As end users increasingly request intelligent control applications, OEMs are faced with imbuing more multi-axis capabilities into their products.  Historically, this multi-axis configuration task occurred using a motherboard/daughterboard array. The downside was that daughterboards, while providing design flexibility, required custom wiring solutions – an expensive and time-consuming step.

To address this issue, Maxon Motors has developed the new EPOS2 36/2 motherboards, which enable automation designers to build either a standalone multi-axis motor controller or one that can be integrated into the final product as a sub-board.

With 11 nodes connected via CAN-Open, the snap apart construction of the EPOS2 36/2 allows for multi-axis customization on a single board. Each node mates with an individual EPOS2 36/2 drive/controller and provides connection points using standard cables. Two digital inputs and one digital output are mapped on the board with an additional I/O expansion module as an option. USB and RS232 communication modules are available for those who prefer not to use CAN.

Functionalities of the EPOS 2 motor speed, torque and position controller with multi-axis motherboard include:

• Speed and position feed forward control. 
• PVT - Interpolated Position Mode. The controller is capable of synchronously running a coordinated multi-axis path dictated by interpolating points.
• Step and Direction. Implemented for replacing stepper motors with highly dynamic brushless DC motors.
• Point-to-point motor position control. The CANopen profile position mode moves the position of the motor from point A to point B. The motor position is relative to the absolute home position or the axis relative position.
• Torque control. Sinusoidal motor control resulting in a minimum torque ripple.
• Electronic gearing. Using an external encoder as a master, multiple motors can be synchronized with a user input software gearing factor.
• Motor holding brake control.
• Position compare and position mark. Save and sending of digital signal (trigger and capture).
• Dual loop speed and position control. Precision motor control with load mounted high-resolution SSI absolute and incremental encoders.

For more information, visit: http://www.maxonmotorusa.com