Motion card is powered via Ethernet

A Swiss company claims to have developed the first motion control card that uses Ethenet both to carry data and to supply power. Lausanne-based FiveCo`s card uses the IEEE 802.3af "Power over Ethernet" standard, allowing it to draw up to 15W via the Ethernet cable to power itself and a small motor. For higher powers - 70W continuous or 150W maximum - the card can also be powered by an external supply.

A RISC processor embedded on the card acts as a 32-bit four-quadrant PID controller with a 4kHz refresh rate. It can control brushed DC motors for position or speed, as well as generating a trapezoidal speed profile. A Web server is integrated to make installation easier.