Motion processors capture servo traces

The Magellan family of motion processors incorporates real-time servo trace capture to improve servo tuning performance, optimise motion trajectories, and can be used to capture time sensitive data.

New from Performance Motion Devices (PMD), the Magellan family of motion processors incorporates real-time servo trace capture.

This advanced trace capability improves servo tuning performance, optimises motion trajectories, and can be used to capture time sensitive data.

Available in one-, two-, three- and four-axis versions, these intelligent motion ICs control DC brush, brushless DC, microstepping, and pulse and direction motors.

The advanced trace feature allows up to four motion variables to be stored at the same time, and each variable can be either 16 or 32bit in size.

28 separate parameters can be selected for trace such as position, velocity, acceleration, servo lag, and much more.

The capture "trigger" for Magellan's trace feature is programmable, and can be based on a variety of conditions such as motion start or external signal change.

The captured data are automatically loaded into an external RAM chip and may be downloaded by the host during capture, or after capture is complete.

In addition to trace capture, Magellan motion processors provide standard features such as programmable PID filter with velocity and acceleration feedforward, 32bit position error, dual biquad filters, 50us loop time and multi-axis synchronisation.

Four selectable profile modes are supported including S-curve, trapezoidal, velocity contouring and electronic gearing.

They accept feedback from an incremental encoder at up to 5Mcount/s or from an absolute encoder or resolver at 160Mcount/s.

Communications to these devices occur via CANbus, 8 or 16bit parallel, serial asynchronous point-to-point, or serial multidrop.

Typical applications include medical automation, scientific instrumentation, semiconductor handling, industrial equipment, pointing systems and general automation.

Chuck Lewin, President and CEO of PMD comments: "One of the biggest challenges for engineers using servomotors is tuning the motor".

"The key to optimising this is accuracy and timeliness of the stored trace data".

"With Magellan's new trace capability, accuracy is guaranteed because the user doesn't have to poll the system; the system stores the servo data automatically".

"As a result, customers are seeing big improvements in performance".

Magellan motion processors are available in a single-IC/single-axis version, or in a two-IC/multi-axis version.

The ICs are packaged in 144- and 100-pin TQFPs, and operate at 3.3V.

Magellan motion processors are available now.

Prices start at $24.00 for single axis configurations, and $44.00 for multi-axis configurations, in OEM quantities.

Back to top