Aerotech, provider of high-performance motion control and positioning systems, introduces two high-performance single-axis controllers: the digital XC4 and XC4e PWMs. They are suitable for driving brushed or brushless DC motors as well as moving coil actuators and stepper motors. A special feature besides the position-synchronized outputs (PSO) is the HyperWire® fibre optic interface.
Aerotech's digital XC4 and XC4e PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) controllers are powerful, single-axis motor drive controllers with an operating voltage up to 340VDC and a peak current of 30A. All drive variants are compatible with the A3200 automation platform which uses the HyperWire® drive bus. The digital current and position control loop ensures best positioning and synchronisation accuracy, a control bandwidth of up to 20kHz, processing of digital and analogue inputs and outputs, data acquisition, process control and real-time encoder interpolation.
Standard features include Safe Torque Off (STO), a data array with over 4 (XC4) or 16 million (XC4e) 32-bit elements, digital and analogue I/Os, single-axis (XC4) and multi-axis (XC4e) position-synchronised outputs (PSO), special inputs for referencing and travel limitation and improved current monitoring. Square wave, sine wave and absolute encoder signals can be processed. The maximum input frequency for square-wave encoder signals is 40 million pulses per second for both variants. With the additional MX1 function, the XC4 drive controller can interpolate sinusoidal encoder signals with up to 14 bits (16,384-fold). For the XC4e, the additional MX2 and MX3 functions are available as an option, which enable interpolation of 16 bits (65,536x), and with the MX3 option, the processing of two encoder signals, achieving improved position and speed control. In addition, options are available for the XC4e that extend the standard PSO functionality. For example, three encoders can be tracked
in real time via the 3-channel PSO, or a complete axis system can provide a PSO signal depending on the actual point in the room.
Both XC4 variants can be equipped with an optional I/O expansion card, which significantly increases the number of inputs and outputs. The I/O card also offers a dedicated PSO output and PSO synchronisation input, which is often used to synchronise with a mode-locked external frequency.
The new XC4 PWM drives will be presented for the first time at the international trade fair for quality assurance CONTROL 2019 in Stuttgart, Germany. Aerotech will be exhibiting from May 5 to 7 in Hall 5, Booth 5226.
Aerotech - Dedicated to the Science of Motion
Aerotech Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, USA. is a private, family-owned, mid-sized company. Founded in 1970 by Stephen J. Botos, Aerotech designs and manufactures the world's most powerful motion control and positioning systems for industrial, scientific and research customers. In the spirit of a family business, the owners continue to attach the utmost importance to an open and trusting relationship with customers, business partners and employees. In Germany, the medium-sized company is represented by its own subsidiary, Aerotech GmbH, headquartered in Fürth near Nuremberg, Franconia. In addition to sales and service activities, the Fürth office is also responsible for the customized assembly of positioning systems for the European market.
The innovative and high-precision motion solutions meet all the critical requirements needed for today's demanding applications. They are used wherever high throughput is required, e.g. with medical devices and life science applications, in semiconductor and flat screen production, in photonics, automotive, data storage, laser processing, aerospace, electronics manufacturing, as well as in testing and inspection through to assembly.
Aerotech provides world-class technical support and service with its advanced analysis and diagnostic capabilities. If a standard product is not suitable for an individual application, Aerotech's many years of expertise and experience enable the manufacturer to supply special motion components and systems. The manufacturing capacity for custom applications is complemented by experience in supplying systems for vacuum and clean room operation
Aerotech has full-service offices in Germany (Fürth), United Kingdom (Ramsdell), China (Shanghai City), Japan (Chiba) and Taiwan (Taipei City). Aerotech currently employs approximately 500 people worldwide. https://www.aerotech.co.uk/