In September’s issue of Control Design magazine, Integrated Industrial Technologies’ ( I²T) Vice President of Engineering, Mike Joyce, discusses the pros and cons of using PCs with Windows® operating systems for machine motion controllers.

One of the main drawbacks of using Windows, he explains, is its lack of deterministic performance.

“Without determinism, there’s no guarantee that the system will respond to stimuli in exactly the same way during each machine cycle, and as a result the machine will not perform reliably.” ¹

But there are benefits to using the Windows operating system, too. Price and speed of changeover time are particularly advantageous. I²T specializes in the integration of motion control systems, and has a long history with PLC, CNC, HMI and proprietary control systems.

Read the complete article to learn how they are able to allow real-time task processing to coexist alongside the Windows application environment.

1. source

Windows XP is rapidly approaching the end of its life span as indicated by the following notices/events:

• Microsoft® will no longer offer updates to Windows XP as of April 2014 (source).
• The Microsoft® .NET Framework 4.5 is not compatible with Windows® XP  (source).  Some of our software component suppliers are moving to the .NET 4.5 framework and, as a result, we will not be able to install the applications we have developed using their components on a Windows XP system.
• Most new Intel® chipsets/motherboards either don’t support Windows XP or they are sold “as-is.”  For as-is products, Windows XP may work depending on the availability of compatible device drivers.  Intel will not provide support for systems if problems arise during installation/operation of Windows XP on an as-is system (source).

In response to the information outlined above, we will discontinue support for Windows XP with our software version 4.09.000, which is projected for release in August 2014. At that time, customers still using Windows XP will be able to purchase older versions of our controller software.

Many of you may already be aware of the diminishing hardware and software support for Windows XP and have a plan for moving forward.  For others, we are issuing this advance notice in order to provide sufficient time to upgrade any affected Aerotech control systems or PC hardware and/or software.

For more information about the platforms supported by Aerotech’s controllers, please see our Operating System compatibility chart.

Improvements to Aerotech’s controller software in version 4.07 include a new REST API, enhanced user interface capabilities, and several enhancements to the Nmark SSaM and Nmark CLS platforms.

The following summary of new features is only for this release of Aerotech software and may not represent the latest version. Please visit the Software Downloads page on the Aerotech website to access the complete Release Notes and to download the latest version of the software.

New in Version 4.07.000

A3200

• The HOME command includes a CONDITIONAL keyword. Axes that were previously homed ignore HOME commands that include the CONDITIONAL keyword.
• A new axis parameter, EncoderMarkerAlignment, compensates for markers that are not correctly aligned with the encoder signals.
• Added support for Ndrive HPe200 (200 amp peak PWM digital amplifier with shared bus option).
• You can monitor the quality of analog sin/cos encoder feedback by using the EncoderRadiusThresholdLow and EncoderRadiusThresholdHigh parameters. A feedback fault can be triggered if the voltage level is outside the range of the parameter settings.
• You can zoom in Digital Scope by holding the Ctrl key and moving the mouse wheel.
• A REST (Representational State Transfer) API was added to the web server interface. The REST API has low-level commands such as PUT, GET and POST that transfer data between the A3200 and another application or service.
• The MATLAB Library can read and write AeroBasic variables by name.
• AeroBasic variables can be read over the ASCII interface.
• ASCII command interface examples are available for C++ and Java.
• You can configure 2D calibration files for the Nmark SSaM and Nmark CLS in Configuration Manager. Previously, you had to use an AeroBasic command to load Nmark SSaM 2D CAL files and for Nmark CLS, the CAL file was stored in the same file as the 2D CAL file for the servo axes.
• A new Nmark SSaM and Nmark CLS command, GALVO WOBBLE, widens the laser marking path by adding a circular or figure-eight motion to the programmed motion.
• The new Nmark command, PSOOUTPUT PULSE LASER MASK, automatically arms 1D and 2D position tracking for G1/G2/G3 moves, and disarms for G0 moves.
• The Nmark CLS reports end-of-travel and software limit faults only if motion is being commanded in the direction of the limit.
• You can change the polarity of the auxiliary encoder input on the Nmark by using the FeedbackSetup parameter.
• The MotionPAC PLC has new function blocks that support gearing, cam tables, safe zones and ProgramBufferedRun.
• You can configure safe zones from MotionPAC PLC.
• The number of programs per task and the number of programs per resource on MotionPAC were increased to 100.

