Project Scope
The CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine installs tools on spindle motors aligned with the X, Y, Z axes and is commonly used to assist cutting materials, which delivers high accuracy in manufacturing. It can be classified as a milling machine for large and hard materials, and a lathe for soft materials. In both cases, control of the servomotor is indispensable. For this function, it’s critical to control the servomotor driver through a CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) program installed on the computer main board.
The CNC machine is akin to industrial robots. This project is one of our on-going projects. Due to its technical nature, the Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) should be upgraded to a better improved hardware. Upon our client’s request, we cannot provide further information about the company.
Client’s Challenge
The complexity of products and the need for HSM (High-Speed Machining) increased and the client requested a more convenient UI (User Interface) in a stabilized system environment. For this reason, operating systems and hardware solutions suitable for developing efficient and user-friendly application programs were required. A highly reliable controller was essential for securing stable operations in the long run. Since high-speed operations control positioning in extremely short time intervals, Window OS was reinforced by a separate RTOS (Real-Time Operating System). Sufficient GPIO (General Purpose Input Output) was also prepared.
Solution & Implementation
SyncusTech designed the EMB-80S ODM industrial motherboard, which fulfilled all of the requirements above. Figure 1 is the block diagram that exhibits the configuration of a motion control system based on RTOS, EtherCAT protocol, and I/O terminal blocks. EMB-80S controls servomotors via servo motor drivers and an Ethernet port using the EtherCAT protocol.
Conclusion and Benefits
The EMB-80S ODM model provided highly reliable positioning control as well as an improved UI in the form of an X-86 motherboard based on independent IRQ (Interrupt Request), Window OS, and a separate RTOS. With plentiful I/O ports and PCI/PCI-e slots, users were allowed to use the product in a flexible manner.
