Design Features

• Positioning control for brushless, DC brush-type or stepping motors

• Available in models up to 150 A peak current

• Ethernet, USB or RS-232 connectivity

• Digital current loop

• Integral shunt resistor network or optional external shunt

• Optional encoder multiplier (up to x1000)

• CE approval

• Linear amplifier (HLe, ML) for low noise, ultra-high-performance applications

• Runs brushless servo, brush, stepper or voice coil

Aerotech’s Soloist^® is a single-axis servo controller that combines a power supply, amplifier and position controller in a single package. The Soloist can control up to five tasks simultaneously, as well as handle variables and manage I/O, making it well-suited for demanding production applications. The Soloist has high-speed position latch inputs and advanced data logging capabilities, making it ideal for laboratory and test instrument applications. The advanced software architecture shortens customer development time while including support for C#, VB.Net, LabVIEW^® and MATLAB^®, combined with our full IDE and multitasking operating system. Host-mode operation allows you to send commands with your PC via Ethernet or USB for immediate execution, while Ethernet or USB also permit networked Soloists for multi-axis sequenced motion and I/O passing.

The Soloist has three PWM form factors (HPe, CP, MP). The Soloist MP offers the same advanced software as the CP but in a smaller package designed for OEMs that can supply bus power from existing power supplies. The Soloist HPe can be used for larger systems requiring up to 150 A peak current.

The Soloist has three linear-drive form factors (HLe, CL, ML) that are ideal for higher precision applications. The Soloist CL with linear power stage is available for low noise and ultra-high-performance applications. This controller is ideal for high bandwidth requirements and maintains superb linearity and zero crossover distortion. For example, applications that have many motion reversals and that require high position accuracy will benefit from using the Soloist CL. The Soloist HLe provides the same ultra-high linear amplifier performance as the CL, but also includes higher peak and continuous current output along with additional features and options. The Soloist ML provides a very small package linear power stage for high position-accuracy applications.

The IDE software shares a common theme with other Aerotech software products providing the user with a clear, easy-to-use platform. This Windows^®-based interface provides powerful diagnostic, development and analysis tools for OEMs and end-users alike.

Allen-Bradley Interface

Combine proven PLC with proven motion control for easier integration, startup and maintenance of medium- and high-end automation projects. The Aerotech EtherNet/IP™ interface enables AB PLCs (MicroLogix, CompactLogix™ or ControlLogix) to be integrated directly with the Soloist. Motion can be directly programmed in the RSLogix 5000 environment or separate programs can be written on the controller and triggered from the AB PLC. Aerotech has two interfaces: ASCII and Register. Choose the PLC, motion controller and interface that best fits your application needs.

Total Solution

Soloist controllers are fully tested and ready to run right out of the box. Aerotech can integrate the Soloist into a complete motion system, removing the burden of parameter setup and axis tuning.

Practical Power

Each series is capable of driving a wide range of motors including brushless, DC servo and microsteppers. Brushless motors are sinusoidally commutated to minimize torque ripple. Using a digital servo loop with feedforward, the Soloist tightly tracks velocity and position trajectories with virtually zero error. On-board autotuning and built-in calculators make servo tuning simple.

Variables, Math and More

With variables and math capability, one program can be used to produce a variety of parts by simply prompting the user for new application data.

Application Versatility

The Soloist has other built-in features such as axis calibration and backlash compensation, so you can maximize your machine’s accuracy and precision. The “user units” feature makes it easy to customize the Soloist to your specific machine, allowing custom units for both linear and rotary applications.

The controller is equipped with dual encoder inputs so you can tackle master-slave applications or achieve higher accuracies with dual-loop control. Precise registration-based moves are also possible because of the fast 0.1 microsecond acknowledge time. The Soloist easily handles complex functions such as output-on-the-fly and velocity profiling.

Integrated Automation Solutions Brochure

For complete information on our advanced motion controls, software, drives, and other automation solutions, please see our Integrated Motion and Machine Control Solutions brochure. You can download a pdf or order a hard-copy HERE.

Soloist Applications

The Soloist is used in a variety of high performance motion applications on the production floor and in the R&D lab. Below are a few examples of applications using the Ensemble platform.

Click the titles to view the example application.

Feed to Length

The Feed to Length application feeds material (steel, plastic, paper, and other types) through a system (draw, pinch, or nip roller) where it is processed (marked, cut, printed, and otherwise processed) at fixed distances.

Flying Cutoff

The flying cutoff is a motion control application in which material or product must be cut while in motion. This application cuts a continuously moving strip of material into predetermined lengths by accelerating a die to make a cut and then returning the die to the home position to be ready for the next cutting cycle.

