Technology
The Nanotec stepper motor positioning controls of the SMCI series and the motors with integrated controller, the Plug & Drive motors, are distinguished by a great wealth of functions. In addition to different operating modes, position monitoring and the analysis of limit switches, the positioning controls can also be operated and parameterized with the aid of a simple protocol via the PC interface.
Here you can find an initial overview of the functions and all subjects are discussed further in the respective manuals.
NANOPRO software
The NanoPro stepper motor software from Nanotec means it is now possible to put a stepper motor into operation in a few minutes and it is also easy to set specific motor and machine parameters, to set up reference and end position switches and much more...
You can download the Windows software here free of charge
Programming
The positioning controls of the SMCI series as well as the Plug & Drive motors with RS232/RS485/ USB interface can be operated with any programming language and from any suitable programmable device:
- with ASCII-commands, as well as with sample applications i.e. for Labview and Delphi
- with a COM-Object for a .NET-programming language
Furthermore you can programm the controller directly with a JAVA based programming language.
Operating modes
The stepper driver can be operated in a total of seven different operating modes. Due to the great capacity and functions available, it offers designers and developers a rapid and simple method of resolving numerous drive requirements with less programming effort. Select the required operating mode for your stepper motor application and configure the driver according to your requirements.
Position monitoring
The position monitoring and error correction is an integral part of all new stepper motor positioning controls from Nanotec. The current position of the rotor can be readjusted up to an accuracy of 0.9° when the current travel profile is complete. An optical encoder is already integrated in the Plug & Drive motors...
Referencing
Three adjustable reference modes (external and internal) enable automatic machine settings, whereby external reference switches may be inapplicable if there is a shift < 360° possibly due to the index signal of the internal encoder...
Inputs and outputs
With the aid of the digital inputs and outputs on the positioning controls of the SMCI series as well as on the Plug & Drive motors it is possible to analyze reference switches or limit switches, but also the release and selection of the previously stored travel profiles is carried out via these inputs. Thus, it is possible to select up to 16 different positions or speeds that can also be linked with one another via Nanopro or the new programming language NanoJ easy.
Fieldbus / Interfaces
The positioning control of the series SMCI and also the Plug& Drive motors can be operated and separately or synchronously actuated in a network or as a stand alone controller with the following interfaces:
- RS232
- RS485
- USB
- CANopen
CANopen
Nanotec positioning controls can now also be easily networked in a standardized way with other components with the CANopen field bus interface. The profile complies with the DSP402 standard and implements the positioning, velocity and homing operating modes. The firmware will be expanded by the interpolated mode by the end of the second quarter of 2009.
Closed loop
In contrast to conventional stepper motor positioning controls where only the motor is actuated or the position adjusted via the encoder, sinusoidal commutation controls the stator magnetic field as in a servomotor via the rotary encoder.
