Product category:
Control systems, panels, HMIs, interfaces, screens
News Release from: Aerotech | Subject: NServo digital controller module
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 20 September 2004
Digital controller module upgrades
automation
Digital controller module provides a cost effective motion controller upgrade for existing motion and automation systems and extends the life of existing production and test equipment.
The NServo digital controller module is designed to provide quick and convenient interconnectivity between Aerotech's award winning FirewireT based, A3200 Digital Automation Platform and existing analogue servo drives The new modules have been developed to facilitate the replacement of function-limited and outdated motion controllers on existing positioning and automation systems by replacing them with the A3200
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 26 Oct 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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This not only extends the life of existing production and test equipment but also provides significant performance and upgrade potential at minimal cost when compared to complete system replacement including motor and drive components.
Three versions of the NServo are available, interfacing the A3200 with existing Aerotech servo amplifiers, to Aerotech older "legacy" products and to third party servo amplifiers.
The NServo is software configurable for connectivity to brushed and brushless servo drives as well as piezo electric and galvo based drive systems.
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Motion systems for automatic laser working, medical and life sciences manufacturing systems are described in Aerotech's Automation Solutions brochure, also available in German.
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This means that practically any existing motorised positioning system can profit from upgrade.
The A3200 Digital Automation Platform is a breakthrough, software based machine control system with IEEE-1394 (FirewireT) distributed control architecture combining motion engine (NMotion), HMI (NView), soft PLC (NLogic) and vision (NVision) modules.
The system is completely deterministic and runs on Windows 2000 or XP based PC's where the FirewireT network is used to communicate with each NServo digital controller which in turn, is interfaced to the existing analogue amplifier via three-phase +/-10V outputs with 32Mhz quadrature encoder or optional resolver based feedback options.
The A3200 is capable of controlling up to 32 axes of synchronised motion with a 20 Khz servo update rate from simple point to point moves to the most complex electronic gearing, "on the fly" trajectory modification, software camming, velocity profiling and high speed I/O functions.
The A3200's programming capability is extremely flexible and includes native RS-274 G-code, AeroBASICT, C, C++, VisualBASICT or LabVIEW.
Additionally the soft PLC module comes with the industry standard IEC-61131 programming interface.
With optional vision analysis tools available the A3200 provides a complete programming environment for all machine control functions.
It is also supported by numerous commissioning and set-up tools and its high level of integration dramatically reduces machine wiring, lowers set-up costs and improves reliability.
For additional motorised axes or for completely new systems the A3200's motion module may be complemented with Aerotech's full-featured, NDrive servo amplifiers with additional I/O functions, available in a wide range of power options.
Also available is the lower cost NCDrive or the 19" rack based NPaq drive system.
All NServo digital controller models are equipped with two FirewireR ports and an optional 10 Base T Ethernet interface which may be used to add third party I/O and PLC's to the system.
Each units supports two or optionally four axes (position and velocity) and is powered by a direct-on-line 100 to 240V AC voltage supply at 50 or 60Hz.
A comprehensive array of digital and analogue I/O includes dedicated 24V opto-isolated inputs for end-of-travel, home and emergency stop with another eleven opto-isolated 24V general purpose inputs available plus high speed positioning latching inputs.
A dedicated drive enable output is provided per axis with a further eight 5-24V general purpose outputs supplied.
The analogue I/O complement includes four 16-bit inputs and two 16-bit outputs.
All I/O connections are made via easily removable screw terminal connectors.
For connection to each drive, the NServo's has a three-phase +/- 10V output per axis.
Two outputs are driven directly by the NServo's DAC's and the third output is their summation to provide third phase generation for commutated motors.
Encoder feedback connections are standard but each model may be replaced with the resolver feedback option.
Other features allowing easy system connection for the NServo include fail safe brake outputs and a 5V DC, 500mA user power output for encoders and limit switches.
Each unit also includes a 48 bit programmable I/O block which is user definable as input/output byte using the A3200 software.
Three NServo models fulfil interconnection with almost any type of existing analogue servo system.
The -DB range is used for system upgrade of existing Aerotech amplifiers such as the BA series where 25 pin, D type connectors are used for amplifier and encoder connection.
The -OP model is used for older Aerotech legacy products such DR300, DR500, DR600 and DR 800 drive racks where a single connector will interface to the racks using the OP cable assembly.
The NServo-TB option is used for all third party amplifiers and drives where removable screw-terminal connectors are used to interconnect the required functions.
As with all Aerotech products the NServo digital control module is designed to provide a low cost of ownership solution for automated production and test system applications.
Aerotech's engineered systems capability provides solutions that include complete mechanical positioning systems, associated drives and motion controls with all motor and feedback connectors.
All performance and calibration related documents and a CD with assembly and interconnection drawings are included along with motor parameter set-up data for the software configuration file to suit the control and drive selected.
In addition, Aerotech provide complete technical support and product training ensuring that system commissioning is straightforward, requiring little more than connecting cables and applying power before programming application software. Request a free brochure from Aerotech ...
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