Custum Java 'beans' simplify motion programming

Java software components, known as 'Java Beans', install simply and provide flexible motion sequencing, and custom beans avoid problems of programming in complex motion control languages.

Copley Controls announces its 'Boston Beans' software components.

A library of Boston Beans eliminates the programming challenge required to develop motion sequences in the complex language of motion control systems.

Here is the problem - today's servo drives have absorbed much of the role served by the upstream controller.

Motor feedback connects directly to powerful DSP-based servo amplifiers, enabling servo loops to be closed right at the drive.

Localised drive intelligence enables powerful system diagnostics, auto-tuning and drift-free performance.

Local loop closing vastly simplifies cabling cost and complexity too.

As demand has risen for increasingly sophisticated motion sequences, servo amplifier processing power has increased in proportion.

Servo drives have in essence become controllers.

Trajectory generation and motion sequencing, stored in the amplifier's flash memory is the norm.

Higher level PLC or PC-based system controllers can simply select a predefine sequence and command GO.

There's a price for modern servo amplifier autonomy and sophistication.

Programming languages are complex, and involve stacks of daunting manuals and steep learning curves.

Sophisticated applications can involve many man-hours of implementation.

* The Solution - 'Boston Beans' - Copley Control has solved the programming challenge with the creation of powerful but simple Java software components - 'Boston Beans'.

These versatile, platform-independent software extensions-now included on Copley's setup CD and on the web-accelerate the development of motion sequences with 'fill-in-the-blanks' simplicity.

Users simply select the desired functions from a library of standard 'Beans' to build a motion sequence.

The program is then compiled to a compact, efficient program and stored in the servo amplifier's flash memory.

The amplifier, exploiting its 'virtual processor' capability, executes the 'Boston Bean' motion sequence.

As Copley adds more beans to the pot, motion system builders can simply download them from the web: they automatically appear in the library picklist.

* Custom programming - Copley application engineers will work with OEMs faced with particularly challenging design tasks, to create application specific, custom beans.

Instead of slogging through complex programming manuals to create sophisticated motion sequences, easily programmed Boston Beans do the job.

Engineers charged with system commissioning responsibility can now focus on job one - getting their machines up and running.

Back to top