CONVENTIONALLY, axis control is made up of a central motion controller delivering commands (typically analogue) to any number of servo drives.
The controller monitors both field sensors and motor position to execute the necessary outputs and servo command signals to deliver system control.
This established method is well suited to multiple axis (4+) systems where complex synchronisation between axes is required.
Kollmorgens' latest development has now created Graphical Motion Tasking (GMT) which is a programming tool, available from Motion Technologies , that uses a graphical environment to build independent axis control.
This is achieved simply and quickly by connecting up a number of Task Blocks to create a sequence of I/O triggers, moves, counters, timers, compares and other special functions to produce a Motion Profile.
Up to 256 Motion Profiles can be stored on the drive. A profile is executed using an array of digital inputs or using a DeviceNet, Profibus or Sercos Interface card.
The chief benefits of using GMT to achieve smart drive control is reduced cost, reduced installation time space saving, simplicity of programming motion control, excellent noise immunity and extremely fast response due to fully integrated digital control.
Applications for GMT are restricted to sequential independent axis control such as multi-axis pick and place, conveyor controls, master-slave or single axis control systems.