Re: Stepper Motor Controllers

[Mark Clift <Mark.Clift@synchrotron.org.au>]

Hi Mark,

 

We are using both Delta Tau GBLV and Galil controllers here.  In general we find both products very capable.  The Delta Tau is a more complex, and powerful machine, and is also harder to set up initially.  The Galil is easier to setup and can do most "high end" controls including: Velocity profiles, brakes, true coordinated motion, run time changeable kinematics, etc.  We require code management for the GBLV code, but not for the Galil as the code is delivered entirely by the EPICS driver at connect time.  The pulse on position feature (output compare) is more flexible on the GBLV but the Galil has this feature too.    The Pizza box from NSLSII, and Zebra box from Diamond can be used to provide pulse on position feature if the controller does not support it.

 

I would like to see further software developments for the Delta Tau, which I believe Tom Cobb at Diamond is working on (TPMAC3).  Also, others at NSLSII are working on the GBLV software.  In particular, the software requires ability to do velocity profiles.  The model 3 driver software exists, it just needs a little more development.

 

The GBLV has software programmable drives compatible with Stepper and Servo.  For the Galil, I recommend Technosoft drives which are also software programmable for stepper or servo motors.

 

http://www.technosoftmotion.com/en/

 

I've been told the Newport XPS, and OMS MaxV are capable machines.  EPICS software exists to do velocity profiles on these machines too.

 

Best wishes,

 

Mark

 

Dr. Mark Clift

Senior Controls Engineer

Australian Synchrotron

800 Blackburn Road

Clayton 3168

Ph: +613 8540 4264

Fax: +613 8540 4200

Mail: Mark.Clift@Synchrotron.org.au