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Figure 1 - Linear stepper motor

     Modern motion controllers can include the ability to run stepper motors with encoder feedback, resulting in true closed-loop motion control. This mode of motor control is very similar to standard three-phase brushless servo motor control, where the three phases are offset 120 electrical degrees. With steppers, the motor has two phases offset by 90 electrical degrees. The benefits of closed-loop control with stepper motors include greatly improved velocity smoothness and reduced power consumption compared to open-loop steppers and much higher torque at low velocity compared with traditional three-phase brushless servo motors.

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      Machines today are designed with many novel mechanical configurations which allow for greater simplicity of design, lower cost, and higher precision.  Unfortunately, simplicity in the mechanics results in a system where moving in a straight line involves profiling multiple motors in complex trigonometric trajectories.  Using a motion controller to perform these coordinate transformations allows an operator to command the machine in a familiar coordinate system. Each of the motors perform the required profile in order to smoothly move the load along the desired path. 

The new DMC-42x0 controller is the latest addition to the Accelera family.  The DMC-42x0 shares most firmware features with its counterpart the DMC-40x0, including servo update rates as high as 16 kHz and command processing as fast as 40 microseconds.  The layout and connectors are identical to the prior generation DMC-2xx0 controllers (DMC-21x0 and DMC-22x0), making the DMC-42x0 ideal for those upgrading current systems.  Users will be able to take advantage of the DMC-40x0 performance yet keep wiring, form factor, and other hardware intact.  

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      Industries that rely on motion control are demanding faster and more accurate control systems for their applications.  The semiconductor and medical industries in particular require ever increasing speed and precision for inspection and diagnostic purposes.  Fast system response coupled with nanometer range positioning requires careful design and implementation.  Manufacturers working to meet these requirements face higher costs and longer development times as a result.  By supplying cutting edge hardware and system analysis tools, Galil takes the guess work out of servo system design and tuning, allowing developers to bring superior products to market faster.