Generation III Motion Controller

Note: While the GEN3 family is still fully supported, we recommend using SMLC Motion Controllers for new applications.

GEN3 is a family of integrated, multi-axis motion controllers that was first introduced more than 15 years ago, and is still fully supported.  Repeats of machines that use the GEN3 Motion Controller are still being produced, without the necessity of additional engineering time to convert to a new motion controller architecture.

Key Features

• Multi-Processor Architecture
• MotionBasic programming environment
• DSP Performance
• PC-AT Style Backplane
• User program storage
• Memory Disks
• Extended Machine I/O - connecting to Wago or other I/O
• DSP Axis Modules up to 2 axis per module 
• Communications Ports
• System Diagnostics

Generation III Motion Controller Family

The GEN3 Model 20 and Model 40 controllers feature the MotionBASIC programming language, and are designed to meet the needs of particular applications. GEN3s are used in a wide range of industrial markets including packaging, converting, labeling, web & material handling, medical, pharmaceutical, as well as general assembly and winding.

Multi-Processor Architecture:

By tightly interfacing the controllers main processor with high-speed digital signal processor(s) on the DSP Axis Modules, GEN3 offers unsurpassed motion performance. A shared memory interface, utilizing dual port RAM, guarantees the fastest possible inter-processor communications.

DSP Performance:

In addition to the DSP's ability to insure superlative closed loop operation, GEN3 features MotionDATA—a direct DSP-to-DSP link for electronic gearing and multi-axis synchronization applications.

PC-AT Style Backplane:

GEN3's open architecture allows you to plug-in DSP Axis Modules (1 1/2 or 2-axis versions) — plus standard network, video and serial cards. ORMEC's optional adapters are also fully integrated into the MotionBASIC software environment.

User program storage:

On-board lithium battery backed CMOS static RAM is adequate for most applications.

Memory Disks:

If your application requires additional memory, PCMCIA-standard memory disk (Flash PROM or Static RAM) technology currently provides up to 4 Mbytes of additional solid-state memory. Removable credit card-sized modules simplify field installation and maintenance of motion programs and product recipes.

MotionCARDs:

MotionBASIC language extensions for specialized application add-ins such as standard PLC network communications can be installed in the internal MotionCARD slot.

Machine I/O:

All GEN3 motion controllers include 16 discrete I/O points compatible with Opto-22 style modules. They are accessed at pluggable terminal blocks and are individually software-configurable as inputs or outputs. Inputs can be configured as latches—allowing them to capture high speed sensor signals—and may also be used to interrupt program operation. All analog and digital I/O are accessed by MotionBASIC as pre-defined arrayed variables.

Extended Machine I/O:

GEN3's optional Extended I/O Interface includes 24 TTL-level I/O points at a 50-pin Opto-22 compatible connector. These I/O points are configurable as inputs or outputs, or this connector may be used to access 512 analog or digital I/O points using Opto-22's Pamux standard.

DSP Axis Modules:

Each DSP Axis Module interfaces two servos, or a pacer encoder and a servo, and provides full fault diagnostics including open wire detection, servo alarm codes, and watchdog timer interlocks.

DSP Axis Module I/O:

Each DSP Axis Module also provides two high-speed sensor inputs, six programmable limit switch outputs and four optional 12-bit analog inputs—as well as software and hardware overtravel limits.

Motor/Drive Interface:

The servomotor/drive interface has been carefully designed — with a thorough consideration of cabling, shielding and voltage tolerances.

Communication Ports:

An RS-232 serial port is provided for program development using an IBM-PC or compatible running our MotionPRO development software. The built-in RS-422 serial port is fully supported in software to provide an elegant, inexpensive way to interface with operator keypads, compact terminals or Modbus for factory communications.

System Diagnostics:

Sixteen digital I/O LEDs and 22 diagnostic LEDs make it simple to diagnose many problems immediately without test equipment.