CORRECTING AXIS IN MISPOSITIONING

A series of tests can be used to correct computer control mispositioning. The mispositioning in this case was causes by the axes being improperly tuned, the systems acceleration rate was exceeding the encoder’s capabilities and at the completion of each move, the user zeroing the counter resulting in mechanical creep. The tests used to solve these problems were checking for noise-induced mispositioning, profiling the operation for stability, velocity and production rate, checking the program index routine and making sure the motor’s acceleration doesn’t exceed the encoder’s acceleration.

Advanced Multi-Axis Motion Controller Takes Advantage of Multiprocessor-Distributed Control Architecture.

With separate processors devoted to each axis, the SB214PC maintains a 20kHz sampling rate regardless of the number of axes under control. ACS-Tech80’s SB214PC is a multi-axis PC/ISA-based motion controller that provides up to four axes of motion control for AC induction, DC brush and DC brushless (AC servo/synchronous) motors. Its mulitprocessor-distributed control design consists of 20MHz Intel 80C196KD processor for high-level task management and one 80MHz SB2500 Servo Processor per axis for real-time control tasks. This design ensures that the sampling rate does not degrade as more axes are added to the control.

MICROPLCS SET UP THE PACE IN MOTION CONTROLS

Colloton, Kevin, Bob Hirschinger, Jeff Faris, 4 May 2000 Size and price are just two of the reasons microPLCs are edging into territory once reserved for larger controllers. MicroPLCs also provide simple instruction sets, stepper-drive outputs and increased power. Pick-and-place, assembly and indexing and conveyor controls are common applications where microPLCs are used.

PCs PUT IT ALL TOGETHER

Gary Marchuk, March 1999 PCs are changing the face of motion control by making setup and programming easier for designers through an integrated programming environment and a common database for parameters. PC-based motion control is also playing a prominent role in applications that integrate multiple functions. The flowchart style of programming PC-based motion control systems is easy to use and PC-based control solutions are less expensive.

NETWORKING MOTION

Brian Kaplan and Ken Wyman, PTdesign, March 1999 Digital networks are moving motion control away from outdated analogtechnology towards an open networking environment where intelligence flows to linked devices. Several forces are pushing this progress forward including intelligent drives that operate independently in applications that don’t require close coordination among multiple axes, networks that serve all motion requirements and the effect the Internet is having on information technology. The Ethernet will also play an important role in the areas of industrial automation and motion control because of its low cost, high speed, adaptability to harsh industrial environments, determinativeness and the benefits of Windows CE..