LG Motion Ltd launches the new Agile microMAXR distributed and intelligent servo drive

LG Motion Ltd launches the new Agile microMAXR distributed and intelligent servo drive

Article Type: New products From: Assembly Automation, Volume 28, Issue 2.

Intelligent, Firewire or Ethernet networkable servo drive is aimed at distributed machine control applications offering significant installation time and cost savings.

Agile Systems' new microMAXR intelligent servo drive (Figure 5) combines a sophisticated motion controller with user I/O, a powerful servo amplifier and a choice of high- speed networking in a single compact package for cost-effective distributed automation.

Figure 5 The new microMAXR intelligent servo drive by Agile Systems

Available in Europe from Agile Systems distributor, LG Motion Limited, the new DSP-based intelligent drive makes full use of Agile Systems' digitalPOWER™ core drive technology a high-performance alternative to traditional hardware- based multi-axis motion control systems with centralised PC-based controllers.

Agile Systems' peer to peer network architecture allows individually created programs on several controllers to interact, providing a true distributed control network scheme. Register values are exchanged and synchronised between controllers at a defined point in time allowing completely coordinated motion and machine control.

Measuring under 78 x 78& x 32mm, the diminutive microMaxR can be mounted very closely to the motor on any automated machine with minimum length motor power and feedback cabling and with a network taking care of positioning and machine control commands. This design scheme eliminates the need for long runs of noise susceptible wiring and with a potential cabling reduction of up to 60 per cent, reduces assembly time and drives down costs.

The 90 VDC powered drive stage features a 20kHz current loop in a choice 5A and 15A continuous current ratings. Designed with flexibility in mind to suit a wide choice of motor and feedback technologies, both trapezoidal and sinusoidal commutation options are included for brushed, brushless and voice-coil motors. Open loop stepper motor control is also provided. A 4kHz, PID position loop with multiple filter compensation supports incremental, analogue, absolute and Endat encoders.

The networking and communication capabilities of the microMAXR include Firewire BCAT5 and Ethernet which can be used for high-bandwidth control with high-resolution position/ velocity/time commands over multiple modules. A high speed RS485 deterministic port and RS232/422 ports are also included.

Agile Systems' DP-Win™ graphical environment application software is used for configuration, tuning and analysis as well as high-level motion and machine control programming using Agiles Systems' own simple to use language. For a complete and flexible programming interface, the MAXCLibe is an ANSI C library that supports C and C++ users across all hardware platforms and includes functions and registers for all motion commands, scanned events, timed events, program flow and conditional events.

With a full complement of analogue and digital I/O including a high speed position latch and high-current outputs, the microMAXR is available in two packaged versions to support locking connectors or backplane interfacing. The LC locking connector version will suit customers who require the convenience of individual connectors for motion, feedback, communications and other functions and can be supplied with an accessory pack of mating connectors and cabling. The BP backplane version includes an 80- and a 40-pin connector allowing customers to interface the microMAXR directly to their own PCB board, drastically reducing machine wiring and assembly time.

For more details, please visit: www.lg-motion.co.uk