World's smallest EtherCAT drive.

High-end positioning applications where space is critical now find an optimal solution in the incredibly small iPOS2401 servo drive from Technosoft, with an EtherCAT interface.

Small and light, 19 x 50 x 10 mm, and weighing only 12 g, the iPOS2401 MX-CAT drive can be used in high precision positioning applications with any motor technology (brushless, stepper, DC/voice coil or linear) that requires no more than 1 A continuous at 24 V.

Users can achieve an optimal mechanical integration, due to the plug-in design of the iPOS2401 that offers full flexibility in terms of motherboard design and connectors choice, for either single or multi-axes applications.

A miniaturized drive, yet with no compromise in performance, the iPOS2401 MX-CAT sup-ports full CoE (CAN application protocol over EtherCAT) protocol, which makes it the ideal solution to medical, robotics, instrumentation or automation projects where a high-end Swiss product can make the difference in terms of quality and performance of the application.

A lighter, CAN version is also available, embedding a motion controller that can execute complex motion sequences programmed in TML (Technosoft Motion Language), stored at drive level and called by specific CANopen commands to reduce the bus traffic in multi-axis applications.

In both EtherCAT and CANopen versions, the iPOS2401 completes the extended Technosoft offer (from 25 W to 1.6 kW) in terms of intelligent drives with embedded motion controller for high-end positioning applications.

@TECHNOSOFT_MT  #Pauto @EtherCAT_Group

Intelligent drive with integrated motion controller. #Technosoft #PAuto

TECHNOSOFT has released iPOS4808 MY-CAT-STO, an intelligent drive with integrated motion controller offering 1 kW of peak power in a compact and flexible design.

Conceived as a plug-in solution for multi-axis systems requiring accurate position control and an EtherCAT interface, the iPOS4808 MY-CAT-STO intelligent drive offers Safe Torque Off functionality via a dedicated HW implementation.

This allows users to reduce the system’s cost, while increasing the safety level of their application.

Due to its innovative motor control architecture, the iPOS4808 represents a universal drive solution for any motor that fits its power ratings – 48 V; 8 A/20 A. Either brushed DC, brushless DC, stepper or linear motors can be controlled by the drive that supports as well a variety of feedback types ranging from incremental TTL or sin/cos encoders to absolute SSI or BiSS position sensors. One drive for any motor technology brings a big advantage in terms of reducing the stock items as well as the implementation time, due to a unique user interface for all axes.

Another advantage is represented by the plug-in capability of the product that offers a large flexibility in terms of integration into the user’s motherboard — where the size, shape and connectors can be customized to respond exactly to the application requirements.

The iPOS4808 MY-CAT-STO is designed for high-end applications (e.g., dual-loop control), where its advanced control architecture, integrating up to 9 digital filters, makes the difference in terms of motion control performance.

Intelligent stepless motor

Technosoft has released the first member of their iMOT line of motors with integrated motion controller and drive — the iMOT172S XM-CAN intelligent stepless motor.

The product is based on a cost-effective hybrid step motor on which the motion control specialists at Technosoft have integrated a magnetic encoder, together with a member of their powerful iPOS motion controllers, into a very compact package (42 x 42 x 70 mm).

The design is made, for high reliability, with only one PCB incorporating the encoder and the iPOS controller that utilizes the Technosoft MotionChip™ technology and provides 7 I/Os. The configuration, tuning and local programming of the iPOS drive can easily be done using Technosoft’s powerful graphical platform, EasyMotion Studio. The position sensor is absolute single-turn, providing 4096 counts per revolution for accurate speed and position control, down to 5 arc minutes.

While an EtherCAT version is under preparation, the current release covers two CAN versions: the standard CANopen, in accordance to the CiA 301, 305 and 402 profiles, and the TMLCAN protocol. TML (Technosoft Motion Language) opens the possibility to use the powerful motion controller, allowing it to operate as an independent intelligent device. As an example, any homing routine can be customized to match the application needs. Standalone single- or multi-axis applications with communication between drives without the need of a CAN master are possible, while various types of CAN masters are as well supported through an extended set of Technosoft Motion Control Libraries.

This intelligent stepless motor reaches a peak torque of 500 mNm at 1000 rpm without a gearbox, achieved from a motor with a square flange of 42 mm. The maximum length of the integrated unit is a mere 70 mm. The high efficiency of the solution is obtained due to Technosoft's implementation of current and torque vector regulation under a field oriented control method (FOC) that practically transforms the motor into a stepless servo motor, dramatically reducing the current consumption and heat dissipation typical to hybrid steppers.

The standard NEMA17 flange ensures multiple sources of gearheads that are available for fitting to the motor, depending on the requirements of the application.

An intelligent motor can be used in many applications, but it has been developed for medical analysis and dosing machines, pick and place and welding robots, instrumentation and optical equipment, unmanned military vehicles, packaging, bottling and labeling machines.

Co-operation leads to smallest intelligent motor!