Ensemble and Soloist

• A REST (Representational State Transfer) API was added to the web server interface. The REST API has low-level commands such as PUT, GET and POST that transfer data between the Ensemble and a Web-based application or service. (Ensemble only)
• The HOME command includes a CONDITIONAL keyword. Axes that were previously homed ignore HOME commands that include the CONDITIONAL keyword.
• The controller automatically homes the axis the first time you enable the axis if the PositionFeedbackType parameter is set to one of the feedback types.
• Added support for Ndrive HPe200 (200 amp peak PWM digital amplifier with shared bus option).
• You can monitor the quality of analog sin/cos encoder feedback by using the EncoderRadiusThresholdLow and EncoderRadiusThresholdHigh parameters. A feedback fault can be triggered if the voltage level is outside the range of the parameter settings.
• You can zoom in Digital Scope by holding the Ctrl key and moving the mouse wheel.

Updated! (video) Does converting CAD drawings to motion code stress you out? Don’t let it! Watch Elmer figure it out in minutes.

Aerotech’s CADFusion makes programming in AeroBasic™ or G Code as simple as clicking the button on your mouse. Turn your CAD drawings into code with Aerotech’s DXF-to-Motion-Command conversion tool in as little as a half hour – no coding required.

For more advanced programmers, CADFusion will reduce development time and provide visual feedback during development. You’ll also see a reduction in user errors because the software does the heavy lifting for you by directly converting geometry into code.

Here’s a real-world example of how quickly a novice coder can create motion commands using CADFusion.

8:03 AM: Friday morning. The supervisor of the Laser Processing and Micromachining Group (LPMG) tells his new (and inexperienced) programmer, “Hey Elmer! Draw up our logo for the customer visit at 9:00AM.”

8:13 AM: As Elmer wraps up his current task, he realizes that the meeting is less than an hour away! He thinks to himself, “I’ve never programmed motion commands before… I better figure it out, and quick!”

8:14 AM: Using a freeware AutoCAD software package, Elmer quickly creates an AutoCAD drawing of the LPMG logo:

8:35 AM: Elmer saves his drawing as a .DXF file and closes the freeware AutoCAD. 

8:37 AM: Elmer then launches Aerotech’s CADFusion (which is already installed on his computer), and loads the .DXF drawing into CADFusion. In CADFusion, the graphical tool-path looks like this:

8:39 AM: Elmer clicks File > Export, and sees that he has just created over 50 lines of AeroBasic™ Code!

8:40 AM: Elmer marvels at his accomplishment.

From 8:14 to 8:39, only 25 minutes of development time, this inexperienced programmer has created motion commands that are executable on Aerotech motion controllers.  He had never written G Code or AeroBasic™ Code before that point, and may never need to.  What’s more, he saw the results of the commanded motion before the code was even generated. Using CADFusion made it an easy – even fun – task.

With CADFusion, any user can be an AeroBasic™ or G-Code programmer. The software easily imports vector-based drawing files and produces G Code motion programs. Program automation is enhanced by CADFusion’s ability to insert user-defined code at the beginning and end of any auto-generated motion program. Shape re-ordering, feature scaling, and rotational/translational features make part optimization easy and intuitive.

For more information about CADFusion or Aerotech’s complete lines of motion control software and components, visit our online product catalog.

Yo, yo, yo, lemme show you how we do it down in the metro lab…

Aerotech Advanced Controls
are more than just zeros and poles.
Special tools for special jobs
save engineers from needless sobs.
Confusing it may seem at first,
but only if you’re not well versed.

Don’t wanna see that laser bounce-bounce-bouncing?
If you got a camera shaking, chuck a-quaking,
Simply try Command Shaping
put a stop to that vibrating.

