Aerotech has added the MP drive to its Soloist range of integrated drives for sinusoidally commutated, linear or rotary brushless servomotors, dc brushed and stepping motors. A fully-featured, intelligent drive, with 10-80Vdc bus and 10A peak current capability, the MP is aimed at users who prefer an auxiliary power supply rather than the integral direct-on-line power supplies of other Soloist products. This has advantages for multi-axis applications where a combined power supply helps to reduce system costs and complexity.
The MP range comprises a basic model suitable for most positioning applications, and an optional, more flexible version for machine control applications. Communications include a 10/100Base T Ethernet connection, as well as Soloist-to-Soloist networking and Modbus over TCP. An RS232 interface is also provide for connection to peripherals such as programming terminals and displays.
Motion control applications include precision feed to length, flying shear, electronic cam, electronic gearbox, web tensioning, force and torque control. Additionally, Soloist MP provides high-speed position latching and data logging for laboratory and test applications. Among its powerful software features are axis calibration and backlash compensation, which help to improve the overall precision of an application.