A version of the 58000 series Magellan motion processor IC from Performance Motion Devices is claimed to expand the number of traceable variables to 64, covering eight major areas of motion control function. This extended trace capability benefits development and production applications alike by allowing virtually all system-level motion variables to be captured and displayed later, at the user’s convenience, for analysis. The IC provides enhanced capability by capturing real-time variables such as encoder position, motor command and position error, into hardware buffers for future retrieval. Unlike polled trace techniques, hardware buffers ensure that the load, speed and response time of the system in diagnostic mode are the same as during operational mode. Using this new architecture, each hardware buffer can store one of 64 selectable variables from eight different functional areas of the motion processor. The eight functional trace areas of the IC are trajectory generation, encoder feedback, servo control, commutation, motor output, general-purpose input, signal status and system clock. Retrieval of trace data can occur via RS232 serial, RS485 serial, CANBus communications or parallel-word communications ports. The IC’s trace capability feature works with the company’s ProMotion software, which facilitates servo tuning and trace capture analysis via an oscilloscope-style graphical interface. Trace and display can be tailored to the motion application by programming trace start, trace stop, data capture frequency, external signal triggers and other relevant parameters. The ICs provide high performance motion control for medical, scientific, entertainment, robotic, and general purpose automation applications. These chips support multiple motor types including DC brush, brushless DC, step, and micro-stepping motors, and are available in 1, 2, 3 and 4-axis versions. Functions provided by these intelligent motion control ICs include s-curve and trapezoidal position profile generation, velocity control, electronic gearing, PID servo loop control, PLC-style breakpoint functions, and hardware signal capture.
