Development, test and maintenance of CAN networks!

CanAnalyser 3 – now even more powerful

The IXXAT canAnalyser is a powerful analysis tool for development, test and maintenance of CAN networks, suitable for both, industrial and automotive systems. HMS Industrial Networks has released canAnalyser Version 3 with improved functionality and user interface.

This tool now supports up to 64 CAN channels simultaneously with the new "Multi-Board Support", and displays information by means of a uniform time base.

For modules using simultaneous access to multiple CAN channels, Multi-Board Support brings additional benefits – with the trace module for example, the canAnalyser becomes an extremely powerful datalogger solution. A particularly impressive feature is the new signal transmit module with which network devices can be stimulated very quickly and easily – on process level without underlying CAN communication having to be known in detail.

Also new in Version 3 is the extended level of portability, with which measurement configurations can be copied to different measurement computers with no loss of function.

Database support provided by the canAnalyser has been extended considerably, now allowing the import of different databases into the configuration. For data interpretation, the databases are merged into one overall network database by the canAnalyser.

The newly added statistics scripts, for analysis of frequency distributions, repeat times, response/run-times for example, are in the source code (C#) and can be adapted to user-specific requirements very quickly.

Moreover, new examples for the integrated programming interface and canAnalyser Scripting Host means it is now even easier to adapt the canAnalyser to different applications.

Improved signal interpretation means quicker error detection
The completely revised signal interpretation enables statistical information to be analysed at a glance together with process parameters – such as in the new graphics/signal module. This is particularly helpful when errors occur or service is required because the grouping of specific process parameters and network quality indicators (such as fault telegrams per time unit or bus load) means problems can be identified quickly.

Improved user interface
Other news include the new, advanced user interface with an array of different functions for laying out analysis windows perfectly on the screen, and switchover between different user configurations using a hotkey.

Intuitive window synchronisation, in which all information windows jump to the same message with a double click, provides the user a quick overview of the events at a defined point in time.

Discounted price until end of July canAnalyser 3 is available now – HMS is offering canAnalyser 3 (standard version) with 30% off for orders placed by 31/7/2014. Customers already using canAnalyser Standard/Lite Version 2.5 or higher receive a 30% discount off the regular update/upgrade price for the canAnalyser 3 (standard version) before 31/7/2014.

Motion control system helps coating machine

Baldor Ethernet-compatible Powerlink servos simplify machine build

An advanced real-time Ethernet motion control system has helped Advanced Coating Robotics (ACR) to create a new conformal coating machine that combines exceptional three-dimensional spraying accuracy with very high throughput.

ACR's new MACCS 400 conformal coating machine
makes extensive use of Baldor Electric
Ethernet-compatible PowerLink servo drives.

The multi-axis system is based entirely on Baldor Electric motion control products, with three axes making use of the company's Ethernet-compatible PowerLink servo drives. Key reasons behind the choice of this motion control technology were the flexibility of Baldor's motion control software, the ease with which real-time interpolated control could be applied across the machine's five-axis servo and stepper driven motion, and the simple plug-together system building approach offered by the Ethernet-based modules.

ACR's new MACCS 400 machine provides a fast and highly flexible means of selectively applying protective conformal coatings to printed circuit board (PCB) mounted components, and can accommodate both inline and batch processing operations. Capable of coating PCBs as large as 500 x 480 mm - with on-board components as high as 90 mm - the programmable machine uses an advanced five-axis motion control system to combine high-speed throughput capabilities with ultra-precise spray head positioning to an accuracy of 25 microns.

Formed in 2009, with the specific intention of developing highly automated solutions for applying conformal coatings to electronic components, ACR is a collaboration between SCH Technologies - a leading conformal coating company - and specialist automation designers SMS Machines & Automation Ltd. ACR launched the MACCS 400 just three months ago and has already sold five of the machines.

MACCS 400 is a self-contained, free-standing machine with a small 1.4 m2 footprint. It is capable of completely autonomous operation, or can be equipped with chain conveyors and form part of an integrated PCB production line; the machine is fully compliant with the SMEMA (surface mount equipment manufacturers association) mechanical and electrical interface standards.

The X and Y axes of the machine's motion control system are based on a novel 'H-belt' actuator, driven by two Baldor BSM servomotors linked to Baldor MicroFlex e100 drives. The two motors are static - they occupy fixed positions at the bottom of the 'H' - and jointly act on a single belt. The advantage of this approach is that the motors do not contribute to the load inertia, and therefore permit very fast and accurate movement - the machine can accommodate X-Y velocities as high as 800 mm/second. The Z axis controls the above-board height of the spray head, and is driven by a third BSM servomotor and MicroFlex e100 drive. All three drives are very tightly synchronised to facilitate high speed Cartesian movement of the spray head, the angle and orientation of which are controlled by two rotary axes, driven by Baldor stepper motors.

All five electrical axes on the MACCS 400 are controlled by a Baldor NextMove e100 controller, using full interpolation to allow smooth high speed tangential moves. Overall control of the machine is handled by ACR's proprietary coating software, which runs under Windows XP on a built-in host PC, equipped with a large HMI (human-machine interface). The coating software provides a highly intuitive graphical user interface and is written in the VB.NET object-oriented programming language.

According to ACR's Managing Director, Gordon Watson, "Our choice of motion control technology was heavily influenced by the flexibility of Baldor's NextMove controller, which interfaces seamlessly with our software. Baldor's software development environment, which comes as part of the package, includes comprehensive support for ActiveX, which fits well with VB.NET. Creating the complex real-time motion control sequences was also relatively easy, since Baldor's Mint language employs high level keywords for many of these moves. And since taking the decision to adopt Baldor as our supplier of choice, we have been extremely pleased with the excellent level of application support that the company provides."

The MACCS 400 can apply a wide range of conformal coatings, including Parylene and many HumiSeal products, and offers a choice of cartridge or pressure vessel feed. Standard features include an integral camera for manual alignment, a remote teach pendant, and built-in purge and solvent cups for flushing. The machine also offers numerous optional facilities, such as multiple spray heads, fluid viscosity control, a bar code reader and a laser pointer.