Aerotech’s Soloist and Ensemble series advanced motion controllers now include an ODVA certified EtherNet/IP fieldbus option to allow direct programming from Allen Bradley PLCs using the RSLogix development environment. Register-to-register and ASCII interface programming is available to bring real time I/O and message exchange with device configuration and data collection over the EtherNet/IP open industrial network standard for integrated machine automation and motion control solutions. EtherNet/IP is built on a standard Ethernet TCP/IP network and uses the proven Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) of DeviceNet.
Aerotech’s Soloist and Ensemble motion controllers are DSP equipped multitasking intelligent drives that can be configured for linear and rotary, brushed and brushless servo motors as well as open loop stepper motors. They are equally suited for use with Aerotech’s wide range of medium to ultra-high precision positioning systems or as standalone motion control and drive solutions for OEM applications such as packaging and processing machinery or robotics.
The single axis Soloist combines a power supply, amplifier, position and I/O controller in a single package whilst the multi-axis Ensemble is available as the Epaq - a motion controller with integral drives and power supply for up to 6 axes in desktop or rack mount configuration - or as the CP/MP/CL distributed network of individual panel mounted units. The Ensemble Epaq can handle up to 10 tightly synchronised servo or stepper axes with fully deterministic real time Ethernet networking for microsecond level motion interpolation and I/O handling. Through all ranges, peak current is up to 30A as standard and up to 150 A on request.
Both Soloist and Ensemble feature an easy to use GUI for straightforward set-up, autotuning, programming, diagnostics and debugging with point-to-point motion, linear and circular interpolation, electronic gearing with high speed position latching, and velocity profiling.
Advanced features include PSO (position synchronised output) for high speed synchronisation of a single or combined axis position with an output to precisely control an external source such as the firing and power control for a laser. Both solutions also feature axis calibration and backlash compensation allowing higher levels of precision and performance when used with Aerotech’s positioning mechanics. A wide choice of programming languages includes Aerotech’s own AeroBASIC™, Microsoft .NET, C++, LabVIEW over Ethernet, USB from Windows and many more.