If Sensor Testing is your application,
always use Harmonic Cancellation.
Extra gain at frequency
will make your motion error-free.

When Every Thing Moves, granite and all
on Enhanced Throughput Module you should call.
Extra sensors on the machine base
will help that servo hold its place.

Don’t wanna see that laser bounce-bounce-bouncing?
If you got a camera shaking, chuck a-quaking,
Simply try Command Shaping
put a stop to that vibrating.

Does your servo need a boost?
Must move-and-settle time be reduced?
Is contour error just too high?
Give Enhanced Tracking Control a try.
Higher accuracy you will see
when applications use ETC.

Don’t wanna see that laser bounce-bounce-bouncing?
If you got a camera shaking, chuck a-quaking,
Simply try Command Shaping
put a stop to that vibrating.

– M.C. As Accurate As I Wanna Be

New features in 4.08 include one-button optimization of gains and filters, interface improvements for working with 1D and 2D plots, and A3200 fieldbus variable data collection.

The following summary of new features is only for this release of Aerotech software and may not represent the latest version. Please visit the Software Downloads page on the Aerotech website to access the complete Release Notes and to download the latest version of the software.

New in Version 4.08.000

A3200

• Click the Optimize button to easily optimize gain and filter values based on data from a Loop Transmission plot.
• Easily change between 1D and 2D plots by using the Toggle Plot Dimensions button.
• Pan 2D plots either by using the Pan button in Digital Scope or by using your middle mouse button.
• Data collection includes information about Fieldbus connections that are defined in your active parameter file.
• Added MotionPAC function blocks that convert status word values into individual bits for you to use in your programs.
• Optimize the timing of the feedforward gains relative to the motion profile by using the FeedforwardAdvance parameter.
• Find out how long it has been since the last controller reset by using the Time Since Reset data collection item.
• Distance Logging logs to a file the total distance that a motor has traveled.
• Delay compensation on the Resolute encoder interface makes it possible for you to use longer feedback cables.
• Added LabVIEW VIs to use with Piezo nanopositioners.

Ensemble and Soloist

• Support for Windows 8.1.
• Click the Optimize button to easily optimize gain and filter values based on data from a Loop Transmission plot.
• Easily change between 1D and 2D plots by using the Toggle Plot Dimensions button.
• Pan 2D plots either by using the Pan button in Digital Scope to or by using your middle mouse button.
• Find out how long it has been since the last controller reset by using the Time Since Reset data collection item.
• Increased the limit of the hardware counter on the control board to 85 seconds. Use the QUERYTIMEBIT function to read the counter.
• Program in the new Matlab interface.
• Added LabVIEW VIs to use with Piezo nanopositioners (Ensemble only).
• Added DATAACQ and PSO features to the Ensemble QLAB.

Building the best motion system for your needs can be a real challenge. But there are a few key things to consider when designing a system that will ensure you have the best motion system for your application.

1. Stiffness

First thing’s first. How stiff is your system? The primary cause of poor motion control is that your system is not stiff enough. Most engineers learned to meet the desired technical specifications while using the minimum amount of material to keep costs down. This leads to a beautifully optimized design for commodity products, but if your production requires a hefty duty-cycle and high precision, you need to consider other things.

One thing our engineers have learned is that a stress analysis is hardly ever necessary when designing a robust motion control system. In our designs we’re not talking about a typical factor of safety of two… it’s more like TEN to get a “stiff” system. This may sound ridiculous, but we hardly ever look at failure due to structural issues because we are focused on extracting the most motion potential out of the system, which requires a very stiff system.

If you don’t know how to preload a system, then you don’t have the right mindset. If you want the system to be able to handle disturbances, you are going to need a very tight system.

2. Tolerance

The next most common motion control system design problem is tolerances. If you think you can go to any machine shop and get the tolerances you need… then think again. The tolerances you need exceed what an average machine shop can give you. You will need a very talented machinist and world-class machines to get the tight tolerances you need.

“Which tolerances?” you ask.

Well, there are hole dimensions and straight and flat surfaces. Even the tiniest bit of slop in your system will create major problems later on. While it may seem expensive to get the precision your application calls for, it will be far more expensive to waste time and money on parts that won’t ultimately meet your specs.

