturers could interface seamlessly exchanging data on the same network.

Gas-Cylinder Scale Works With Standard PLCs

A built-in programmable signal conditioner gives the Model 2000 gas-cylinder scale PLCcompatible analog outputs of 0 to 30 mV, 0 to 5 V, and 4 to 20 mA.

Driver Controller

R101 Driver/Controller is a bipolar driver/ controller capable of output current ranging from 0.2 to 2.5 A/phase with step resolutions from full, 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8.

New Integrated Operator Console/Amplifier for Machine Tool OEMs and Retrofit Applications

The 900 CNC combined operator console and matched 4 or 6-axis integrated amplifier/controller is specifically designed to meet next generation CNC control requirements.

NC Simplifies Programming Multitasking Machines

Esprit's SolidMillTurn software lets CNC programmers control multitasking machines with B-axis capability.

Electropneumatic servo for food

The AirNC electropneumatic servosystem from Bosch Rexroth, Lexington, Ky., (boschrexroth-us.com) is capable of position, speed, and force control, reportedly making it ideal for demanding applications like liquid filling and flexible packaging.

When precision bearings are exactly right for motion control

A special category of bearing fits the bill when long life and quiet operation are on the "must-have" list.

Tiny micros open new frontiers

Microcontrollers keep shrinking, and the newest models are displacing old mechanical methods in a variety of applications.

Compact Distribution Manifolds

The J6 Series distribution manifolds control multiple outlets from a single source inlet.

Cables For Plug-And-Play Servos

The Add-A-Motor serial-configuration cable works with SmartMotors to an off-the-shelf servosystem ready to plug and play.

Compact 4-axis servo drive

The Geo Brick from Delta Tau, brings together the intelligence and capability of the PMAC2 motion controller with the latest IGBT-based drive technology in one, compact smart 4-axis servo drive package.

Compact Motion Controller

The EPOS 24/5 is a digital motion controller capable of position, velocity, and current-mode operation.

Industrial Programming Tool

New 759-333 WAGO-IO-PRO CAA (CoDeSys Automation Alliance compatible) programming software for the Wago 750 Series of Programmable Fieldbus Controllers (PFC) and the 758 Series Industrial PCs (IPC) is fully compliant with the IEC 61131-3 open-programming standard.

ZMP-PCI Motion controller expands SYNQNET® product family

Motion Engineering, Inc. (MEI) today released the next generation ZMP-PCI Motion Controller, the highest performance member of their SynqNet family. The PCI-based package (ZMP-SynqNet-PCI) adds to MEI's SynqNet offerings, which also include ZMP-PMC and XMP-SynqNet controller products.

Touchscreen Controllers

MicroTouch SC Series of touchscreen controllers supports 3M's full range of resistive touchscreens for liquid-crystal displays (LCDs).

Panel-Mount PH/ORP Controllers

The W305 single and dual-input panel-mount pH/ORP controllers let designers add a second sensor rather than a second controller.

What to look for in a servocoupling

Torque, shaft misalignment, stiffness, rpm, and space requirements are some of the factors to consider when selecting a coupling for servo applications.

Controllers Simplify Tough Jobs

The 3508 (1/8 DIN) and 3504 (1/4 DIN) controllers are built for demanding, high-accuracy, single-loop control applications.

Conformal-Coated Controllers

Modicon Momentum programmable logic controllers are now available with conformal coating,

Controllers guide robot heads over complex curves

It can be tricky to synchronize highspeed moves over irregularly curved surfaces.

Two-Axis Controller

The RMC70-Series of motion controllers handles one and two-axis systems. Initial units handle linear motion control and include RS-232 and RS-485 links and interface with magnetostrictive-displacement transducers and SSI.

Avoiding the runaround with direct-drive rotary motion

Here's a look at the pros and cons of various direct-drive rotary systems.

CNC Software for Motor Modules

The JenCNC package implements 3D CNC commands on Animatics SmartMotors.

More power to servodrives

Allen-Bradley Kinetix 6000 digital servodrives feature expanded power ranges of 1 to 11 kW for 230-V units and 2 to 22 kW for 460-V units.

How hydraulic motion-control measures up

For positioning large loads, electrohydraulics can be a better choice than electromechanical motion systems.

More robots migrate to PC-based controls

It's a compelling concept: Use an inexpensive PC to control the axes of a robot but do so in a way that avoids the cost of a Windows operating system.

Setting the stage for good machine design

No matter how sophisticated your motion controller, it can't overcome a poorly designed electromechanical system.

Globetrotting machines

Motion-control companies must develop global feature sets to stay competitive in a changing world market.

Making sense of motion networks

Which bus? Which protocol? Need a network at all? Here are some answers.

Products simplify motion design

Several new motion-control products from National Instruments, Austin (www.ni.com), promise to simplify motion-control system design. Chief among these is NI-Motion 6.0, driver software for distributed motion control based on Ethernet.

Spotlight on safety

Siemens Energy and Automation, Atlanta, has formed Safety Integrated U.S.A. to bring the latest safety technology to the company's U.S. automation product lines including PLCs, sensors, industrial control products, motion control, and drives.

Module puts Rockwell controllers on the Web

The Allen-Bradley 1756-EWEB module from Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee supports Ethernet/IP and offers a suite of Web capabilities for ControlLogix controllers.

Positioning slide uses simple design for accurate movements

Robotics and IC manufacturing require fast, accurate, and dependable motion-control devices that fit in cramped spaces.

Getting the most out of servocontrollers

A few logical procedures during setup can tune motion controllers to perform at their best.

PLC doubles as network controller

Sensible Sensing

Motion Control Reference Guide

Houston hotbed for automation firms

The Houston area saw its second beachhead from an automation supplier recently with the opening of a customer technology center there by Phoenix Contact USA.

What goes wrong when inertias aren't right

Q: I've been told that motor and load inertias should match as closely as possible.

Motion control on a budget

Pneumatic linear slides offer an economical way to precisely move heavy loads.

New Tools for Industrial Automation

Opto 22, Temecula, CA., has launched a new thrust aimed at making automation products easier to understand and cheaper to buy.

Drive Handles Heavy-Duty Applications

he XtraDrive Servosystem features an integrated amplifier and 5-kW, 1.5-axis controller with ECAM capability to provide complex motion profiles based on master or virtual axis encoder position.

Multiaxis Controllers

The SEC-AC-SMLC multiaxis controller handles motion control, logic, and I/O tasks.

Programmable PIC-Based Controller

The microIceBlue programmable Bluetooth PIC-based controller implements Bluetooth communication capabilities directly from the UART pins of the PIC microcontroller without the need to know Bluetooth protocol.

Actuator/Controller Combo Boost Productivity

A subsystem for position-control applications consists of a direct-drive ServoTube actuator driven by a high-power density Micro Xenus controller.

Safety Controller

The Allen-Bradley SmartGuard 600 safety controller is designed for applications that fall between safety relays and safety PLCs.

Company Receives Flight Simulation Award

Moog FCS received the North American Flight Simulation Technology Innovation of the Year Award (2006).

Caring for Cables

Unprotected cables can twist, bind, and wear out fast.

Go for a walk?

Motors, springs, cables, and the right model could open the door to walking robots.

Stepmotor Selection via the Web — An Engineer's Perspective

Web-based design wizards help engineers pick the right motor for the job.

Self-guided timing belts