The SMC6480/6490 motion controller is a very mature product series from Leadshine. Since its launch, it has sold tens of thousands of units and is well received by users.
In recent years, with the continuous improvement of R&D capabilities, at the end of 2017, Leadshine launched a new motion controller, the SMC304, which can completely replace the SMC64X0. It surpasses the SMC64X0 in all aspects of performance and adds network control functions, while its selling price is lower than that of the SMC64X0, which has been widely praised by customers.
Below, we will introduce this star product and provide a detailed comparison between the SMC304 and SMC64X0 from both hardware and software perspectives.
I. Hardware Comparison of SMC304 and SMC64X0
Table 1 compares the hardware parameters of the SMC304 and SMC64X0 motion controllers. As can be seen from the table, the SMC304 has a significantly improved hardware configuration compared to the SMC64X0. This is mainly reflected in:
1. The CPU speed has increased by 12 times, significantly improving the processing speed of the motion controller.
2. It has two CAN bus interfaces. It can be used to build a CANopen fieldbus motion control system.
3. Enhanced functionality of digital output ports. In addition to driving currents reaching 500mA, dedicated output ports have been added.
4. A configured real-time clock. This provides an effective method for customers to protect their intellectual property.
In particular, the CANopen fieldbus offers customers a wide range of hardware options. Figure 1 shows a CANopen motion control system solution built using the SMC304.
If the four motors controlled by the SMC304 motion controller are insufficient, CANopen type motors can be used for simple point-to-point motion; if the additional motors need to perform interpolation motion, another SMC304 motion controller can be connected via the CANopen bus.
Connecting IO modules to the CANopen bus can expand the number of IOs, and connecting AD modules can expand the number of A/D and D/A interfaces.
The SMC304 motion controller can connect up to 16 CANopen modules or motors using the CANopen bus.
II. Added Software Functions for SMC304
Because the SMC304's CPU is 12 times faster than the SMC64X0 motion controller, its software functionality is significantly improved. This is mainly reflected in:
1. The performance of point-to-point motion has been significantly improved. Not only have online positioning and speed changing functions been added, but the speed curve is also more complete and the parameter settings are more flexible.
2. Spatial circular interpolation and spatial spiral interpolation functions have been added. As shown in Figure 2.
3. Added spline interpolation functionality, namely the PVT function (P: position, V: velocity, T: time).
It's important to emphasize that the PVT function is extremely powerful. Using this function, you can easily implement electronic cams and tool normal following; it can also achieve complex multi-axis linkages, playing a crucial role in motion control for robots, packaging equipment, and other applications.
Example: Use the PVT function to implement the spatial elliptical motion shown in Figure 3.
The trajectory. The radius R of this ellipse is 9000 pulses, and it maps onto the XY plane.
The angle between the trajectory and the X-axis is α = π/6, and the total time of the trajectory movement is 10 seconds.
The equation of the ellipse is clearly:
The programming steps are as follows:
1. Divide the trajectory into ten segments with equal angle θ, and calculate the position coordinates of each point, i.e., the values of Pi(xi,yi,zi), where i = 0~10.
2. Calculate the time ti at each point. We can assume that the time for each segment of the trajectory is equal.
3. Set both the starting speed and the ending speed to 0.
4. Use the SMCPvtsTableUnit function to store the three sets of data (xi, ti), (yi, ti), and (zi, ti) into the data tables of each axis respectively.
5. Use the SMCPvtMove function to perform PVT motion. That is, move along the X, Y, and Z axes according to three sets of data (xi, ti), (yi, ti), and (zi, ti) respectively to obtain the desired elliptical trajectory.
Figure 4 shows the results. Although only 11 coordinate points on the elliptical trajectory are given, the curve is very smooth through fitting with the cubic spline interpolation function.
In summary, Leadshine's SMC304 motion controller is powerful, easy to use, and offers excellent value for money. We welcome both new and existing customers to use it.
Lei Sai Introduction
Shenzhen Leisai Control Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Shenzhen Leisai Group, specializes in the research, development, production, and sales of motion control products. Since its establishment in 1997, Leisai has been committed to "replacing manual labor" as its corporate mission and "achieving customer success and creating win-win situations" as its business philosophy. It focuses on the research, development, production, sales, and service of a series of high-quality products, including motion control cards, motion controllers, servo motor drive systems, and stepper motor drive systems. Through persistent and meticulous efforts, Leisai strives to help customers achieve their dreams and realize mutual growth.
Through two decades of unwavering commitment to product innovation, market expansion, and application services, Leadshine has become a leading supplier of motion control products and solutions in terms of production and sales volume. Due to the dual advantages of stability, reliability, and superior performance, Leadshine products are used by tens of thousands of excellent equipment manufacturers in industries such as electronics, robotics, machine tools, lasers, medical, and textiles, and are exported to more than 60 countries including the United States, Germany, and India.
