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Mclennan's new PosiStep fully packaged intelligent drive is in the box seat for single axis motion control

28 April 2010

Motion and mechatronics specialist Mclennan has launched a new intelligent microstepping drive aimed at simplifying both the selection and installation of motion control for single axis applications in industry or research. The PosiStep is supplied as a plug and play package in a smart extruded aluminium enclosure for desktop mounting, complete with a power supply.

Motion and mechatronics specialist Mclennan has launched a new intelligent microstepping drive aimed at simplifying both the selection and installation of motion control for single axis applications in industry or research. The PosiStep is supplied as a plug and play package in a smart extruded aluminium enclosure for desktop mounting, complete with a 120/240 VAC, 50/60 Hz power supply. With a colour coded connector scheme and optional cable sets for stepper motor, I/O, communications, limit switches and optional encoder feedback, users simply hook up their system and program motion and I/O sequencing from a computer in a choice of user-friendly graphical or advanced ASCII command sets. The PosiStep is available with 5A or 10A output current and for optimum performance, and even more simplified installation, can be supplied with matching microstepping motors from Mclennan's connectorised HT series.
The new PosiStep drive is based on the ST range of intelligent microstepping drives from Mclennan's distribution partner, the USA motion specialist Applied Motion Products (AMP). The DSP based ST range has been well proven over many applications with sophisticated drive features such as advanced current control and anti-resonance for improved speeds and smoother motion. In addition, the ST has a choice of user program levels from simple to complex motion programming for single and multi axis use as well as diagnostic and configuration software for straightforward set-up.
The decision to combine this powerful component into the PosiStep package was developed through the requests of several customers who preferred to purchase a single integrated solution rather than individually purchase and interface the ST with all of the component parts for their machine automation systems. With the opportunity to save time and cost in both the planning and commissioning stages, industrial users can fast track new product development or speed production machinery build, whilst research facilities can specify the PosiStep as a universal solution which is easily adapted into new automated analytical tasks.
The PosiStep includes a selectable microstepping resolution up to 50800 steps/rev. On start-up, AMP's ST Configurator software is used to self test and auto setup the motion axis for optimal performance. A choice of AMP's Si or Q motion software provides a two-level approach. The Windows based Si (Simple Indexer) graphical programming software is a user-friendly icon based programming environment with mouse guided point and click functions that allows users of all levels to quickly set-up and program standalone motion and machine I/O sequencing. The Si version covers interfacing with sensors, PLCs, HMIs and other machine controls. In addition to motion commands, programmers can control I/O, conditional branching, alarms, and operator interfacing as well as troubleshoot set-up.
The alternative Q controller version uses AMP's high level Q programming language which includes complex multi-tasked motion and machine control. These include applications which require tightly synchronised 'on-the-fly' motion and I/O such as electronic gearbox and position registration functions. The Q version can be combined with encoder feedback for stall detection and position maintenance to return a motor to its commanded position under stall conditions.
Both controller versions carry a complement of I/O for machine interfacing. The Q version has two high speed inputs for position registration in addition to six general purpose inputs, two analogue inputs and four digital outputs.
In addition to colour coded motor, encoder and limit switch cables, Mclennan also supply a simple Jog Box with a rocker switch, and a MMI extension cable.


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