The customer required precision rotary axis control in the lowest profile form factor for multiple sequential robot arm joints. Key additional requirements included minimal movement at start-up to report absolute position...
Celera Motion Case Study – Precision Rotary Axis Control
Contributed by | Celera Motion
The Challenge
The customer required precision rotary axis control in the lowest profile form factor for multiple sequential robot arm joints. Key additional requirements included minimal movement at start-up to report absolute position, and minimal signal cabling keep the overall arm size as small as possible.The Solution
A series of custom-sized PCB-based encoder modules with FPGA control and BiSS communication interfaces was developed by MicroE, each featuring two standard ChipEncoder™ readheads and a Micro Motion Absolute™ (MMA) rotary grating disk. MMA grating technology employs a standard 40 micron pitch incremental counting track, coupled with a reference track where each index is uniquely spaced. With only a small movement at start-up, multiple index marks are detected, and the measured spacing is compared to a lookup table in firmware to determine the absolute position.The Benefit
The output of the two encoders are averaged for improved rotational accuracy, and absolute position is determined at start-up with minimal axial rotation. BiSS serial communication protocol allows each successive robot joint to be connected in a daisy-chain arrangement, rather than having dedicated bus cables for each axis, which along with the small size of the ChipEncoder helps reduce the overall size of the each joint. High speed serial communication (32MHz clock, 1µsec update rate) assures high robot responsiveness to the operator’s commands.Specifications
| PCB Diameter | 20mm |
| Scale Diameter | 15mm |
| Total Module Height | 13.8mm |
| Serial Interface | BiSS C |
| Clock Rate | 32 MHz |
| Position Update Rate | 1µsec |
| Resolution | 85,280 CPR (15.2 arc-sec; 73.7µrad) |
| Cable Wire Count | 5 twisted pairs, 32AWG |
The content & opinions in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily represent the views of ManufacturingTomorrow
Comments (0)
This post does not have any comments. Be the first to leave a comment below.
Featured Product
WE SOLVE WELDING TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGES. FROM A SINGLE BATCH TO SERIES PRODUCTION
Ever since the invention of our "cold" MAG welding process Cold Metal Transfer (CMT), if not earlier, we have continuously achieved a technological edge in many welding-related areas, resulting in cutting-edge mechanized and automated welding systems. Advanced power source technology stabilizes the arc and ensures perfect welding results. Modern monitoring sensors optimize guidance of the welding torch and compensate for component tolerances. Last but not least, smart data documentation systems assist in perfecting the welding process. Collaborative systems, smart sensor technology, software solutions for data management, and offline programming including welding simulation open up profitable welding opportunities for metal processing companies starting with a single batch. That is why our robotic welding cells prove profitable not only for large companies, but also for small and medium-sized enterprises.
