SAC-560 American Precision Industries Smart Axis Controller

The Kollmorgen / API P325 Series is a bi-level voltage step motor drive with micro-stepping capability. Microstepping involves taking each of the motor's mechanical full steps and electrically creating many finer ones by precisely controlling the current flow to each of the windings. The Kollmorgen / API P325 series will drive 4-phase motors rated at up to 4.0 Amps per phase (bifilar rating).

The type of control utilized to supply step, direction and other control signals to the drive depends on the application and the available equipment. Methods offered by the Controls Division include the VCO option on the P325 and the SAC-560 Smart Axis Controller. Another option is for the user to supply the required signals directly from their system. A brief synopsis of each option follows:

• VCO OPTION (P325V): Select this option when motion in the system is fixed and logic is available to provide for timing of the Run, Accel, Decel and Stop signals required by this device. When signals are received, the VCO board will generate pulses to the motor at the rate established by the onboard Base, Slew, Accel and Decel potentiometers. These potentiometers are preset by the user and require manual adjustment.

• SAC-560: Select this option when the user's system does not contain a logic device; the motion·sequences are complex; the motion sequences are changing frequently; or if performance requirements are demanding. The SAC-560 is a self-contained, high speed microprocessor based controller. Features include RS-232 communications, programmable inputs and outputs that interface to external devices, and an English-like command language. Ramping routines are automatically generated and/or can be placed under user control.

• USER INPUT: This is a valid option when the user system already contains a computer or programmable logic controller. With this method, the user provides TTL inputs directly to the step motor drive to control motion in the system. As a bare minimum, step and depending on the application direction inputs must be provided to the step motor drive. Additionally, many applications will require efficient ramp routines to achieve the performance objectives of the system. It is the responsibility of the user when this is the selected method of control.