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Intelligent stepper drives promise smooth moves

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Dec 3, 2007

Microstepping drives are available in three competitively priced versions offering a wide choice of control options.

Mclennan Servo Supplies has a new range of 5 and 10A intelligent stepper drives from Applied Motion Products.

The ST series microstepping drives are available in three competitively priced versions offering a wide choice of control options that includes step and direction input, encoder following, graphical point and click programming for simple machine sequencing, and high level ASCII host control for complex multi-axis motion and machine control.

The ST series drive stage features 20kHz PWM current control and is available in a choice of user supplied 24-48V DC at 5.0A peak, or 24-80V DC at 10.0A peak.

The fully protected drive features advanced current control to reduce motor torque ripple and smooth the output command signal to soften sudden changes in velocity and direction - which helps to reduce wear on mechanical components.

The drive stage also features an antiresonance damping term that improves the stability performance of the motor, allowing higher speeds and more usable torque.

The three control options - ST-S, ST-Si and ST-Q - allow a cost effective choice of motion and machine interfacing.

The entry level ST-S version handles step and direction, CW/CCW pulse, master encoder following and a basic level of host control using Applied Motion Products' SCL programming language.

The midrange ST-Si (simple indexer) version provides stand-alone operation using Applied Motion Products' Si Programmer Windows graphical software.

This point and click software utilises a highly user-friendly icon based programming environment that allows users of all levels to quickly set up and program stand-alone machine sequencing applications interfacing the controller with sensors, PLCs, HMIs and other machine controls.

The controller covers motion commands, I/O, conditional branching, alarms and operator interfacing and also provides comprehensive troubleshooting support.

The ST-Si controller option will also allow real time host control and handles program upload and download.

The ST-Q controller version uses Motion Control Products' high level Q programming language to write sequences of complex multitasked motion and machine control.

With full "on-the-fly" functionality the ST-Q intelligent drive can handle electronic gearbox and registration functions.

With the addition of an encoder, the ST-Q series drive can provide stall detection and prevention - ensuring the motor will attempt to finish its move under stall conditions.

Encoder-based position maintenance is also available to return a motor to its commanded position if external forces are trying to force it away.

Each ST drive version includes selectable microstepping resolution up to 50,800step/rev.

At startup, a self test and auto setup routine measures actual motor parameters to ensure optimal performance and fault-free operation.

Each controller version carries an increasing generous complement of user I/O along and communications interfacing - for instance, the ST-Q includes two high speed inputs, six general purpose inputs, two analogue inputs and four digital outputs.

Applied Motion Products' ST Configurator software is also available for setting up, configuration, uploading and downloading programs to the ST series drives.

Multi-axis system setups, using PC host control via RS485/422 is available for the Si and Q versions.

Multi-axis host control or stand-alone control is also possible the SiNET Hub which allows up to four or eight ST-S, ST-Q, or ST-Si drives to be configured, programmed and then networked with a PC, PLC or HMI in host or stand-alone modes.

The Applied Motion Products range also covers intelligent servo drives that use the Si and Q programming environments.