More powerful Ethernet-based machine and motion control solutions feature the introduction of SynqNet and EtherCAT communication cards for Danaher Servostar 300 and 600 range of digital drives.

Inmoco is providing the key to more powerful Ethernet-based machine and motion control solutions with the introduction of SynqNet and EtherCAT communication cards for its Danaher Servostar 300 and 600 range of digital drives. The new cards are plug and play expansion units that fit easily into the option slot of the Servostar S300 or S600 drive, reducing system wiring at the same time as simplifying connectivity. SynqNet and EtherCAT are designed to meet the needs of OEMs requiring high-end machine and motion control using a single, high-speed network for motion, I/O, and IP communications.

The resultant benefits to users are streamlined configuration, operation, and maintenance.

The addition of the two new interfaces complements the already unmatched facility of the SERVOSTAR range to provide OEMs with multi-interface capability for easy integration into all major automation systems.

A canopen interface is integrated into the drives as standard, with expansion cards - all of which are accommodated within the drives standard footprint - providing the OEM with the powerful options of Profibus DP, devicenet and Sercos.

SynqNet expansion cards allow the SERVOSTAR drives to co-ordinate complex multi-axis control, creating a system ideal for pick-and-place, medical and ATE (Automated Test Equipment) applications.

Implementing the technology in a ring topology offers unique, self-correcting fault tolerance that guarantees the system will operate even if there is a cable break, a loose connection, or a complete fault of any node.

Even if two out of five nodes fail, SynqNet can control the remaining nodes and execute alternative motion parameters.

In addition, the use of a closed ring ensures a redundant data path for transmitted data through the entire ring, which SynqNet uses as a secondary data channel.

Although EtherCAT technology can be used for distributed control, its primary application is centralised control, where it effectively deploys the benefits of using X86 processors and the Windows operating system.

With the speed of 100BaseT Ethernet, EtherCAT executes motion control and other functionality directly on the CPU and replaces Profibus, ControlNet, and DeviceNet scanner cards, which would otherwise - and normally - plug into the PCI bus, with software.

Intelligent Motion Control has over 30 years experience in the servo drive industry.

Inmoco's products are used in robots, machine tools, automation, metal bending, handling, packing, textiles and paper (etc).