The two companies, Dr. Fritz Faulhaber GmbH & Co. KG from Schönaich, (D), and Technosoft SA from Neuchâtel (CH), have combined their skills and knowledge to produce one of the world’s smallest intelligent motors for speed and position control with EtherCAT com-munication, which complies with CoE (CAN application protocol over EtherCAT).

The motor is based on the highly successful 32....BX Brushless DC 4-pole technology Servomotors using the FAULHABER® ironless stator system and a dynamically balanced rotor, resulting in a no-cogging output, which is ideal for low inertia loads.

The controller is of modular design and compact construction, for high reliability, and incorporates the iPOS4808 controller which utilises Technosoft’s MotionChip™ technology and offers 7 I/Os. The configuration, tuning and local programming of the iPOS drive can easily be done using Technosoft’s powerful graphical platform EasyMotion Studio. The position sensor is absolute single-turn providing 4096 counts per revolution for accurate speed and position control, down to 5 arc minutes.

Alongside the EtherCAT version, there are two CAN versions: the standard CANopen protocol, in accordance to the CiA 301, 305 and 402 profiles, and the TMLCAN protocol. The Technosoft Motion Language (TML) opens the possibility to use the powerful motion controller, allowing it to operate as an independent intelligent device (e.g., customise any homing routine to match the application needs). Stand-alone single or multi-axis applications with communication between drives (without the need of a CAN master) are possible, while various types of CAN masters are also supported with an extended set of Technosoft Motion Control Libraries.

This intelligent motor has a maximum speed of 6000 rpm and a stall torque of 97 mNM, which is achieved from a motor with a diameter of 32 mm and the maximum length of the integrated unit is a mere 92.8 mm. The controller is housed in an oblong, which is 46.5 mm x 67 mm, with a depth of 26 mm. There are six families of Faulhaber gearheads that are available for fitting to the motor, depending on the requirements of the application.

An intelligent motor can be used in many applications, but it has been developed for medical analysis and dosing machines, pick and place and welding robots, instrumentation and optical equipment, unmanned military vehicles, packaging bottling and labelling machines.

Compact, cost-effective intelligent panel mount drive with an EtherCAT interface!

Having a capability of 10 A continuous and 20 A peak current at up to 80 V, the iPOS8010 BX-CAT controller from Technosoft, offers a very compact, cost-effective universal solution for the control of rotary or linear brushless, DC brush, and step motors of powers up to 800 W and voltages up to 80 V.

Based on the MotionChip™ technology, iPOS8010 BX-CAT can operate either as a standard EtherCAT drive that accepts the CAN application protocol over EtherCAT (CoE), or as an intelligent drive that can be programmed to execute complex motion profiles directly at drive level, using its built-in motion controller as well as the high-level Technosoft Motion Language (TML).

Equipped with:
• 2 Safe Torque Off inputs (STO), Cat. 3 (EN954-1), SIL3 (IEC61508, IEC62061), PLe (EN/ISO 13849-1)
• 2 feedback devices (dual-loop support)
• 2 analog inputs, 8 digital inputs and 5 digital outputs.

The iPOS8010 BX-CAT drive can work with EtherCAT communication cycles down to 200 μs for all working configurations: open loop micro-stepping or closed loop control of 2 or 3-phase steppers, DC brushed motor control, sinusoidal (FOC) or trapezoidal (Hall based) control of brushless motors. Its configuration, tuning and local programming can easily be done using Technosoft’s powerful graphical platform, EasyMotion Studio.

IPOS8010 BX-CAT has been developed for the many 1 HP requirements in medical analysis and dosing machines, pick-and-place and welding robots, packaging, bottling and labelling machines, industrial equipment, food and textile machines and material handling equipment.
Located in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, Technosoft is a leading DSP motion control technology company specialized in the design and manufacture of motion control and intelligent motor products. For markets and customers with special require-ments, the company can provide a custom motion system to meet their needs.

Drive with intelligence

Complete Drive Solution Packed on Only 21 x 54 mm of PCB Space

Technosoft's new iPOS3604 VX is a new addition to the iPOS family of intelligent servo drives. Based on an innovative design concept, this drive offers high power density (up to 360 W of peak power) on a very compact board (only 21 x 54 mm of PCB space). Specifically developed to be PCB embedded, iPOS3604 VX can be mounted vertically or horizontally onto a motherboard. The plug-in card format of the iPOS3604 card (just 56 x 29 x 7 mm) makes it ideal for assembly in critical-space applications. Several drives can be hosted on a single motherboard. The use of slot connectors will help machine builders to save time and reduce cabling costs.

A complete motion control solution, iPOS3604 VX combines controller, drive and PLC functionality into a single compact unit. The drive is able to control brushless DC, brushless AC (vector control), DC brushed and step motors of up to 144 W (36 V, 4 A) continuous power. Equipped with a CAN interface, iPOS3604 has the flexibility to operate in CANopen and TMLCAN protocols. The EtherCAT interface is available using an additional EtherCAT module. Typical feedback devices include incremental encoders, digital and linear Hall signals. SSI, BiSS, EnDAT encoders and resolver interfaces are available through additional extensions.

