Trio Motion Technology has introduced the initial controllers from its new Motion-PLC series, aimed at delivering enhanced motion control capability along with the ease of use of a PLC. The latest controller class merges high-performance motion control via EtherCAT with logic and I/O expansion, facilitating quicker, more straightforward machine development.
The initial models in the lineup, now ready for order, include the MCS 30, MCS 40, and MCS 50 Flexible Machine Controllers. The trio of controllers adjusts machine and motion needs for up to eight axes via high-speed EtherCAT.
The controllers include as many as two Ethernet ports with fieldbus compatibility for HMI and upstream devices, such as Modbus TCP, PROFINET I/O, and Ethernet I/P, along with comprehensive I/O integration to enhance machine connectivity.
The initial controllers in Trio’s Motion-PLC line address the machine and motion control needs for independent machines and sub-machines in applications like pick-and-place, gantries, adhesive application, and flying shear.
The MCS 40 and MCS 50 have a multitasking OS that simultaneously executes motion and logic control. The motion control functionality is established on Trio’s Motion-iX motion engine, which is founded on over 30 years of development. Motion-iX offers a range of pre-set features that streamline development, encompassing everything from point-to-point movements to intricate motion sequences
To make access to Trio’s motion specialisation even easier, Motion-PLC can be programmed in familiar PLC languages that follow the IEC 61131-3 standard, and the controllers also include a PLCopen motion library. With the MCS 40 and MCS 50 controllers, developers also have access to TrioBASIC, Trio’s high-level, English-based motion programming language. Trio provides a licence-free approach, and access to the Motion Perfect software for programming and commissioning is also free of charge, significantly reducing the cost of machine development.
Extending device integration, the Motion-PLC controllers can integrate ‘click in’ I/O slices via the MS-Bus interface, Trio’s local communication protocol that provides high efficiency and throughput of data. The controllers can support up to 16 of Trio’s new MS I/O slices, including any combination of digital or analogue inputs or outputs. I/O can be optionally increased to achieve 1024 digital ports and 128 analogue ports through Trio’s new MS EC I/O coupler that provides a bridge between EtherCAT and the MS-Bus system.
To optimise installation and ensure a compact footprint, whether machine- or cabinet-mounted, the first controllers in Trio’s Motion-PLC range measure just 100mm high, 75mm deep, and 23mm wide.
The MCS 30, MCS 40, and MCS 50 will be joined by additional models in the Motion-PLC range that increase the scale of control to manage larger stand-alone machines. Designated All-in-One Controllers, the ultimate devices in the Motion-PLC range will add a Serial Port, a Flexible Axis Port, plus NPN or PNP On-board I/O.
The Motion-PLC controllers can be combined with Trio’s servo drives & motors and HMI to create a fully integrated, motion-first machine automation solution. Trio’s products are also supported around the world.
“Motion-PLC simplifies machine development,” says Trio President, Tom Alexander. “This makes machines faster to design, install, and commission, while for end users, it makes machines easier to use, and it also increases reliability. Crucially, these advantages are supported by Trio’s motion control specialisation, and highly capable logic control.”