Quin Systems is extending its family of intelligent motion controllers by introducing a new four-axis device – the QControl 4 - capable of operating with any motor drive.

Fully networked, the controller can be combined and synchronised with additional controllers and drives via a CANbus-based SERVOnet network, providing distributed motion control systems for modular machines with up to 240 axes.

The QControl 4 provides four axes of high-performance closed-loop positioning; with different drives accommodated by incremental, SSI and high-resolution Hiperface and EnDat encoder inputs. Optionally, a fifth master encoder input can be attached.

Motion control programming uses the inbuilt PTS (Programmable Transmission System) software – a mnemonic language that is easy to learn. Fully interactive, PTS allows changes to be made while machines are running. It includes powerful Windows-based tools for diagnostics, motion generation, configuration and tuning. For example, motion profiles can be designed and visualised in terms of position, velocity, acceleration and rate-of-change of acceleration (jerk). A large library of standard machine functions includes registration, tension, gearing, cams and even more complex algorithms.

Powerful machine diagnostics are available through the PTS Scope software, which allows users to check timings and performance in real time. What is more, the scope can be operated via an Internet connection, enabling machines to be supported anywhere in the world.

In SERVOnet networks managed by Quin’s recently introduced QManager, the QControl 4 takes a significant workload off the central controller, which can then get on with the primary task organising and communicating, configuring all the drives and controls on the network from a single central program, then monitoring and interacting with them while the machine is running.

Explains managing director Mike Webb: “If we look at the machine as a typical organisation like a company or government department, QControl 4 could be considered as middle management – a team head in a SERVOnet network directed by QManager. Like any good middle manager, it responds quickly to overall direction from above, communicates very effectively and knows how best to harness the varied strengths of its direct reports. Moreover it can work well on its own.”

As well as SERVOnet, the QControl 4 communicates with factory and office networks, featuring a 10/100Mbit/s Ethernet interface for programming, online data access and diagnostics. There is a comprehensive range of fieldbus interfaces including Profibus, DeviceNet, Interbus-S, Modbus and DataHighway.

Fast, expandable, digital and analogue I/O round out the interfacing options, with 16 digital inputs, eight digital outputs and four +/-10V analogue inputs provided as standard.

You can find more information about the QControl 4 in our products area.