Nanotec introduces a comprehensive ClosedLoop Evaluation Kit

Nanotec introduces a comprehensive ClosedLoop Evaluation Kit

Landsham, April 7, 2011 – With the ClosedLoop Evaluation Kit, Nanotec Electronic GmbH & Co. KG has put together a complete package for developers of drive solutions just in time for the Hannover Trade Show. For just EUR 279, it contains all components required for quickly setting up a stepper motor-based test environment. In addition to a motor with integrated controller, all required cables, a RS485/USB converter for connecting to a PC, extensive software and a manual are also included in the package. Extra wiring is unnecessary.

The kit is delivered with a PD4 Plug & Drive motor, which allows initial evaluations of running performance, step angle precision and load requirements in the intended application environment, without needing to set up a comprehensive test environment. The motor integrates a signal processor with the especially smooth-running dspDrive© technology. Because all necessary components are included, the motor behavior can be tested in conventional open loop or in ClosedLoop mode (encoder-based, field-oriented control) and compared against each other. Nanotec has chosen a compactly designed (56 mm, nema 23) PD4-N motor with 0.5 Nm holding torque and integrated positioning control plus encoder for the kit. Different operating modes – such as positioning, rotational speed and torque control, for example – can be practically evaluated by simply configuring the software, as is also the case with the various control options – from simple digital and analog inputs to the CANopen field bus interface.

In the ClosedLoop mode the Plug & Drive motors act like servomotors. The motor can no longer lose any more steps, all the way up to its maximum torque. When in full microstep, the resolution is 1/128. The phase current can be regulated in steps of 1% up to 4.8 A. The ClosedLoop Evaluation Kit is therefore also interesting for developers who, for their applications in areas such as medical technology, semiconductor technology, textile and test machinery, or other dynamic multi-axis applications, envision a servomotor that can perform miniscule movements or cover small distances with a brief settling time. With the kit, it is possible without a great effort to test whether, as an alternative, a more smoothly running stepper motor with more exact positioning might be the more favorable and fitting solution.

The Evaluation Kit comprises various software solutions for programming. With the Windows-based program NanoPro, complicated axis movements can be created or machine parameters such as spindle pitch, gear reduction or the microstep mode, for example, can be set without any programming knowledge. The Java-based version NanoJ easy makes it possible to create and test complex sequence programs. The polling and setting of digital I/Os – and access to all the parameters of the movement programs in conjunction with variables, loops, mathematical functions and everything else that distinguishes a fully functional, high-level programming language – makes a full control system out of the stepper motor controller that is already integrated in the motor. A USB-RS485 converter is included in the kit for easy connection to a PC. In addition, the commissioning software NanoCAN is available for CANopen-based fieldbus systems, for instance when the objective is to devise high-performing CNC applications. The necessary firmware for this is also contained in the kit.

Press contact:

Stefanie Schneider
Tel.: ++49-89-900686-37
Fax: ++49-89-900686-50
Email: stefanie.schneider@nanotec.de
Web: www.nanotec.com

About Nanotec
Based in Landsham near Munich, Nanotec GmbH & Co. KG is one of the leading manufacturers of motors and controllers for high quality drive solutions. Since 1991, the company offers a broad product range distinguished by well thought-out design and strict quality control. Certification to the latest ISO 9001:2008 standard by the TÜV Management Service is proof of this quality. Only rarely can a standard motor or power electronics be used “out-of-the-box". This is why Nanotec builds customer-specific versions in relatively small numbers and works with its engineers to develop optimum and individual solutions for its customers. In-house final assembly at the company headquarters in Landsham, near Munich, and broad-based warehousing allow Nanotec to quickly and flexibly react to customer demands.