Flying Shear

The flying shear is a motion control application in which material or product must be processed or cut while in motion. The flying shear controller tracks a point on the product by monitoring line speed through the auxiliary encoder input combined with high-speed inputs. Configure the software to accelerate the shear to match the speed and control the cutter or knife while maintaining line velocity and position synchronization for accurate cuts. When the process is complete, the flying shear decelerates to a stop and returns to the home position for the next cycle. The Soloist can be configured to use fixed or variable distances.

Advantages of Servo System

• Motion follows line speed so that accuracy is maintained even if line speed varies

• Electronics and software give maximum flexibility, and enable fast changeover to new lengths, speeds, and other process parameters

• Digital control provides for high throughput and accurate cuts with minimal waste.

In-line Bottle Filler

Use the Soloist for line bottle filling applications, including the following:

• Fill containers to variable volumes

• High-speed inputs regulate distance between bottles

• Synchronize the line speed, trigger fillers to open, and return to home position

• Use auxiliary encoder inputs to measure line speed, or receive commands from a second Soloist over the Ethernet

• Optionally, operator can manually control line operation and filling process

Labeling Applications

When placing labels on products, the product travels to the label machine on a conveyor. The conveyor speeds up, slows down, or even stops. Despite this inconsistency, the labeling mechanism must remain synchronized with the product conveyor.

For accurate label placement, use the Soloist as a motion controller because it responds to changes in line speed and quickly initiates corrective motion.

The Soloist synchronizes the label motor speed to the conveyor speed, acting like an electronic gearbox based on the master encoder. To accurately place the label, conveyor motion is initiated at a preset distance between products by photocell input.

Lane Diverter

The Soloist can be used in package sorting applications by using input(s) from a sensor(s) to determine package type and quickly divert the package to its correct destination.

Package Sorter

For package sorter applications, use digital inputs to detect product signals that indicate the manner in which products are to be sorted and routed to outgoing conveyors.

Rotary Index Table

The Soloist can be used as a rotary indexer with a fixed or variable index distance. You can set the Soloist to index in the same direction all the time or set it to determine the shortest path to the target position and traverse that path in the appropriate direction to maximize throughput. The accuracy and resolution of the index are dependent on the feedback transducer. With a software multiplier, the Soloist increases resolution up to 512 times.

Rotary Knife

Use the Soloist™ for rotary knife applications, including the following:

• Cut variable length pieces

• High-speed inputs register mode for cutting

• Synchronize the cutting blade to motion of the line; accelerate out of cut to move pieces forward

• Use auxiliary encoder inputs to measure line speed, or receive commands from a second Soloist™ over Ethernet

• Operator can manually control line operation and cutting process

Specifications

Soloist Specifications

Minimum PC Requirements

To install and run the Soloist software, you must have Administrative privileges for installation and your PC must have the minimum requirements.

1. Internet Explorer is not included as part of the Soloist installation. If it is not installed on your computer, you must manually install it before you continue with the Soloist installation.

Software

Motion Composer

Aerotech’s latest motion controller release (download here) focuses on ease of use for the programmer, shortens development times compared with other tools and provides the flexibility to use the tools or controller most familiar to programmers. A complete Integrated Development environment and a comprehensive .NET motion library provide classes for motion, I/O, status, and diagnostic information. Program in Visual Studio and use the .NET library, or use the Motion Composer (IDE) to develop code with English-style commands or G code. A LabVIEW^® VI library is available for NI users, while a complete C library is available for those using VB6, C++/CLI, or C. An EPICS public library is available for building distributed control systems.

Motion Composer Suite

The Motion Composer Suite includes the Motion Composer IDE, Digital Scope, Configuration Manager, Console, Status Utility and Firmware Loader. Optional modules include the Operator’s Interface, Motion Designer, Dynamic Controls Toolbox and Enhanced Throughput Module.

Key Function of Each Module

The Motion Composer is an environment for developing and debugging AeroBasic programs for controllers, and also functions as a simple operator's interface for the developer. The Motion Composer can be used to perform the following tasks:

• Write and debug programs – use breakpoint, step into, step over, colorized programming and standard program control (start, stop, pause, compile, etc.)

• Program flow control – If constructs, Looping constructs, Subroutines, Command basic motion

• Inspect diagnostic information

• Perform basic configuration

Learn more about Motion Composer Suite

Standard Motion Composer Suite Includes:

• Motion Composer

• Configuration Manager

• Digital Scope

• Console

• System Diagnostics (Status Utility)

• Firmware Loader

Optional Motion Composer Modules

• Motion Designer

• Dynamic Controls Toolbox

• Enhanced Throughput Module

• Enhanced Tracking Control

• Operator Interface

Ordering Information

Ordering Example

Ordering Options

Soloist Software

License

Controller Options

System Options

Motion Composer (MC) Options

Maintenance