EtherCAT-based SPiiPlus Soft Control Platform From ACS Turns Standard PCs Into Powerful Multi-axis Machine Controllers With Software Alone

ACS Motion Control, an international manufacturer of advanced multi-axis motion and machine control systems, has developed a software-based EtherCAT motion control platform that maximizes performance while minimizing costs for semiconductor, HDD, biomedical, PV equipment and LED manufacturers

The SPiiPlusSC (Soft Controller) enables standard PCs to run a 64-axis real-time motion controller and high-speed PLC entirely in software. The advanced soft controller solution simplifies the connectivity of the entire motion control system by eliminating dedicated controller hardware as well as Windows dependence or latency.

The SPiiPlusSC automatically installs the real-time operating system and converts a standard Ethernet port into the EtherCAT master communication channel to manage all machine drives and I/O. The SPiiPlusSC communicates to the host application via simultaneous virtual TCP/IP and direct memory access channels, providing superior throughput.

“The PC-based SPiiPlus Soft Controller platform is the world’s most powerful EtherCAT motion and machine controller that also minimizes costs for semiconductor, HDD, biomedical, PV equipment and LED manufacturers,” said Jason Goerges, sales and support manager at ACS Motion Control. “The SPiiPlusSC leverages the processing power of modern PC and the connectivity of a real-time open industrial Ethernet network to provide a cost-effective replacement for dedicated motion controllers.”

The SPiiPlusSC is available in two versions: the SPiiPlusSC-HP for complex and performance-demanding applications with up to 64 axes; and the SPiiPlusSC-LT, an economical version that addresses the needs of cost sensitive applications with one to eight axes. Both versions provide the same uncompromising servo and motion performance and are more cost effective when compared to other solutions that require a dedicated controller unit.

The controller is complemented by a full line of EtherCAT motor drives and I/O modules that can provide thousands I/O points. In addition, the open architecture can support ACS and other vendors qualified EtherCAT components. Programming in both PLCOpen IEC61131-3 languages and the ACSPL+ powerful multi-tasking motion language is fully supported. Full API libraries are also included for Windows-based host programming. A full controller simulator allows the user to develop the motion application and front end without any hardware.2