When it comes to multi-axis coordinated motion control, machine builders typically struggle to find a control system that meets all their high-performance requirements. Most are forced to choose between either centralized control, which consists of a centralized controller sending analog signals to individual remote drives, or distributed control, which has a controller sending trajectory commands to daisy-chained intelligent drivers. Choosing between these two control systems presents trade-offs in terms of control performance, latency issues, multi-axis performance, cabling complexity, system flexibility, installation, maintenance and programming difficulty. In addition, many control systems rely on components that were developed more than 10 years ago.

That’s why we decided to take a fresh approach with our Central-i motion control platform. Central-i includes a centralized motion controller, distributed drives and peripherals plus a software suite to address virtually any control requirements. Together, these devices can control up to 8 axes. We built our platform from the ground up and optimized it for today’s motion control needs. And because it is such an exciting new take on distributed multi-axis motion control, Central-i was recognized in the 2020 LEAP Awards with a bronze award in the motion control category. Here’s what makes Central-i such a noteworthy motion control solution:

Central-i offers a host of features that give automated system designers the advantages of centralized multi-axis control and coordination without the trade-offs of traditional systems, and the platform is designed to provide designers with simplicity and flexibility. Central-i’s motion controller communicates to individual axis amplifiers through our patented digital communication instead of traditional analog command signals. This layout allows for the simplest cabling setup between the drive and controller, high system flexibility and easy maintenance — all while maintaining maximized multi-axis performance. The control computation is achieved via one single controller, and all feedback/command information is sent over high-speed digital communication. This also keeps the individual amplifier costs low since internal control capability is no longer required. This new flexible high-performance control hardware gives automation system designers a serious advantage by saving them both time and money, without having to sacrifice their motion performance.

The Central-i platform includes the following:

  • The AGM control module, featuring 16-kHz sampling, PIV, bi-quad filters and Feedforward capability.
  • The AGA101/AGA102 amplifier, delivering up to 90V DC, 16-A peak, pulse-width modulated (PWM) output.
  • The AGA155 amplifier, providing approximately 110 to 230V AC, 7.14A (rms), PWM output.
  • A complement of I/O peripherals and software tools, making it a complete distributed motion control system.

A Testament To Akribis Systems’ Dedication To Innovation and Technology

The Leadership in Engineering Achievement Program (LEAP) Awards is an annual design engineering product competition presented by leading business-to-business publisher WTWH Media and its flagship brands: Design World, Fluid Power World and EE World Online. The Awards celebrate the most innovative and forward-thinking products across the mechanical and electronic engineering disciplines.

We are proud that Central-i has earned a LEAP Award. Not only did the judges find Central-i to be one of the most innovative products of the year out of many deserving entries, the award also affirms our dedication to innovation and new technology development.

For more information about Akribis Systems’ Central-i motion control platform, visit our product page.