Distributed motion control systems gain a significant improvement in performance and flexibility, with the introduction of QManager from Quin Systems. QManager provides the hub of a modular machine, capable of growing from a simple system with several motion axes, up to a complete production line.

Using SERVOnet® to link with intelligent drives and motion controllers, QManager organises and communicates, configuring all drives and controls on the network from a single central program, then monitoring and interacting with them while the machine is running.

“Like any good leader, QManager gets the best out of its team through delegation”, said managing director Mike Webb. “Conventional systems either try to impose central control, imposing a huge 'bureaucratic' overhead on the controller, or allow all the drives to do their own thing, reducing the element of control and lowering efficiency. But by distributing the processing throughout the network – leveraging the processing power of individual drives and other devices – machine builders can achieve exceptional modularity and scalability.”

Unlike centralised control systems, QManager can manage and synchronise systems ranging from simple single drives, right up to the 60-node limit of SERVOnet, so is capable of running machines with as many as 240 axes. It encompasses nearly all types of motor, including AC asynchronous, DC brushed and stepper types as well as brushless AC servos. Distributed digital and analogue I/O, in addition to motor control, is also provided by connecting QDrives to SERVOnet.

Compared with existing Quin machine controllers, the new device can run more tasks, faster, and has the widest range of interface options in the industry. In addition, motion controllers and drives connected to SERVOnet can run local motion and I/O tasks, greatly improving external event reaction time.

It sports 100Mbit/s Fast Ethernet for linking any device on the network to PC networks, connects to PLCs through Profibus and DeviceNet, and in time will offer an infrared link for simpler local programming, monitoring and diagnostics. Also new are up to 32 input and 16 outputs for direct digital I/O connections, and additional I/O including analogue and encoder inputs may be managed via the two CANbus (CANopen) ports. In many cases this will eliminate the need for a PLC, further cutting the cost of hardware, wiring and programming.

Modular machines are programmed with the in-built PTS (Programmable Transmission System) software – a mnemonic language that is easy to learn and based on mechanical concepts particularly suitable for machine designers. It delegates tasks to intelligent drives by using event-driven code rather than the loop routines common with PLCs. Nevertheless, it is fully interactive, allowing changes to be made while machines are running.

The software suite 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). Its 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 or modem, enabling machines to be supported anywhere in the world.

QManager is packaged in a slim (75 mm wide) 275 mm high x 195 mm deep module. More information about the QManager can be found in our products area.