Two axis I/O slice for analogue & stepper drives

Trio’s new P374 2 Axis Servo slice clicks-in to its EtherCAT Flexslice I/O range as well as the 64 axis Flex-6 Nano Motion Coordinator. The slice enables integration of non-EtherCAT axes into Trio’s high-speed network, opening the possibility to control a wide variety of devices. In addition to analogue interface servo drives, the P374 slice can integrate stepper drives and AC drives with a +/-10V speed demand with encoder feedback or step and direction signals.

The P374 dual axis servo slice provides all the hardware interfaces necessary to control two axes of motion per slice. It features two high speed Touch Probe registration inputs per axis (four in total), allowing position capture of the encoder inputs and for precise control. In addition to servo drives or stepper motors, servo actuators and valves with encoder feedback can also be controlled via the P374 slice.

An advantage of Trio’s I/O slice approach compared to a traditional PLC for analogue and stepper integration is a saving on footprint and cost, combined with Trio’s motion-first specialisation.

The launch of the dual servo axis slice module now means that OEMs can utilise Trio’s pocket-sized Flex-6 Nano 64 axis EtherCAT Motion Coordinator and integrate non-EtherCAT devices into their control system.

Larger machines controlled by Trio’s more powerful Motion Coordinators, which can control up to 128 axes, can benefit from decentralised, dual axis non-EtherCAT servo control by incorporating the new P374 slice into Trio’s EtherCAT I/O Flexslice coupler. The slice I/O can be distributed on the machine for close location to its connected devices. The advantage is the real-time performance of EtherCAT with simplified cabling to reduce cost and installation time. Distributed axes can be coordinated centrally by Trio’s machine solution.

Trio’s more powerful Motion Coordinators also provide analogue integration via their existing option modules, which click-in to the controller to create a centralised solution. They can also take advantage of the distributed I/O approach to simplify cabling in larger installations.

Trio has also released the P367 Thermocouple slice for its EtherCAT Flexslice I/O system and Flex-6 Nano controller. Thermocouple slices expand Trio’s machine solution with capability over temperature measurement or control for applications involving heating and sealing, for example. Four thermocouple inputs feature alongside four outputs for control of a heater or other switched load.

Trio is also releasing the P362 Power Connect module which enables fast, simple integration of sensors, relays and output devices. The module simplifies connection of three-wire sensors into the I/O system with two banks of 10 x 24 V and 0 V connectors. Easy wiring and multiple connection options make installation quicker and simpler.

“The new slice options add to the machine control capability of the Flex-6 Nano Motion Coordinator, giving it greater versatility than typical PLC based solutions, in a highly compact, cost effective 64 axis control package,” says Tom Alexander, Trio Motion Technology.

“In addition, the new slice options further expand the machine solution of our more powerful Motion Coordinators for OEMs wishing to add decentralised control for machines up to 128 axes.”

http://www.triomotion.com