Abstract
Automatic machines using motion control grow more sophisticated. Advances in electronics allow motion controllers to more accurately position motors. However the key issue in completing an automated machine is the software which manages information and control.Setup software helps configure general purpose motion control products for their particular use in a machine. Test software moves different sections of a machine in test patterns to confirm proper operation of the control system and mechanism. Application software describes the machine’s overall behavior and provides an operator interface to direct the machine. Diagnostic software studies the machine during normal operation and collects information to direct corrective action.
Because machines are physical in nature, the software that controls them needs to have a strong sense of time. This "hard-real-time" software needs to be simple to describe and construct.
A hardware/software motion controller architecture called "Motion Server" is presented which responds to these issues.
{This paper describes an architectural concept and direction that is largely realized in Douloi's Motion Server product. Motion Server specifications are found in the Motion Server data sheet. All concepts introduced in this paper are not necessarily realized in the current version of the Motion Server product}