Soft Servo Systems now offers its general motion control and CNC products with the popular and proven EtherCAT interface system (visit: http://www.softservo.com/EtherCAT.php?catID=2&subID=11): a fast, vendor-independent, Ethernet-based realtime network for servo and I/O communications that works with CANopen over EtherCAT (CoE) servo drives and I/O devices.
With this system, RJ45 Ethernet cables are plugged directly into the Ethernet port on the PC, and servo drives are connected in a simple, single-line daisy-chain – no hardware is required, not even a terminator. Up to 32 servo drives (plus additional I/O stations) can be integrated in one network.
The EtherCAT interface system is fast, with an interpolation rate of 0.5 ms. There are no delays in gateways, and there are no underlying sub-systems. Its simplified configuration and standard cabling, as well as the elimination of adapter cards, switches and hubs, make this a very economical system, both in terms of initial cost and in terms of maintenance.
Corporate Profile
Soft Servo Systems, the leading provider of PC-based motion control products, was founded in February 1998 by MIT professionals with funding from private investors.
Soft Servo Systems was among the first to develop a truly PC-based servo controller in which a single, powerful host computer, combined with FPGA technology, performs all real-time servo control operations. Our products integrate and leverage this servo control with the most advanced information and communication technologies. In addition to handling feedback loops, multi-axis coordination and NC path generation, the computer also provides the graphical user interface, data processing, plant monitoring, network communication, file management, and more.
Soft Servo Systems’ soft motion and soft CNC products are based on our unique and proprietary software technology that fully exploits the ever-improving CPUs in personal computers to give customers superior CNC/motion control performance. Soft motion technology eliminates the need for a motion control coprocessor card. The multi-axis servo loops are entirely closed in the CPU and provide extremely fast and accurate motion control. The end result is a highly flexible, low cost control system, with exceptional features that traditional PC-based controllers (still requiring motion control boards) cannot provide.
Soft Servo Systems’ CNC and general motion control products run on Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows XPe, with a real-time kernel. The open architecture of our core soft motion technology minimizes hardware, connections, and setup requirements, thereby maximizing scalability and customizability for CNC and motion control systems.
Soft Servo Systems, Inc. offers high-performing, innovative, and affordable motion control solutions to high-volume OEMs in the machine tool, factory automation and general motion control industries. Let Soft Servo Systems’ PC-based motion control help you to achieve the ultimate flexibility and intelligence in building your CNC or motion control system.