Design Features

Introduction

Aerotech’s Soloist® linear series are single-axis servo controllers that combine 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, C, and LabVIEW®, combined with our full IDE and multitasking operating system. Host-mode operation allows you to send commands with your PC via Ethernet for immediate execution.

The Soloist ML, 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 linear series.

The Soloist ML provides a very small package linear power stage for high position-accuracy applications.

Motion Composer, the common integrated development environment for all Aerotech controllers, provides users with Windows®-based software with powerful diagnostic, debug, 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

The 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 of the Soloist. The Soloist easily handles complex functions such as output-on-the-fly and velocity profiling.

Specifications

Soloist ML Specifications

Soloist MLUnits
Motor Style
Brush, Brushless, Stepper, Voice Coil
Motor SupplyVDC±40 max
Control Supply(1)VDC18-36 VDC
Bus Voltage(2)VDC±40
Peak Output Current (1 sec)(3,4)Apk10
Continuous Output Current(3,4)Apk5
Digital Inputs
N/A
Digital Outputs
N/A
Analog Inputs
One 16-bit Differential; ±10 V
Analog Outputs
N/A
Dedicated Axis I/O on Feedback Connector
Three Limit Inputs (CW, CCW, Home); Three Hall Effect Inputs (A, B, C); Three High-Speed differential Inputs (sin, cos, mkr for encoder); Motor Over-Temperature Input
Dedicated I/O on Auxiliary Feedback Connector
sin, cos, mkr for Aux Enc; Aux Enc can be used for PSO Output
I/O Expansion Board(5)
8/8 Digital Opto-Isolated; 1 Analog In (±10 V, 16-bit Differential); 1 Analog Out (±5 V, 16-bit)
High Speed Data Capture
Yes (50 ns Latency)
Automatic Brake Control
Optional
Emergency Stop Sense Input (ESTOP)(6)
Standard; 24 V Opto-Isolated
Position Synchronized Output (PSO)
Single Axis Only
Can Output Multiplied Encoder
Yes (MXH Only)
Can Output Square Wave Encoder
Yes
Primary Encoder Input Frequency
32 MHz Square Wave Standard; 2 MHz Sine Wave (MXU or MXH)
Secondary Encoder Input Frequency
32 MHz Square Wave
Encoder Multiplication
Up to x4096 (MXU); Up to x65536 with Quadrature Output (MXH)
Resolver Interface
N/A
Internal Shunt Resistor
N/A
External Shunt
N/A
Ethernet
Yes
USB
No
RS-232
Yes
FireWire
No
Fieldbus
Modbus TCP; Ethernet/IP
Current Loop Update RatekHz20
Servo Loop Update RatekHz10
Power Amplifier BandwidthkHzSelectable Through Software
Minimum Load InductancemH0
Operating Temperature°C0 to 50
Storage Temperature°C-30 to 85
Weightkg1.0
Standards
CE approved, NRTL safety certification, 2011/65/EU RoHS 2 Directive

  1. "Keep Alive" supply.

  2. Output voltage is load dependent.

  3. Peak value of the sine wave; rms current for AC motors is 0.707 * A pk.

  4. Load dependent.

  5. Requires I/O option.

  6. Requires external relay to remove motor supply power.

Dimensions

Ordering Information

Please go here for ordering information.