Press Release
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First showing for 7-axis, motion-and-machine controller, and launch of economic Euro-format servo drives

Preview: Baldor at SPS/IPC/Drives, Nürnberg,
25-27 November 2003, Hall 9, Stand 9-219

1st September 2003 --- At SPS/IPC/Drives, Baldor ASR will be showing new USB-friendly, motion-and-machine controllers for the first time in Germany. Spearheading the new range is NextMove-ESB, a new all-in-one motion automation solution offering control for three servo and four stepper motor axes, together with onboard I/O and fieldbus connectivity. Packaged in a ready to use panel-mounting box, the rugged module can provide an economic standalone solution for many machine building applications, or a motion control sub-system for use in conjunction with a PC host - by employing the controller's USB interface.

With the controller's combination of servo and stepper control capability for instance, it could implement a standalone X-Y-Z axis positioning solution - supported by four stepper axes and I/O for material handling and machine control. Moreover, if the module is used with Baldor drives, it is capable of controlling up to seven precision servo motor axes.

The motion controller is programmable using the popular Mint motion language or C. Among the target applications are high speed printing, packaging, labeling and machine tools, and common process automation needs including positioning stages, robotics and rotary knives.

Based on an advanced Texas Instruments DSP core, NextMove ESB delivers exceptional real-time performance. It supports servo loop closure times of 100 microseconds on three axes, with six-term closed loop control for accurate positioning (PID, velocity, acceleration feed forward, and velocity feedback). The four stepper axes provide pulse and direction outputs at up to 500 kHz.

Onboard I/O completes NextMove ESB's capability, allowing users to employ the module for machine control as well as motion - potentially eliminating the need for a separate controller such as a PLC. The I/O comprises 20 digital inputs, 11 digital outputs, two 12-bit differential analog inputs and a precision 12-bit output, a CANopen-compatible fieldbus port, and two serial ports including a 12 Mbits/sec USB interface.

The high speed USB interface provides automation OEMs who build machines with PC hosts or user interfaces with new opportunities for enhancing the ruggedness of their equipment, and simplifying manufacture, by allowing the motion control subsystem to be panel mounted in the optimal location inside the machine – instead of in a PC expansion slot.