Category Archives: Motion Controller
Motion Control – Maxon precision motors Go to Mars AGAIN!
Motion Control – Maxon motors on Mars!
Taunton, MA — Motion Control Products – NASA’s Perseverance rover landed on Mars on February 18th. Was there once life on Mars? This is the question that one of the most complex robotic systems ever built by humankind has set out to answer. Several of maxon’s electric drives are used for handling the soil samples—and to control the first Mars helicopter.
Will NASA, the US space agency, successfully land a fifth rover on Mars, allowing it to start its series of missions to bring Mars soil samples back to Earth? The rover named Perseverance will enter the atmosphere of the Red Planet on February 18th—after traveling a distance of more than 470 million kilometers.
If everything goes according to plan, Perseverance will land in the Jezero Crater, which was once filled with water, to search for traces of earlier life. The rover looks a lot like its predecessor Curiosity, but it is equipped with more sophisticated measuring instruments and systems. One of its tasks will be to take up to 30 soil samples, place each of these in separate containers, seal them and place them on the surface of Mars for retrieval and return to Earth by later missions in which maxon will also be involved. This “Mars Sample Return” project is by far the most complex series of missions in the history of unmanned space exploration.
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is responsible for Perseverance and is counting on technology from maxon to handle the samples. There are ten electric drives in the rover. These are responsible for moving the robotic arm that navigates the samples from one station to the next. Additionally, the motors are used for sealing the containers and placing them on the surface of Mars.
Drives responsible for mission-critical tasks
Just like the more than 100 existing maxon drives that have been reliably performing their duties on Mars, the motors for Perseverance are based on standard catalog products: specifically, nine brushless DC motors, the EC 32 flat and one of the EC 20 flat motors combined with a GP 22 UP planetary gearhead.
The engineers at maxon closely collaborated with the specialists at JPL for several years to modify and extensively test the drives. The robotic arm on which the BLDC motors are mounted as well as the gripper are critical to the application and the success of the mission.
maxon is also on board the first Mars helicopter
A drone helicopter called Ingenuity is attached to the underside of the rover. Ingenuity is destined to perform the first ever flights on Mars in the history of space exploration. It is solar powered and weighs only 1.8 kilograms. Six brushed maxon DCX motors with a diameter of 10 millimeters control the tilt of the rotor blades, which determines the direction of flight. The drives feature high energy efficiency, are dynamic and very light. “In the development phase, we performed extensive tests to make sure that the motors will work as intended under the extreme conditions on Mars,” says Florbela Costa, project manager for this helicopter at maxon.
With this experiment, NASA wants to test the concept for future drone flights. Flying on Mars is a challenge. The atmosphere is extremely thin, roughly comparable to the conditions on Earth at an altitude of 30 kilometers. The first drone flights are scheduled for May. Space applications only constitute a small portion of maxon’s orders, but the high requirements push maxon to the next level. This is evident in the increased quality standards, as well as new testing methods and processes, which in turn also benefit customers in other areas, such as medical technology. “Apart from this, such space missions are simply incredibly fascinating,” says Eugen Elmiger, CEO of the maxon Group. “Time and time again, I feel honored and proud that our drives are used in these technically groundbreaking Mars missions.”
For additional information Go to:
NASA Pererverance Lander and Helicopter
Five Challanges Electric Motors Most Overcome on Mars
Notes on Photographs
The Perseverance rover and the Mars helicopter Ingenuity. © NASA/JPL-Caltech The Perseverance rover and the Mars helicopter Ingenuity. © NASA/JPL-Caltech
The robotic arm moves the soil samples to the volume assessment and scanning stations, then to the sealing station, and finally into temporary storage—all autonomously. © NASA/JPL-Caltech
The robotic arm moves the soil samples to the volume assessment and scanning stations, then to the sealing station, and finally into temporary storage—all autonomously. © NASA/JPL-Caltech
Left: The modified EC 32 flat drive. Nine of these drives are used in the Perseverance rover. Center: The EC 20 flat with GP 22 UP gearhead. Right: DCX 10 motors move the swashplate, which in turn controls the tilt of the rotor blades of the Mars helicopter. Image credits: maxon
Left: The modified EC 32 flat drive. Nine of these drives are used in the Perseverance rover. Center: The EC 20 flat with GP 22 UP gearhead. Right: DCX 10 motors move the swashplate, which in turn controls the tilt of the rotor blades of the Mars helicopter.
