June 2009

Pick & Place
Solution Note

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Performance
Motion Devices

Performance Motion Devices, Inc (PMD) provides OEMs worldwide with innovative, high performance chip, card, and drive-based motion control solutions. With over 2.5 million installed axes, PMD has the motion control expertise to simplify customer's designs and lower overall costs. PMD products are used to control brush, brushless and stepping motors in the medical, commercial and industrial markets.

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+1 781 674 9860

www.pmdcorp.com

Offices and distributors located worldwide

MARKET SPOTLIGHT:

Factory Automation Solutions

Motion Control is a foundational technology in factory automation. One of the most common applications in factory automation is the need for smooth and fast point to point moves. Due to its ability to optimize the performance of a wide range of motor types, PMD's Prodigy/CME motion cards are an ideal choice for this type of automation. Prodigy cards off load the motion control functions from the PC or machine controller guaranteeing consistent high performance motion. Prodigy cards have built-in features such as dual bi-quad filters and 7-segment s-curve (see below) that simplify even the most demanding applications. For tips on how to create a motion control architecture that simplifies programming and supports multiple motor types, see the Pick & Place Solution Note (left).

- Learn more about the Prodigy series of multi-axis motion control cards -

What is 7-segement S-curve?

Traditional trapezoidal motion profiles contain abrupt changes in acceleration rates that can be detrimental to your application. Aggressive changes in acceleration can lead to overshoot and unacceptable mechanical vibrations. By using an S-curve profile generator the rate of change in acceleration can be controlled and optimized thereby leading to smoother moves with shorter net cycle times. In the context of a point-to-point move, a full S-curve consists of 7 distinct phases of motion. However since the calculations involved in a true 7-segment s-curve are extremely demanding, many controllers only provide a rough approximation. PMD's motion chip technology easily handles full 7-segment s-curve profiles that optimize the change in acceleration throughout the move, resulting in less wear and tear on the system and faster transfer times.

Click here for more information on the Mathematics of Motion Control Profiles

Chips	Cards	Drives	Software

Magellan^® Motion Processor & Motor Control IC's	Prodigy^® Motion Cards	ION^® Digital Drives	Pro-Motion^® Software