Computer Option

Aerotech has launched an industrial computer option for its A3200 Automation Platform software based multi-axis motion and automation control system. The industrial grade A3200-PC computer is available in both panel mount and 19-inch rack formats (4U or 1U) with Windows 7 or XP PRO operating systems and with processing power and memory to match the users application. Optional hardware peripherals include additional FireWire, USB and serial ports, dual Ethernet ports and solid state memory storage. The computer is supplied as a ready to run solution, pre-installed with the users choice of A3200 software and configured for remote server operation if required. For maximum purchasing flexibility, it is also available complete with monitor, mouse and keyboard options that include an integrated trackball or touchpad. The automation platform harnesses the power of the PC through its Dynamic Controls Toolbox and Motion Composer GUI software components - using the high-speed FireWire (IEEE-1394) network to provide up to 32 axes of decentralised and tightly synchronised motion and machine control. With no performance drop as the axis count increases, the fully deterministic network handles position, time and velocity commands with machine I/O instruction and status monitoring via dedicated high performance digital servo or microstepping drives. The motion and machine controller includes individual modules for vision, PLC, robotics and I/O with extensive tools for program development and machine commissioning - in one unified programming environment. Optional advanced modules are available that provide much improved precision and faster move and settle times that are fundamentally required for the high throughput and high precision motion control called for by today's most demanding automation applications. Programming capability is flexible with both development and runtime environments supporting native RS-274 G-code, AeroBASIC, C, C++, VisualBASIC or LabVIEW. The Motion Controls Toolbox includes enhanced performance options including 5-axis contouring and interfacing controls to peripheral motion devices such as galvo scanners to provide high precision galvo and positioning system synchronisation for applications such as large area laser scanning or micromachining. The Motion Composer options include sophisticated but simple-to-use tuning tools with iterative learning capabilities that improve path accuracy and settling times, and GUI based algorithms that remove or moderate undesirable harmonic effects and boost dynamic performance. Motion Composer options also include the MotionPAC PLC runtime and development environment which offers IEC61131, PLCopen and .NET compliant programming with the potential for a 30% to 50% reduction in development time for PLC automation that requires advanced motion control.