The Swiss specialist for quality drives maxon is a developer and manufacturer of brushed and brushless DC motors, as well as gearheads, encoders, controllers, and entire mechatronic systems. maxon drives are used wherever the requirements are particularly high: in NASA’s Mars rovers, in surgical power tools, in humanoid robots, and in precision industrial applications, for example. To maintain its leadership in this demanding market, the company invests a considerable share of its annual revenue in research and development. Worldwide, maxon has more than 3000 employees at nine production sites and is represented by sales companies in more than 30 countries.
The Swiss specialist for quality drives maxon is a developer and manufacturer of brushed and brushless DC motors, as well as gearheads, encoders, controllers, and entire mechatronic systems. maxon drives are used wherever the requirements are particularly high: in NASA’s Mars rovers, in surgical power tools, in humanoid robots, and in precision industrial applications, for example. To maintain its leadership in this demanding market, the company invests a considerable share of its annual revenue in research and development. Worldwide, maxon has more than 3000 employees at nine production sites and is represented by sales companies in more than 30 countries.
About Maxon
The Swiss specialist for quality drives maxon is a developer and manufacturer of brushed and brushless DC motors, as well as gearheads, encoders, controllers, and entire mechatronic systems. maxon drives are used wherever the requirements are particularly high: in NASA’s Mars rovers, in surgical power tools, in humanoid robots, and in precision industrial applications, for example. To maintain its leadership in this demanding market, the company invests a considerable share of its annual revenue in research and development. Worldwide, maxon has more than 3000 employees at nine production sites and is represented by sales companies in more than 30 countries.
Maxon is a developer and manufacturer of brushed and brushless DC motors, as well as gearheads, encoders, controllers, and entire mechatronic systems. With over 50 years of experience in drive technology, maxon works closely with engineers designing high-tech innovations. maxon drives are used wherever the requirements are particularly high: in NASA’s Mars rovers, in surgical power tools, in humanoid robots, and in precision industrial applications. Worldwide, maxon has more than 2800 employees at nine production sites and is represented by sales companies in more than 30 countries. www.maxongroup.com
This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the cancellation of nearly all trade shows. Despite this, maxon is offering a digital trade show experience to all of its customers and anyone who’s interested in learning about the latest in drive technology. Visitors to maxon’s virtual booth will discover the benefits of our latest products such as the MiniMACS6 master controller, learn about high torque brushless DC motors as well as flat motors for robotics, and get to know the Mars rover. Visit virtualbooth.maxongroup.com and contact us to get your ideas moving.
If you prefer watching an entertaining video introducing all the latest products maxon brought to the market this year, you will find it here: https://youtu.be/Jtw7Hwxbdr4 a> Have fun watching! For more information please contact us at info.us@maxongroup.com or 508-677-0520.
Contact maxon for more details https://support.maxongroup.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
Comprehensive documentation and software are included with every delivery, and are also available for you to download from our website at www.maxonmotor.com.
See this and other Motion Control Components from Maxon featured on:
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http://MotionControlBuyersGuide.com
http://Catalogs-MotionControl.com
Motion Control – Maxon’s New EPOS Programmable Smart Drive/Controller – “Positioning Made Easy” are Available from Electromate!
Motion Control – Miniature Drive/Controller
Vaughan, Ontario, Canada — Motion Control Components — EPOS is a modular, digital positioning controller by maxon motor. It is suitable for controlling permanent magnet-activated motors with encoders in a range of 1 to 1050 W continuous output power. The wide range of operating modes, as well as various command interfaces, make it versatile for use in many different drive systems in the fields of automation technology and mechatronics
With the EPOS4 Compact 50/8 EtherCAT and EPOS4 Compact 50/15 EtherCAT, maxon launches the first compact devices compatible with the fast industrial Ethernet connection EtherCAT. The fully integrated, plug-and-play positioning controller in a compact design is perfectly suited for use in networks with cycle times up to 1 ms.
Powerhouse with excellent control characteristics
The functionality, operation, software, and accessories of the new controllers are derived directly from existing products in the EPOS4 range. The devices are suitable for use with both brushed DC and brushless EC motors (BLDC) and come with comprehensive feedback options such as Hall sensors, as well as incremental and SSI absolute encoders. State-of-the art concepts such as FOC, feed forward, and observer control allow optimal control in a wide variety of applications.
