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KINGSTAR Soft Motion provides all the benefits of a software solution to motion control in an automatically configured EtherCAT environment with “plug-and-play” compatibility. With the highest quality and performance of pre-integrated and pre-tested motion libraries, KINGSTAR delivers motion control at half the cost of traditional hardware platforms. Deliver Software-Only Motion Control and Positioning Systems Quickly and Affordably KINGSTAR Soft Motion is an open and standards-based, software-only solution that streamlines motor control and automation. Soft Motion runs directly on the PC, uses the NIC card for I/O, and uses the powerful EtherCAT protocol to free you from the shackles of proprietary and costly hardware. With Soft Motion, motion control engineers can design, develop and integrate PC-based machine controllers in a “plug-and-play” environment for consolidated, inexpensive and scalable motion and vision control.
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6 Ways that PC-Based Motion Control Outperforms Hardware
POSTED 03/09/2017 | By: Dipesh Mukerji, Vice President Marketing & Strategy
PC-based motion control solutions deliver 6 main advantages:
1. Cost reduction. The cost of installing software is much lower than purchasing traditional hardware required, such as multiple DSP & FPGA boards and wiring cables. This reduces the overall cost of acquisition as well the maintenance cost of the system after it is in place.
2. Improved control and performance. Traditional hardware models require a great deal of maintenance and upkeep. With software-based motion control, no hardware needs to be purchased and all that is necessary is a PC and Ethernet cables. Once installed, PC-based motion control takes over the responsibilities of the traditional hardware for greater control, performance, and ease of use.
3. Reduced programming time. Because PC-based motion control solutions are compatible with most applicable devices, little or no customization is required to ensure the system performs to your standards. The software solution also provides open support for different programming languages such as C++ and .NET, which makes upgrades and customization processes much easier.
4. Enhanced maintenance. Software maintenance is much easier than hardware. With PC-based back-up, reloading the system takes only a few minutes compared to hardware solutions that may require specialized attention.
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5. Greater data availability. Soft motion control systems store all data in the same location. Traditional hardware solutions may leave data in some of the devices, making it difficult to access, especially when it’s urgent. The chances of misplacing or losing such information held in hardware devices is much higher when compared to software.
6. Reduced complexity. Navigating through different devices and applications is a complex process. PC-based motion control simplifies this process by an entire system that incorporates motion control, machine vision, real-time application processing (RTOS) and EtherCAT protocol commands all integrated into one system at the tip of your fingers, thereby, improving access and operations with ease.
With these advantages, it is clear that software-based motion control outperforms the traditional hardware approach on multiple dimensions.