Visit the National Instruments web site

NI introduces Softmotion and C Series modules

A National Instruments product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Aug 11, 2009

National Instruments (NI) has announced two additions to its family of motion control products: the Labview NI Softmotion module and NI C Series modules.

According to the company, the Labview NI Softmotion module simplifies the development of advanced single- and multi-axis motion applications.

The NI C Series modules expand the connectivity of the NI CompactRIO programmable automation controller (PAC) platform to servo and stepper drives from NI and third-party vendors.

These two additions combine the input/output (I/O) capabilities of NI Labview graphical programming with the customisation and synchronisation benefits of field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based CompactRIO hardware to deliver a suitable platform for developing advanced motion applications.

Labview NI Softmotion offers programming motion profiles with a high-level function block API based on the Motion Control Library defined by PLCopen.

It includes function blocks for straight line, arc and contoured move types as well as for advanced operations such as electronic gearing and camming.

The module also features advanced functions for designing custom motion applications, including trajectory generation, spline interpolation, position and velocity control and encoder implementation.

As the module is an extension of Labview, engineers and scientists can synchronise their motion applications with I/O and measurements in a single development environment.

Using the C Series drive interface modules, engineers and scientists can take advantage of a CompactRIO feature that automates FPGA programming to integrate FPGA benefits such as reliable, high-speed control and synchronisation into their applications.

Labview NI Softmotion works with customised axes for engineers and scientists who want to use third-party hardware.

With direct connectivity to servo and stepper drives, the C Series drive interface modules facilitate the incorporation of new or existing motors and drives into motion systems.

The NI 9512 module connects to stepper drives and motors, while the NI 9514 and NI 9516 modules feature single- and dual-encoder feedback, respectively, and interface with servo drives and motors.

As motion applications tend to be processing intensive, the drive interface modules perform onboard processing to free up processing power and increase performance.

The drive interface modules work with the NI 9144 deterministic Ethernet expansion chassis, which features two Ethernet ports that make it possible to daisy-chain multiple chassis from a CompactRIO, the NI 3100 industrial controller or a real-time PXI controller to create distributed motion applications.

Find out more about this article. Request a brochure, download technical specifications and request samples here.

Not what you're looking for? Search the site.

Back to top Back to top

Contact National Instruments

Tel +44 1635 523545

Other National Instruments stories

Newsletter sign up

Request your free weekly copy of the Engineeringtalk email newsletter ...

Visit the National Instruments web site

Browse by category

All suppliers A - Z

A Pro-talk Publication

A Pro-talk publication