3. Dynamics

Did you have a professor that jumped up and down during Dynamics 101 to emphasize a point? Well, I did, and guess what I remember? Dynamic forces are always greater than static forces. When bridges fail, the reason is not that the static load is exceeded, but rather that the dynamic load is exceeded and the system isn’t designed to handle a frequency that it eventually faces, like wind exciting the bridge at a resonant frequency (or people – like my professor – jumping up and down on the bridge).

4. Repeatability

We’ve all heard the adage, “If you want to succeed, try, try again.” But if a machine or motion system is trying and trying again to get to the same point repeatedly and failing… then you have a problem. You need to consider a system that will move back to the same location again and again and again every time.

Consider the things that cause differences in different directions. This could be the bearing design or errors in the surface, among other things. If your system deviates in some way, and you are not using precision bearings like recirculating ball bearings or air bearings, then your machine will not get back to the same location each time.

5. Thermal Expansion

It’s getting HOT in here. Did you consider the environment in which you will be using this system? Or did you consider how the machine will heat up with a high duty-cycle?

Thermal expansion plays a role in designing a motion control system. If you designed the system for room temperature, but your machine consistently goes beyond that, you could end up with more error than you thought you would. Remember that heat generally makes things expand, so it is important to consider the environment in your design.

6. Controls

Lastly and most importantly is how you handle errors when you get them. You may be able to design a tolerably stiff, dynamic, repeatable, and thermally stable system, but you will inevitably fail to get your system to move the way you want if you aren’t using the correct controls. If you have a feedback control like PID, a very popular algorithm, you will be able to move the system to a point and the system will automatically adjust itself until it actually reaches this point.

Maybe you can get away with designing a PID control for your system, but if you are trying to achieve the lowest total cost of ownership, you will fail without advanced controls. By the time you manage to develop these tools, you will have equivalently earned your PhD in Control Design. On top of that, you will still need to learn how to tune your system.

A finely tuned system will give you the ultimate advantage. Easy-to-use, yet powerful control tools can help you get there.

Some of Aerotech’s control tools will make your mouth water. Like tuning with Autotune – just press a button and the system determines the correct gains for you. Or optimize even more with a bode plot, a phase and gain plot that allows you to use simple up and down buttons for more phase and gain margin (more stability in the system and more ability to reject disturbances), or automatically fit filters wherever you want.

Even more tempting are advanced controls like Harmonic Cancellation, Command Shaping, Enhanced Tracking Control, and Iterative Learning Control that will take you from novice to (looking like) an expert in tuning in under an hour. Look for controls that will make YOU look good without all of the effort.

New features in 4.09 include Infinite Field of View and galvo calibration improvements on A3200 and better controller trajectories on the Ensemble and Soloist.

The following summary of new features is only for this release of Aerotech software and may not represent the latest version. Please visit the Software Downloads page on the Aerotech website to access the complete Release Notes and to download the latest version of the software.

New in Version 4.09.000

A3200

• The location of OGM files can be setup from within Configuration Manager or Motion Composer.  This capability allows the user to store program files in a read-only folder.
• Added PSOANALOG features to the Ndrive HLe, HPe, and FLS and the Nmark CLS.
• Reduced download times for galvo calibration files and increased the table size to 257×257.
• 2D galvo calibration files download faster.
• Infinite Field of View (IFOV) is infinitely easier to configure and works with any motion profile— without you having to optimize your AeroBasic program.
• With the improved FILEREADARRAYBINARY AeroBasic command the controller can read different data types. And, the controller stops the task when an error occurs. The old syntax will compile and run, but it is no longer documented.
• Use the FILESIZE function to retrieve the size of a file in bytes from AeroBasic.

Ensemble and Soloist

• Use the FeedforwardAdvance parameter to specify the time by which the velocity and acceleration feedforward contributions to the output of the servo loop are advanced by the controller.
• Command shaping is applied at the servo rate instead of 1 kilohertz.
• See your controller trajectories improve because the controller uses analytically computed velocity to produce more accurate positions.
• The firmware loads faster.
• You can specify if axes will move out of an end-of-travel or software limit fault condition when you acknowledge the fault by using the FaultAckMoveOutOfLimit system parameter.

