ECM 3.1 Motion Controller
Next-Generation Control for SmarAct Multi-Axis Systems
The SmarAct ECM 3.1 motion controller is the next generation of the ECM product line. It enables precise control of one or more SmarAct motion systems such as SmarPods, TriPods and SmarGons.
The new ECM can move supported motion systems along interpolated paths instead of relying only on point-to-point motion. This allows the complete motion path to be controlled with small deviations from the ideal trajectory.
| ECM3 rack module | |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | MCS2 rack housing |
| Space Required | Two rack housing slots |
| Power Supply | 12V or 48V |
| Controllable Systems | 127 |
| Positioner Compatibility | SmarPod, TriPod, TiltStage |
| PC Interface | Ethernet and RS232 |
| MCS2 Interface | Ethernet, EtherCAT® and USB |
| Display | LCD display for configuration and status monitoring |
Cyclic Control and Movement Paths
The key new feature of ECM 3.1 is cyclic control with path interpolation. In contrast to point-to-point control, where only the target pose of a movement is calculated, cyclic control continuously calculates incremental position updates for each axis.
The ECM 3.1 interpolates the defined movement path and transfers the calculated support points to the connected MCS2 controllers at a fixed cycle rate.
Application software can define paths as a combination of basic path segments such as linear segments, arcs and Bézier curves. This allows applications to define complex curved movements in pose coordinates and to control how a system moves between start and target position.
Together, these features enable true motion control, so the system follows the full trajectory with only minimal deviations from the ideal path.
With cyclic control, ECM 3.1 extends SmarAct motion systems from precise target positioning to precise trajectory-based movement.
Precision Solutions, Engineered Together
Every precision motion system comes with its own trajectory, system architecture and integration requirements. SmarAct works closely with you to evaluate your motion concept, define the right controller setup and support the integration of ECM 3.1 into your MCS2-based system architecture.
Whether your application requires interpolated path control, stable pivot-point rotations, synchronized multi-axis motion or integration into an existing MCS2-based setup, SmarAct supports you from the first motion concept to final system integration.
Advanced Controller Architecture
The ECM 3.1 provides a significantly extended feature set compared to previous ECM models. It supports cyclic control for MCS2 controllers with EtherCAT® interface and continues to support classic point-to-point control for MCS2 controllers with USB or Ethernet interface.
For cyclic control, the ECM 3.1 uses two dedicated control network ports to communicate with MCS2 controllers. These ports support EtherCAT® communication with MCS2 controllers equipped with an EtherCAT® interface. Alternatively, each port can be configured individually for Ethernet communication with MCS2 controllers using an Ethernet interface.
A Ethernet port is available for control and configuration from a host computer. The controller also provides an RS-232 port for serial communication and two USB ports for data upload, data download and communication with MCS2 controllers equipped with a USB interface.
Key Features
The ECM 3.1 brings together the core functions required for advanced SmarAct multi-axis motion control in one rack module.
- Cyclic control with path interpolation via MCS2 controllers with EtherCAT® interface
- Classic point-to-point control via MCS2 controllers with USB or Ethernet interface
- Multi-system motion control for several SmarAct motion systems
- Dedicated control ports, 1 Gbit host communication, RS-232 and USB
- Configurable digital I/O pins for triggering and synchronization
- SmarActMC-based programming with support for configuration files
- Support for system calibration and the SmarAct SCoPE application
Software Integration and System Functions
The ECM 3.1 is based on the SmarActMC motion control platform. Most of the SmarActMC API is available via the ECM API, allowing supported motion systems to be configured and controlled through a modern programming interface.
SmarActMC configuration files can be uploaded to support different motion system models and future system configurations. System calibration can further improve movement accuracy. SmarGon calibration is already supported, with support for additional motion products planned.
The ECM 3.1 also supports direct control via SCoPE and the SmarAct Motion Control application with or without the SmarAct Hand Controller.
Digital I/O for Triggering and Synchronization
For integration with external equipment, the ECM 3.1 includes 8 configurable digital I/O pins. Each pin can be configured as input or output, with a selectable voltage level of 3.3 V or 5 V.
The digital I/O hardware is integrated in ECM 3.1. Full user-configurable event mapping will be extended in a future firmware update.
Variants and Technical Information
The ECM 3.1 is available as a 12 V rack module, ECM-MOD-0003, and as a 48 V rack module, ECM-MOD-0004. Both variants are designed for integration into SmarAct MCS2 rack systems.
The ECM 3.1 documentation covers installation, hardware handling, interface configuration, motion-system configuration and programming.
The firmware for ECM 3.1 cannot be installed on ECM 3.0 or older controllers. Firmware for ECM 3.0 and older controllers cannot be installed on ECM 3.1.
