One-Box Solution, 8-Axis Controller

Based on an advanced DSP core, Baldor's NextMove-ESB2 delivers real-time performance. It supports fast servo loop closure times (100 microseconds) with six-term closed loop control (PID, velocity, acceleration feed forward, and velocity feedback) for accurate positioning.

Versatility of control is further enhanced with an encoder input that may be used as a "master axis." By choosing servo drives with capability of accepting step and direction input (up to 500kHz), the four stepper outputs may also be used for servo motor control, enabling the NextMove-ESB2 to control up to eight servo motor axes.

The onboard I/O allows designers to employ the NextMove-ESB2 for machine control as well as motion. The I/O comprises 20 digital inputs, 12 digital outputs, two 12-bit differential analog inputs, a CANopen-compatible fieldbus port, and two serial ports including a 12Mbits/sec USB interface.

NextMove-ESB2 is programmable using the popular MINT motion language or ‘C.' The version of the MINT programming language supplied with NextMove-ESB2 includes multi-tasking. Designers seeking ultimate speed of execution may alternatively program using a ‘C' compiler for the DSP and Baldor's free library of ‘C'-compatible MINT functions for motion, I/O, communications, networking, operator interfaces, etc.

The ‘open architecture' facilities built into MINT, together with the use of field programmable logic, add another dimension to performance, as this allows move types to be adapted to suit individual applications. This gives substantial flexibility to designers, effectively allowing configuring of a custom multi-axis motion controller for the price of a standard product.