Comprehensive functional scope and easy operation
The existing digital and analog inputs and outputs are freely configurable and ideally matched to the numerous functions and operating modes of CiA-402 positioning controllers. Products are set up using the EPOS Studio graphical user interface (Version 3.4 and higher) for Windows PCs. In addition to the intuitive commissioning software, Windows DLL and Linux Shared Objects libraries are freely available to make integration into a wide variety of master systems as easy as possible.
About Electromate:
Electromate’s Core Purpose is to help Manufacturers build better machines using differentiated automation technology. They specialize in Robotic and Mechatronic Solutions for the Industrial Automation marketplace. Respected by customers as a premiere source for High Performance Automation and Motion Control Components & Systems, Electromate® specializes in AC & DC Servo and Stepper Motors & Drives, Motion & Automation Controllers, Positioning Systems & Actuators, Feedback Devices, Gearing Products and HMI’s & Operator Displays, all supported via extensive product selection, just-in-timedelivery, dedicated customer service and technical engineering support.
More on Electromate can be found at
Website: http://www.electromate.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta/209277/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Electromate
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/electromateindustrial/
Blog: https://electromate.wordpress.com/
For more information on the “Best Place to Work”CLICK HERE!
To view Electromate’s new corporate video CLICK HERE
For further information on this new product or others in our extensive product portfolio, call 1-877-SERVO99 (737-8699) or e-mail Warren Osak at sales@electromate.com or visit Electromate at: www.electromate.com
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Motion Control Application – Driver assist systems can help save lives by alerting driver of potential danger!
Motion Control – Application – Driver Assist Systems Help Save Lives!
Maxon A-max 16 brushed DC motor – This drive with a diameter of 16 millimeters (precious metal brushes, 2 Watt) was developed for use with an eccentric weight and a specified bearing.
Fall River, MA — The majority of traffic accidents are caused by human error. In the future, computer-controlled cars will significantly reduce the number of such accidents. Driver assist systems, such as adaptive cruise control (ACC), brake assist systems, or lane departure warning systems (LDW), can save lives. Lane departure warning systems warn the driver if the vehicle is drifting out of its lane. The LDW determines the vehicle’s position in the lane with the use of various optical sensor systems and computers. If the car is in danger of drifting out of the lane, the system activates an electric motor in the steering wheel that causes the wheel to vibrate, warning the driver.
A luxury car manufacturer has engaged maxon to supply the motors for this application. The base DC brushed motor is maxon’s A-max 16 (precious metal brushes, 2 W), modified for the application with an eccentric weight and a specified bearing. In order to prevent the other vehicle systems from being affected by the electromagnetic fields of the motor, it has been equipped with special EMI suppression for automotive applications. The small drive system must meet specific requirements: It needs to be low-noise, dynamic, feature high power density, and fit in a narrow space – requirements that maxon’s small A-max 16 easily masters..
Contact maxon for more details info@maxonmotorusa.com
Comprehensive documentation and software are included with every delivery, and are also available for you to download from our website at www.maxonmotor.com.
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Request 2020/2021 Maxon Catalog
Motion Control – Maxon Launches Additional EtherCAT Motion Controllers!
Motion Control – Maxon Motor – “The EPOS4 product family is now complete.”
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Fall River, MA — Motion Control Components – With the EPOS4 series, maxon is offering a reliable and extremely versatile platform of high-performance motion controllers. It addresses the needs of system integrators and fulfills the requirements of a variety of applications, such as industrial automation, apparatus engineering, and robotics. The platform is now being complemented with two new Compact EtherCAT models.
The highly successful EPOS4 positioning controllers made by maxon motor are scalable and consistently support a uniform set of functionalities and connection options. Modularity with different designs (module, compact, or encased version) ensures optimal integration in a wide variety of applications. The controllers offer excellent dynamic properties, control quality, and power density while requiring only minimal installation space. In addition, their automatic controller setting makes them ideally suited for easy control of both brushless (BLDC) and brushed DC motors.
Now with dual loop control
Maxon is expanding its family of EPOS4 products with two new EtherCAT Compact controllers (24/1.5 and 50/5). At the same time, maxon is upgrading the capabilities of the entire platform by enabling dual loop control. Dual loop control simultaneously controls motor and load feedback for optimum performance within the system. The EPOS Studio software ensures the minimum possible set-up times with its automatic Regulation Tuning feature.
