Aerotech Introduces Most User-Friendly Motion Controller Platform Available

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 9, 2020 — Aerotech Inc., a global leader in precision motion control and automation, today announced the launch of Automation1 — the world’s most user friendly motion control platform. Designed to help users quickly solve the most challenging precision motion applications, Automation1 can, in many situations, help users reduce the set up time for complex projects from days to minutes.

“Aerotech customers have always enjoyed the way that we make complex motion control applications faster and easier for them,” said Patrick Wheeler, Aerotech’s controls product manager. “Now, Automation1 helps them dramatically reduce the time it takes to tackle the most challenging applications. And, like all of our previous-generation motion controllers, the Automation1 platform was designed to work seamlessly with a comprehensive range of precision motion control hardware.”

The Automation1 motion control platform includes:

• Motion Development Kit (MDK) – The MDK reduces system setup time, allows users to develop advanced programs with the modern Aeroscript programming language and deploys custom user interfaces for Windows and Linux PCs. Its Device Manager wizard automatically creates and saves device profiles for any third-party servo or stepper motor, positioning stage or laser scan head lens. The MDK is available for free to any developer who wants to experience firsthand how easy it is to use Automation1 software.
• Software-Based Machine Controller (iSMC) – The iSMC runs on a real-time operating system, generates 20 kHz servo motor trajectories and 100 kHz galvo scan head trajectories, and includes power application programming interfaces (APIs) that enable custom machine interfaces that work seamlessly within a larger automation solution.
• HyperWire® Motion Control Bus – Fiber-optic and light-based, HyperWire enables 20 times the throughput possible with 100 BASE-T Ethernet; operates at 100 kHz for low-latency, drive-to-drive distributive control; and is immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI).
• Intelligent Industrial PC (iPC) – Built on the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise Long-Term Service Channel (LTSC) to ensure lasting reliability and security, the iPC includes an Intel CORE™ i7 processor,offers human-machine interface packages, and comes in several form factors to ensure the best fit for diverse applications and spaces.
• XC2e PWM Servo Motor Drive – Aerotech’s smallest panel mount drive, the XC2e controls brushless AC, brush DC, voice coil and stepper motor types at up to 100 VDC operating voltage and 10 A peak current capability. It collects up to 67 MB of data at a 320 kHz rate, includes an optional I/O expansion board, offers options for dual sine-wave encoder feedback and integrates several advanced process control features.
• XL5e Linear Servo Motor Drive – The XL5e is Aerotech’s highest performance linear servo motor drive. This integrated solution includes control and bus power supplies, functional safety, servo and current controllers, linear power amplifiers, cooling fans and heat sinks into a single-axis drive package.

Aerotech previously introduced several drives that are compatible with the Automation1 platform, as well as its existing A3200 controller platform, including the:

• XR3 19” Drive Rack (configurable with up to six axes),
• XC4e High-Performance Digital Drive,
• XC4 PWM Digital Drive,
• XC2 PWM Digital Drive,
• GL4 High-Performance Laser Scan Head Drive, and
• XL4s High-Performance Voice-Coil Drive.

About Aerotech

Since 1970, Aerotech Inc. has been the global industry leader in precision motion control and automation. From standard mechanical positioning stages and control systems to custom-designed automation systems, our products support research and industrial organizations worldwide. Aerotech solutions enable manufacturing, testing and inspection processes on a micrometer and nanometer scale for the world’s best-known technology companies in industries such as aerospace, consumer electronics and medical devices.