FREE maxon technical guide: CANopen for miniature applications
maxon motor's tiny new EPOS24/2 controller is specially designed for the increasing number of engineers using CANopen networks in confined spaces. To help others considering this cost-effective approach, maxon has produced a handy technical guide, available FREE to Eureka readers.
Three variations of the maxon EPOS2 24/2 are available, suitable for driving brushed DC and brushless EC motors up to 48 watts, with digital encoders and Hall sensors as required.
Despite measuring just 50mm x 40mm, the EPOS2 24/2 offers an impressive range of control functionality, including dual loop position and speed controller.
A broad variety of modes, including position, current and velocity control make the tiny controller a flexible choice for automated systems, tools building and mechatronics, particularly where space is at a premium.
"Interpolated Position Mode" (PVT) allows very accurate, synchronous running with high dynamics, and co-ordinated multiple-axle movements, while "step/direction mode" gives incrementally controlled movement of the motor shaft, and master "encoder mode" applies the drive as electronic gearing.
Moreover, as part of maxon's second generation EPOS2 family, the controller's compatibility with CANopen according to CiA 40, is supplemented with USB and RS232 communication, including the key gateway functions USB-to-CAN and RS232-to -CAN.
Senior sales engineer Paul Williams said: "With tiny controllers as sophisticated and versatile as these, there's really no reason for engineers to go to the effort, risk and expense of making their own electronics.
"Total compatibility with maxon motors is assured, they're small enough to slot right into most systems and we can customise the size, shape or connectivity to fit. You'd need a pretty good reason not to!"
To help engineers considering the use of CAN in smaller applications, maxon has produced a handy technical guide – available free of charge to Eureka readers.
CANopen is increasingly popular as a compact, inexpensive and flexible solution.
Written by maxon's mechatronics guru Dr Marcel Honegger, the guide gives an overview of the main modes and approaches – including examples, diagrams and transmission times.
To download your free copy, visit the maxon motor uk website.
