Positioning controller

A second generation of the family of intelligent positioning controllers EPOS (easy to use positioning system), designed to control brush and brushless DC motors with encoder, is available from maxon motor.

The controllers are for applications that require decentralised drive intelligence. These modular digital positioning controllers, based on CANopen standard, cover a performance range from 1-700 W. They can operate in position, speed and current control mode and can be configured to operate with both DC and EC motors, depending on software commands.

A variety of operating modes means that they can be used flexibly in every kind of drive system in automation and mechatronics.

The EPOS2, with 32-bit digital signal processor technology, supports the motion control functionalities. Complex mathematical algorithms can be carried out efficiently to produce good control characteristics.

The device has good security and protection against electromagnetic interference as a result of potential-separated digital inputs and output.

Interpolated position mode allows the controller to synchronously run a path specified through interpolation points dynamically and accurately. With a suitable master, coordinated multi-axis movements and any profile can be carried out in a 1-axis system.

Online commands are carried out using CAN Master (EPOSP, SPS, Soft SPS, etc) or PC via USB or RS232 interface A USB to CAN and RS232 to CAN gateway function has also been integrated. Several drives can be networked and coordinated through the standardised CANopen interface.