A complete motion control solution, iPOS3604 VX performs position, speed or torque control and works in single-axis, multi-axis or stand-alone configurations. Complex motion profiles (PVT, S-curves, electronic camming and gearing) can be executed directly on the drive using its built-in motion controller and the high-level Technosoft Motion Language (TML)  instruction set. The drive commissioning and the motion programming are straightforward with Technosoft’s integrated development environment — EasyMotion Studio — that lets you take advantage of the drive's embedded intelligence. The software provides a simple, graphical way of creating motion programs written in TML. It automatically generates all the TML instructions, so you don’t need to learn and write any TML code. You will be able to split the features of the machine between the host and the iPOS drive, by embedding complex motion sequences in TML functions and then executing them from the host with simple commands. iPOS3604 VX is able to automatically report when the execution of these functions has been completed.

With the iPOS3604 VX intelligent drive, programming is simplified by enabling the host to focus only on the global functionality of the machine, the interaction between machine and user, the management of the application and so on. The drive is perfectly suited for all industrial applications that need high-precision control and limited space integration.

Intelligent drive

A μ-sized intelligent drive solution for faster assembly and installation

The iPOS line of highly flexible Technosoft intelligent drives has been expanded with a new, micro-sized pluggable servo drive: iPOS3602 MX. Particularly developed for motion control applications where space is critical, this drive can be integrated – within seconds — to the user’s motherboard or PCB machine. All basic motor control functions, as well as motion control and PLC features, are embedded onto this remarkably small drive (55 x 26 x 13 mm, 10 g). Equipped with CAN / CANopen and optionally with EtherCAT interfaces, iPOS3602 MX provides a flexible, compact solution adapted to the decentralized control of any rotary or linear brushless, DC brush or step motor up to 75 W (36 V, 2 A).

The drive's setup, tuning and motion programming is fast with EasyMotion Studio and Technosoft Motion Language (TML). Thanks to its embedded intelligence, iPOS3602 MX is able to run complex motion commands directly at drive level. Using the TML language, multiple operations can be executed with iPOS3602 MX: setting of various motion modes (profiles, PVT, PT, electronic gearing or camming, etc.), change of motion modes and/or parameters, execution of homing sequences or program flow control. At the same time, iPOS3602 MX can handle digital I/O and analog input signals, execution of arithmetic and logic operations, and transfer of data between axes. The iPOS drive accepts incremental (quadrature or sine / cosine) encoders and digital or linear Halls signals as position feedback. SSI, BiSS, EnDAT absolute encoders and resolver interfaces are available through an additional extension.

iPOS3602 MX can be set to operate in various communication modes: CANopen, EtherCAT and TMLCAN. When CANopen or EtherCAT mode is selected, the drive may be controlled via the appropriate masters. As a bonus, iPOS offers to the master the option to call complex motion sequences pre-stored in the drive's memory. When TMLCAN mode is used, iPOS3602 MX operates in standalone mode, and may play the role of a master. If higher level coordination is needed, then iPOS3602 MX can be controlled through a PC or a PLC using one of the available TML_LIB motion libraries.

Intelligent servo drives

Technosoft has a new family of intelligent servo drives – the iPOS Line – based on a revolutionary design concept offering higher power density on very compact boards. Modularly designed to cover both low- and high-volume applications, the first member of this family – iPOS3602 (36 V, 2 A, 75 W) – is a complete motion control and drive solution packed on only 21 x 54 mm of PCB space. It integrates all the basic motor control functions, motion control and PLC features on a remarkably small-sized plug-in module. Equipped with CAN / CANopen interfaces (optionally, additional EtherCAT interface also available), the iPOS drive controls any rotary or linear brushless, DC brush or step motor.

iPOS3602 is able to execute complex motion programs directly at drive level, using its built-in motion programmer and the high-level Technosoft Motion Language (TML), or it can operate as an intelligent EtherCAT and CANopen slave. In simple applications iPOS3602 works as a single-axis motion controller and drive in stand-alone mode, autonomously running the program residing in its non-volatile memory. In systems that request a host, the iPOS drive operates as an intelligent slave executing motion sequences triggered by input lines, or commands received via RS-232 or CAN bus. The motion capabilities of the iPOS card include position or speed profiles (trapezoidal, S-curve), 3rd order PVT and 1st order PT interpolation, electronic gearing and camming, analog or digital external reference, complemented with the cyclic synchronous position, speed and torque modes specific to EtherCAT. This enables you to reduce both the development time of complex applications, and the master’s task, by calling complex motion functions, pre-stored in the drive memory, or by triggering their execution via I/O signals.

This drive can operate with a wide choice of feedback devices. Incremental and Sin/Cos encoders, digital or linear Halls are supported by default. SSI, BiSS, EnDAT absolute encoders and resolver interfaces are available through an additional extension.

The iPOS3602 board's flexible, modular design, as well as the intelligence embedded onto its miniature size, make it a valuable motion control solution for all applications that need high-precision control, greater design adaptability, simplified maintenance and limited space integration.