Condition monitoring for added value
However, the EPOS4 has many additional capabilities: for example, the controller continuously delivers hundreds of data points about the drive system for online condition monitoring and transmits this data to a higher-level system via CANopen or EtherCAT in real time. This supports complex predictive maintenance systems that anticipate impending failures to avoid costly repairs, resulting in higher productivity and lower cost.
For more information about our EPOS controllers, please visit epos.maxonmotor.com
Contact maxon for more details info@maxonmotorusa.com
Comprehensive documentation and software are included with every delivery, and are also available for you to download from our website at www.maxonmotor.com.
For other Motion Control Components, Applications, and Technology from Maxon visit The ORIGIONAL: http://MotionControlBuyersGuide.com
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Motion Control – EPOS4 Position Controller, Compact Power for Your Motion Control Application!
Maxon motor’s EPOS range of controllers has been very successful in the marketplace. Since its launch in 2005, more than 100,000 units are in use worldwide. To build upon this success, the Swiss drive specialist launches the EPOS4 as the next generation of positioning controllers.
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Fall River, MA — Motion Control – The first product in maxon’s new line is the high-performance EPOS4 module with detachable pin headers and two different power ratings. With a connector board, the modules can be combined into a ready-to-install compact solution. The position controllers are suitable for efficient and dynamic control of brushed DC motors and brushless BLDC motors (EC motors) with Hall sensors and encoders up to 750 W continuous power and 1500 W peak power.
More performance and additional functionality
The Swiss drive specialists at maxon motor has equipped its product offering of CANopen positioning motor controllers with even more power, better control performance, and additional functionalities. The modular concept also provides for a wide variety of expansion options with Ethernet-based interfaces, such as EtherCAT or absolute rotary encoders. All these innovations are based on the successful principle of our Easy to use POsitioning System.
The combination of a wide variety of operating modes and state-of-the-art control characteristics like Field Oriented Control (FOC) with multiple analog and digital I/O along with various command options enables applications in a large number of fields from medical technology to robotics. As always, maxon relies on integrated protective devices like the Safe Torque Off (STO) functionality.
Intuitive parameterization!
Start-up and parameterization are performed with an advanced, intuitive graphical user interface called “EPOS Studio” and user-friendly menu-controlled wizards. A sophisticated automatic process for controller tuning has also been part of the package for years. Customers are free to fully dedicate themselves to their real task – developing their devices. Motor control becomes a secondary concern, as the EPOS comes with maxon’s comprehensive know-how in drive technology. Together with the three freely available libraries and programming examples, this makes the integration in a wide variety of systems very easy.
Up to 98% efficiency
All these characteristics are combined with a large input voltage range of up to 50 VDC, extremely high power density, and up to 98% efficiency. This makes EPOS4 position controllers the first choice for your drive application.
For more information on the EPOS position controller series of maxon motor, please see http://epos.maxonmotor.com
Comprehensive documentation and software are included with every delivery, and are also available for you to download from our website atwww.maxonmotor.com.
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Motion Control – One-Axis Motion Controller Has Onboard Brushless/Brush Servo Drive
1-Axis Motion Controller Has Onboard Brushless/Brush Servo Drive
Greenville, DE — Servo2Go.com has just added Galil Motion Control’s New Econo Series Motion Controller with Ethernet & Onboard Servo Drive, the CDS-3310, to its broad range of high performance cost effective Ethernet based Motion controllers.
Galil Motion Control recently released the CDS-3310 single-axis controller and drive system designed to provide high performance and precise control of a single brush or brushless servo motor. According to the company, it combines a programmable motion controller and 500-Watt drive in a single, compact package that eliminates the external wiring between the controller and drive.
The CDS-3310 includes PID compensation with notch filter and velocity/acceleration feedforward, non-volatile program memory with multitasking, uncommitted digital and analog I/O, and advanced modes of motion such as electronic gearing and teach-and-playback. Galil says the product accepts differential encoder inputs up to 12 MHz, and provides dual encoder inputs that are designed to enable it to accommodate electronic gearing or dual-loop applications.
More information on the CDS-3310 Ethernet Motion Controller from Servo2Go.com can be viewed at-
http://www.servo2go.com/product.php?ID=101242
An abridged copy of this Press Release can be viewed online at –
http://www.servo2go.com/news.php?id=65
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION – CONTACT:
Warren Osak
warren@servo2go.com
Toll Free Phone: 877-378-0240
Toll Free Fax: 877-378-0249