Because Microsoft has ended support for Windows^® XP,  Aerotech will end support for Windows XP with our December release. Here is a quick summary of what is required to migrate to Windows^® 7.

Migration Directions for Soloist and Ensemble Users: 

Install the latest copy of controller suite on your Windows^® 7 PC. Upgrade the firmware on your Soloist/Ensemble hardware. Copy your programs and parameter files to the new installation. The parameter file will be converted to be compatible with the current version. Download programs and parameters and begin running as usual.

If migrating from a version 2.x then some of the AeroBasic™ commands have changed and the .NET library class names have changed. Programs will need to be updated to reflect the new names. For .NET users, all dll’s have changed and all custom applications will need to be rewritten using these new dll’s.

The controller hardware will work with V4.xx and V5.xx and will not need to be upgraded.

Migration Directions for Automation 3200 Users: 

Software: If you are using V3.xx, use A3200 version 4.xx or 5.xx for Win 7 (32 or 64 bit). Install this version on your new PC with Windows^® 7. The computer must have at least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB for 64 bit OS) and an Intel i3/i5/i7 type processor. If you are using V2.xx, then we need to know the serial number to be sure that we configure the new software with all the modules you currently use – specifically, LabVIEW^® and CNC are optional modules.

Hardware: The drive compatibility must be considered when migrating to the newest releases.

• Any NCdrive, Ndrive CP Rev-, Ndrive HP, Ndrive HL, Ndrive xxB, or Npaq bought before May 2007 will need to be upgraded or replaced.
• NCdrive and Ndrive CP Rev- will be replaced with an Ndrive CP, latest revision.
• Ndrive HP and Ndrive HL will be replaced with an Ndrive HPe and Ndrive HLe, respectively.
• Ndrive xxB will be replaced with an Ndrive HPe.
• Npaq will need updated with a new control board. We can supply an AeroBasic™ program to determine if a Rev A Npaq is compatible with V4 software, or if the control board will need updated.

Parameters: Parameter files will be updated by the new software suite. When the original parameter file is opened with the Configuration Manager, it will get updated to the new version. Any Ethernet based IO parameter settings will need to be updated manually and remapped in the Fieldbus section.

Programming (AeroBasic™): Some AeroBasic™ commands have been renamed – specifically the status commands have been changed. Also, the $RIAction has been eliminated. Aerotech can offer aid in updating programs at a cost. G-code programs should not need updated, as those are mainly the same.

Programming (Libraries): All dll’s have been rewritten in V4.xx in the .NET language. All custom applications will need to be rewritten using these new dll’s.

If you have any further questions, please contact your Aerotech Sales Application Engineer or Aerotech’s Global Technical Support.

Aerotech’s new piezo nanopositioning stages are now supported on A3200 and Ensemble controllers. New features in 5.01 include Easytune to get you started faster, improved trajectory generation, a parameter search feature in Configuration Manager, and an enhanced Axis Parameter Calculator. The 5.01 version does not support Windows XP or Windows Vista.

The following summary of new features is only for this release of Aerotech software and may not represent the latest version. Please visit the Software Downloads page on the Aerotech website to access the complete Release Notes and to download the latest version of the software.

