Control Loops

Feature Key

The RMC200 Feature Key determines the number of control loops available on your RMC200 Motion Controller. This removable key allows you to purchase the control capacity your application requires today, with the flexibility to add more control loops as your system grows.

Whether you're controlling a single hydraulic cylinder or a complex multi-axis system, the RMC200 Feature Key provides a scalable solution without requiring additional hardware.

How Does the Feature Key Work?

The Feature Key is a small, removable device installed in the RMC200 CPU module. It stores the purchased control-loop capacity and determines how many control loops can operate simultaneously.

Because the Feature Key is separate from the CPU, it can be transferred to a replacement RMC200 CPU, preserving your purchased control capacity.

Understanding Control Loops

Each RMC200 axis uses a specific number of control loops depending on the type of control required. Understanding this distinction helps you determine how many loops to purchase.

1 Control Loop	2 Control Loop	0 Control Loop
Single-Loop Axis	Dual-Loop Axis	Reference, Virtual, and Output-Only Axes
Controls one variable, such as position, velocity, pressure, or force. For example, controlling the position of a hydraulic cylinder requires one control loop.	Controls two variables, such as position and force. For example, a hydraulic press requiring closed-loop position and force control uses two control loops.	These axis types do not require purchased control loops because they do not perform closed-loop control.

How Many Control Loops Do You Need?

The number of loops depends on the quantity and type of axes in your application.

RMC200 Control Loop Capacity

The maximum supported control loops depend on the RMC200 CPU model.

RMC200 Lite	RMC200 Standard
CPU20L	CPU40
36 Maximum control loops	100 Maximum control loops

Add Control Loops Anytime

One of the biggest advantages of the RMC200 Feature Key is the ability to expand your control capacity without replacing your controller.

Additional control loops can be purchased and activated through RMCTools using a simple file-based upgrade process.

Step 1 - Purchase Additional Control Loops
Contact Delta Motion or your authorized distributor to purchase the additional control loops needed for your application.
Ordering Part Number: R2-Loop (one control loop per unit)

Step 2 - Generate a Feature Key Request File
Connect to your RMC200 using RMCTools, open the CPU module's Feature Key page, and select Add Features. Follow the wizard to generate the request file.

Step 3 - Send the Request to Delta Motion
Email the generated request file to featurekey@deltamotion.com with your contact information. After purchase verification, Delta Motion will provide a response file.

Step 4 - Activate Your New Control Loops
Open the Feature Key wizard in RMCTools and apply the response file. The additional control loops are added to your Feature Key.

Important: Do not generate another Feature Key request file while waiting to apply a response file. Doing so will invalidate the previous response. Response files are valid for 30 days from the date they are generated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add more control loops after purchasing my RMC200?

Yes. Additional control loops can be purchased and activated through RMCTools without replacing the controller hardware.
Does every axis require a control loop?

No. Single-loop axes require one control loop, dual-loop axes require two, and reference, virtual, and output-only axes do not require any purchased control loops.
Can I transfer my Feature Key to another RMC200 CPU?

Yes. The removable Feature Key can be transferred to a compatible replacement RMC200 CPU, preserving the purchased control-loop capacity. Power must be turned off before removing the CPU and Feature Key.
What happens if I configure more axes than my purchased control loops support?

Axes without sufficient available control loops will not perform active closed-loop control. However, they can still operate in Simulate mode.
Do I need to send my controller to Delta Motion to add control loops?

No. Additional control loops can be activated through a request-and-response file process using RMCTools. There is no need to return your controller to Delta Motion.
How do I order additional control loops?

Additional control loops can be purchased directly from Delta Motion or through an authorized distributor. Order part number R2-Loop. Each unit adds one control loop to your RMC200 Feature Key.

Need Additional Control Loops?

Whether you're expanding an existing system or configuring a new RMC200, Delta Motion can help you determine the right control-loop capacity for your application.

View the complete Feature Key technical documentation