- February 28, 2014
February 28, 2014 - CANNON-Automata releases SMC3 Stepper Motor Controller with Sercos or EtherCAT real-time Ethernet networks. The stepper motor control supports different operating modes and is thus suitable for most different applications. In positioning mode the controller (PLC/CNC) just has to set a target position. This position is then approached with programmable velocity and acceleration values autonomously by the SMC3. In addition cyclic velocity and position set values are supported. The user can choose between different configurable autonomous homing modes. All operation modes can be used both with a connected incremental encoder (closed loop) and without (open loop). The onboard I/Os (4 digital outputs, 4 digital inputs and an incremental encoder interface) allow the realization of a complete positioning axis with enable and status signals as well as inputs for limit and homing switches. Alternatively, the digital I/Os can be used as position switches, cam switches or as touch probe inputs. The I/O function required by the application can be freely assigned and configured by the user. The stepper motor interface is designed for 2-phase motors with up to 256 micro steps at max. 6A current per phase and 48VDC motor supply. Both available device variants with Sercos or EtherCAT interface, support the protocol-specific drive profiles (FSP-Drive or DS-402). In this way, the SMC3 stepper motor control is ideal as an inexpensive and compact alternative to servo drives. Thanks to the high degree of standardization of these profiles, for cost optimization of already existing applications expensive servo drives can be replaced easily by the SMC3.