New in Version 5.01.000

A3200

• Piezo nanopositioning stage support.
• EasyTune automatically tunes and optimizes an axis. Use EasyTune to stabilize an axis or optimize performance.
• Axis Parameter Calculator is completely redesigned. New features include:
  • Enhanced motor and stage selection
  • Ability to select feedback option by name
  • Bus voltage options for Npaq amplifiers
  • Galvo scanner configuration
  • Piezo stage configuration
• Easily search for parameters in Configuration Manager! When it finds the parameter, it selects the category in Network Explorer and highlights the parameter in the Viewer pane.
• Improved trajectory generation in Motion Designer. New features include:
  • Sub-millisecond sample times for trajectories
  • Improved generation of triangle wave trajectories
  • Asymmetric triangle waves
  • Move Delay trajectory type which delays motion while at zero velocity
• One-time activation is required when you install the software.
• Windows XP is no longer supported.
• LabVIEW 2010 is the minimum supported version.
• Nmark VCT and Nmark GRC are no longer supported. They were replaced with the SSaM and CLS versions of Nmark.
• For Rev A Nmark CLS, the maximum DATAACQ capture rate increased to 128,000 samples.
• Calculate Enhanced Tracking Control parameters in Digital Scope.
• 1D calibration files now store the value of the AbsoluteFeedbackOffset parameter.
• Matlab Library now includes parameter file management APIs.
• C Library now includes parameter file management APIs.
• In libraries, you can configure data collection to sample based on changes in conditions. Also,  DataCollectionConfiguration.CollectionPeriod is obsolete, use DataCollectionConfiguration.SampleTrigger instead.
• The DefaultWaitMode parameter now has a setting for WAIT MODE AUTO, which is the new default of the parameter.
• Enhanced Galvo commands and Galvo conditional plotting signals.
• Use the new MOVEDELAY command to command a motion delay of less than 1 millisecond. The delay synchronizes with BEZIER, CCW, CW, GALVO LASEROVERRIDE ON/OFF, LINEAR, and RAPID commands.
• Reduced latency for BEZIER, CCW, CW, LINEAR, PT, PVT, and RAPID commands.
• Specify a timeout value for the CRITICAL START command in your AeroBasic program.
• For Bezier curves, you can specify a different tolerance for each curve and you can use BEZIER commands in a buffered run program.
• Decrease the rate of quadrature output by using the new ENCODER OUT DIVIDER command.
• For Npaq, average more than two encoder inputs to generate the position feedback
• Enhanced Signal Log functionality.
• Bug fixes for camming. If you used camming in AeroBasic programs and MotionPAC projects, you must update and recompile these projects.
• Improved error reporting for gantry configurations.

Ensemble and Soloist

• Piezo nanopositioning stage support on Ensemble.
• EasyTune automatically tunes and optimizes an axis. Use EasyTune to stabilize an axis or optimize performance.
• Axis Parameter Calculator is completely redesigned. New features include:
  • Enhanced motor and stage selection
  • Support for encoders
  • Bus voltage options for Npaq amplifiers
  • Galvo scanner configuration
  • Piezo stage configuration
• Easily search for parameters in Configuration Manager! When it finds the parameter, it selects the category in Network Explorer and highlights the parameter in the Viewer pane.
• Improved trajectory generation in Motion Designer. New features include:
  • Sub-millisecond sample times for trajectories
  • Improved generation of triangle wave trajectories
  • Asymmetric triangle waves
  • Move Delay trajectory type which delays motion while at zero velocity
• Use Trajectory Tables to implement and run trajectory at the servo rate.
• Calculate Enhanced Tracking Control parameters in Digital Scope.
• LabVIEW 2010 is the minimum supported version. All previous versions are no longer supported.
• Windows XP and Windows Vista are no longer supported.
• You can customize the touchscreen display of Ensemble LAB and QLAB.
• Matlab Library now includes parameter file management APIs.
• 1D calibration files now store the value of the AbsoluteFeedbackOffset parameter.
• 1D and 2D calibration applies fractional numbers instead of integers.
• Faster loading of AeroBasic programs to the controller.
• You can specify Linear or Sinusoidal ramping for MOVEINC and MOVEABS commands by using the DefaultRampType parameter.

New features in 5.02 include easier setup with FlashConfig and improved EasyTune and Calculator functionality. The 5.02 version of A3200 supports Windows 8.1 and has an upgraded real-time operating system. Support for Sensor Fusion was removed.

The following summary of new features is only for this release of Aerotech software and may not represent the latest version. Please visit the Software Downloads page on the Aerotech website to access the complete Release Notes and to download the latest version of the software.

