Benefits of Flexibility to Mix Match Multiple Transducer Feedback Built Into Delta Computer Systems' Newest RMC Family Motion Controller, the Multi Axis RMC100-M1-S1-H1-D1-Modbus Plus

Continuing expansion of the RMC Family motion controller product line, Delta Computer Systems, Inc., Vancouver, WA, has announced the new RMC100-M1-S1-H1-D1-Modbus Plus, a uniquely flexible controller configuration providing mix and match multiple transducer feedback, fast, precise servo positioning and seamless transfer from position to pressure control.

The seamless transfer benefit assists manufacturers in the casting, forming, and forging operations producing plastics or rubber components and automobile parts, forest products industries, and metals processing industries to increase efficiency while helping to control production costs.

Modbus Plus communications allows up to 32 devices to be connected directly to a network cable which can be 1500 feet in length with repeater devices available to extend the network and device count. Thus, with its high data rate of 1 Mbaud and in-plant flexibility, Modbus Plus is excellent for transferring position, parameter, command, and graphing data between major PLCs, or PCs, and the RMC module.

Using the M1 module, Delta's new motion controller interfaces directly to magnetostrictive displacement transducers (MDTs), sensing positions using feedback from the MDTs and thus generating drive based upon programmable parameters.

"The new DIN-rail mounted, controller supports a wide variety of feedback devices through its M1 module, in addition to MTS Systems Corp. Sensors Division (Temposonics) MDTs, such as TR Electronic MDTs, absolute encoders and laser measuring devices; Heidenhain absolute encoders; and Stegmann, Inc. absolute encoders, ," Herb Johanson, Delta marketing director said today.

"Automating, converting, or upgrading production line automation projects has an additional advantage of increased noise immunity and higher precision from the S1 interface module (SSI Standard), with its resolutions to 2 mm, micron, or 0.00008 inches." Johanson added.

The H1, or the 16-bit Analog Interface module allows the RMC to connect directly with any analog MDT providing effective position and pressure control for precise product or machinery positioning in factory, plant, or mill automation applications. Its seamless transfer from pressure to position control for manufacturers of forest products, in casting, forming, and forging operations producing plastics or rubber components and automobile parts, as well as the metals processing industry results in increased efficiency and significantly helps in controlling production costs.

Using the D1 module (digital Sensor DI/O) to provide additional discrete I/O to the RMC's primary communications module, inputs can be used to trigger event sequences fast, and which, in turn, can be programmed to wait for an external input before executing a needed production line action. They can also be used to delay event sequences or index spline curves from Input 16 or 17. Outputs can be used to turn on and off event sequences and user-issued commands.

"The RMC100-M1-S1-H1-D1-Modbus Plus motion controller can also be pre-programmed using Delta's Event Control Firmware (ECF) table using RMCWIN for mapping discrete inputs and outputs. Once programmed, an external proximity switch can trigger the motion module to order a change in production line machinery positions. Using ECF, this happens at a one millisecond update rate which results in increased throughputs," Johanson added.

Included with each RMC100-M1-S1-H1-D1-Modbus Plus motion controller is Delta's unique monitor software, the RMCWIN for Windows 95 and NT, and the RMCMON for DOS-based systems.

This software speeds set-up and precision tuning with cost savings results. It provides troubleshooting and diagnostic information, calculates scale and direction parameters, allows access to auto-tuning functions, and permits users to change control parameters from a keyboard. A graphic display of the most current motion profile information with a list of the most recent commands executed by the module is provided.