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Motion controller and EtherCat master handles 64 axes
The Israeli controls manufacturer ACS Motion Control has announced its most powerful line of motion controllers and EtherCat masters to date. The SPiiPlusEC controllers expand the capabilities of the company’s earlier SPiiPlus controllers and EtherCat network managers.
The new controllers are based on a more powerful processor and include two EtherCat ports that support ring topologies. They provide scalable, multi-axis, distributed control for motion-centric applications that need faster EtherCat cycle rates and network redundancy to enhance reliability and increase machine uptime.
The SPiiPlusEC can control up to 64 synchronised axes and supports profile generation and EtherCat cycle rates of up to 5kHz. A network can include ACS EtherCat servo and stepper motor drives and I/O modules, or certified EtherCat modules from other vendors that support the Can-over-EtherCat (CoE) protocol.
An optional function called NetworkBoost increases machine uptime using ring topology-based redundancy to continue operating if a network cable failure is detected.
Complementing the new controller is a suite of software tools called SPiiPlusNT, designed to cut development times and to address machine requirements throughout their lifecycles. The software is claimed to simplify system, network and axis set-ups. It allows fast host and embedded application development, has a built-in simulator, and provides powerful remote access and diagnostics, and fast error recovery.
