Unique 4-Axis Motion Control Card with AMONet™ released by Advantech

Advantech today launched a motion control card with four axes for complex motion control and AMONet™ support for 2048 digital I/O connections and 64 load/unload axes. The four main motion control axes can be used for 4-axis linear and 2-axis circular interpolation, position compare and trigger output, as well as a manual hardware operation functions.

PCI-1247 has a unique design that combines advanced 4-axis motion control with the distributed motion control features of AMONet™ in one card. This makes the card ideal for machine builders.

When designing machines with motion control there are usually 3 ~ 4 axes assigned as main motion profile control axes. These axes need linear or circular interpolation and velocity control to perform complex moving patterns. When the main function is fulfilled, additional load/unload axes or DIO points for sensors may need to be added. This is where PCI-1247 has its greatest benefit.

The four on-board axes with powerful motion control capability can be used as the main motion control axes, and if there is any need to extend the motion or IO functions, this can easily be done with AMONet™ modules. Through the AMONet™ Master port, PCI-1247 can control up to 64 motion axes or 2048 DIO points.

PCI-1247 uses a PCI interface, and can generate high frequency pulses (Max. 6.5 Mpps/Min. 0.05 pps) to drive stepping/micro stepping motors and servo motors. The card provides 2-axis circular, 4-axis linear interpolation and continuous interpolation with velocity continuity. These functions make PCI-1247 suitable for most motion applications. There are also powerful Manual Operations Functions (MOF). All MOF functions are completed by hardware on board, which means fast response, especially compared to traditional manual operations that are simulated by software.

PCI-1247 is equipped with one MotionNet™ master module, which makes it able to connect and control up to 64 slave modules. AMONet™ is specially designed for versatile automation applications that require high-speed remote DIO, motion and operation control. The communication speed between AMONet™ modules can be up to 20 Mbps. This makes it possible to scan 2048 I/O points within 1.04 ms. Furthermore, the AMONet™ master will update the I/O status automatically, and map this data into local memory. Software running on the host PC can then read the status by simply reading the on-board memory, so no polling of slave modules is necessary.

To fit a wide range of machine designs, PCI-1247 features 13 homing modes. There are also position compare and trigger output functions, which enables PCI-1247 to be easily interfaced with applications such as image acquisition. Position latch and interrupt functions are provided to interface with other applications such as tool length measurements.

Drivers are available for Windows®XP and Windows 2000 and PCI-1247 is scheduled to be available in the late October 2004. Contact an Advantech sales representative today to find out more about how this unique motion control card can benefit your business.