Save time with programming software
New software development tools accelerate motion programming, test, and simulation. Application Development Kit (ADK) 6.0, PLCopen-compliant control software, lets users program systems and machines using any of the five PLCopen languages in addition to ACSPL+. It also provides fully variable mapping that allows flexible bidirectional interfacing, mutual synchronization, and functionality exchange between ACSPL+ and IEC 61131-3 programs. ADK 6.0 software supports highly complex motion-time-event sequences with accurate positioning and timing, as well as simpler applications such as point-to-point motion control and I/O events. Simulation and motion machine interface (MMI) tools minimize setup, tuning, and programming time for motion control and PLC applications. The software can be used with all SPiiPlus motion controllers and features a simulator tool that models an ideal closed-loop servo system, allowing users to logically develop multi-axis controller programs in a PC environment without motion control hardware, improving time to market. The free motion simulator can be downloaded at www.acsmotioncontrol.com or call (800) 545-2980.
Software update offers faster motion control design
Pro-Motion control setup software now features an axis wizard to help designers quickly configure motion architectures for testing and includes an auto-tuning feature for servomotor current and position loops. Further advancements offer multiple and simultaneous connection capability to various controllers and a multi-drop over serial and CAN networks. Scope tracing of motion parameters rounds out the list of new features. The program's step-by-step axis wizard lets designers quickly and easily tune position loop, current loop, and field-oriented control motor parameters. Pro-Motion is also a prototyping tool, designed to expedite the development of a motion processor-based system. It is built for use with Magellan motion processor-based designs, which include the Prodigy Motion Card and ION Digital Drive product families. Motion control software instruction sets are independent of motor type, allowing dc brush, dc brushless, and step motors to be combined in multi-axis designs. Visit www.motion-control.pmdcorp.com or call (781) 674-9860.
Mechatronic toolkit combines mechanical and control software
MechaWare 3.0 integrates mechanical system and control software design, improving motion system performance and time to market. As a special toolkit for motion system design, the program helps software and mechanical engineers work together to create, test, and modify custom motion algorithms in a fraction of the time and cost of conventional methods. MechaWare 3.0 includes comprehensive capture, logging, and visualization tools that integrate mechanical, I/O, and software data into a single environment, making it easier to interpret and optimize machine performance. Equipped with a library of standard function blocks that reduce the need for specialized control theory knowledge, MechaWare enables a streamlined workflow between control model development and real-time machine testing, with simple integration to third-party tools such as MatLab and Simulink and direct download of run-time code. Visit www.danahermotion.com/MechaWare or call (805) 681-3300.