New in Version 5.02.000

A3200

• Added support for Windows 8.1.
• The installation automatically upgrades your INtime real-time operating system to version 6.0.
• With FlashConfig, you can easily transfer calculator, parameter, and calibration data from a FlashConfig stage to your controller.
• Axis Parameter Calculator has even more new features.
  • You can calculate default speeds and ramp rates.
  • Added support for non-direct drive stages.
  • Added support for dual motor linear stages.
• Use EasyTune to calculate gains and filters for axes configured in dual-loop mode.
• Easily compare parameters with the improved Parameter Comparison dialog.
• Set the HomeType parameter to “Home at Current Position Absolute” and the axes will home automatically when they are enabled.
• Removed support for Sensor Fusion.

Ensemble and Soloist

• Use the new Ensemble FlashConfig interface to work with data stored on FlashConfig stages, now including calibration data.
• Convert Ensemble binary calibration files (.cx1/.cx2) to text format calibration files (.cal).
• Axis Parameter Calculator has even more new features.
  • You can calculate default speeds and ramp rates.
  • Added support for non-direct drive stages.
  • Added support for dual motor linear stages.
• Use EasyTune to calculate gains and filters for axes configured in dual-loop mode.
• Easily compare parameters with the improved Parameter Comparison dialog.  

New features in 5.03 include compensating for motor wiring problems, improved dual-loop mode configuration, and support for Windows 10.

New in Version 5.03.000

A3200

• Added support for Windows 10.
• On the Ndrive QL and Ndrive QLe, the following features update at the 24 kHz servo rate.
  • ANALOG TRACK
  • ANALOG CONTROL
  • AUTOFOCUS
• If you are using an AC Brushless motor, you can use the new Motor Phasing Calculator to compensate for problems with the motor wiring. The calculator calculates the correct values for the CommutationOffset, FeedbackSetup, and ServoSetup parameters.
• Configure dual-loop feedback in the Axis Parameter Calculator.
• The Feedback Tuning tab of Digital Scope supports optimization of the two feedback devices for dual-loop axes.
• Removed support for Ndrive CL.

Ensemble and Soloist

• Added support for Windows 10.
• If you are using an AC Brushless motor, you can use the new Motor Phasing Calculator to compensate for problems with the motor wiring. The calculator calculates the correct values for the CommutationOffset, FeedbackSetup, and ServoSetup parameters.
• Configure dual-loop feedback in the Axis Parameter Calculator.
• For Ensemble, the Feedback Tuning tab of Digital Scope supports optimization of the two feedback devices for dual-loop axes.
• Removed support for Windows 8.0. The software still supports Windows 8.1.
• Removed support for CL drive type.  

New features in 5.04 include support for the new Nmark GCL, the Catalog Manager, and EasyTune improvements. See the product release notes for details and a complete list of updates.

A3200

• Added support for Nmark GCL.
• Added the Catalog Manager so that you can keep a catalog of the specifications of non-standard Aerotech stages and motors that you use in your system. Use and reuse the catalog information when you use the Axis Parameter Calculator to configure axes.
• Easier controller setup with motors that do not have Hall-effect sensors.
• Improved EasyTune to identify axes that have low-frequency mechanical resonances.

Ensemble and Soloist

• Added the Catalog Manager so that you can keep a catalog of the specifications of non-standard Aerotech stages and motors that you use in your system. Use and reuse the catalog information when you use the Axis Parameter Calculator to configure axes.
• Easier controller setup with motors that do not have Hall-effect sensors.
• Improved EasyTune to identify axes that have low-frequency mechanical resonances.z

New features in 5.05 include the ability to apply projective transformations, ThermoComp support, and Catalog Manager improvements. See the product release notes for details and a complete list of updates.

A3200

• Added the ability to select which items to export from the Custom Mechanics Catalog Manager.
• Now you can apply projective transformations to a galvo scanner that is connected to an Nmark GCL. In AeroBasic, simply use the GALVO PROJECTION command.
• If you have an Aerotech stage with the new ThermoComp™ feature, you can use your A3200 software to configure and apply automatic temperature compensation to your stage.

Ensemble and Soloist

• Added the ability to select which items to export from the Custom Mechanics Catalog Manager.