Position control cards on EtherCAT

Omron has released a brand new range of Position control cards using the EtherCAT communications technology.

Six models are available, from 2 to 16 axis, giving the user full flexibility in choosing the version best suited to the application. Two variants exist, the first designed for servo drive control only, the second is designed to control not only servo drives, but also inverter drives, remote I/O and even Vision systems. This powerful combination provides the machine builder with a full solution capability, saving design time and cost by using one communications network.

The unit supports the CoE (CAN over EtherCAT) profile, and are designed for multiple axis point to point applications, with features such as linear and circular interpolation built in as standard. Programming of the new cards is via CX Programmer, part of CX One, Omron’s suite of programming tools.

Features within the programming environment that will speed up the design and commissioning phases of a project, and therefore save time include a test run facility, a simple parameter structure including axis parameter setup, multiple homing routines and facilities to change position and speed profiles on the fly.

Furthermore, a teach facility is available in the programming tool to provide an easy to use method of storing the command or feedback position data of any axis, from which positioning tables can be created. Axes can be controlled using these tables.

EtherCAT is an Ethernet based industrial network system which provides high speed communications, and uses standard Category 5 or higher cables between devices. The design and implementation are simplified when a network like EtherCAT is used in a project, as the need for multiple wires to each axis is removed. Furthermore, the user can access all of the axis information.

To complement the new Position controller cards, the Accurax G5 series is a compact and advanced servo drive and motor series. The motor design is compact and light, has no flying leads, and the motor body and connectors are designed to IP67 standards. Incremental encoder models use 20 bit encoders. The G5 series has a very high speed response of 2KHz, providing fast and accurate control, and fast settling time. The series has safety inputs/ outputs providing conformance to ISO13849-1, PLd.

The new series is IEC 61800-7 (CIA 402) compliant, and forms part of an extensive range based on EtherCAT. As well as the NC cards for point to point control, there is also a new interface card for the Trajexia family of full motion controllers, again providing choice for the designer, without forcing wholesale changes.