High-speed controllers ramp up processing power

Accelera Series 5th generation motion controllers feature a 32-bit RISC-based, clock-multiplying processor with DSP functionality. The DMC-40x0 motion controller, for example, offers standalone operation or can be interfaced to a PC via its Ethernet 10/100 Base-T or RS232 ports. Maximum acceleration and deceleration values that can be programmed are one billion counts/sec2, with a maximum speed of 22 million counts/sec. Of course, users must select a mating servo drive and appropriately sized motor to actually drive the load at these accelerations and speeds. Controllers are available in one through eight-axis models, with drive options that accommodate steppers and servos.