🚀 Motion Control with Smart Drives in Modular Automation!

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A Revolutionary Step from Dunkermotoren​

Dunkermotoren is accelerating motion control applications for machine builders and OEMs by combining its QuickStart Control feature with CANopen communication. This innovative approach optimizes development processes in modular machine architectures and industrial automation projects by shifting repetitive motion programming tasks from central controllers directly to the drive system.

🧠 Decentralizing Motion Control Logic​

The QuickStart Control system eliminates programming bottlenecks by enabling frequently used motion functions to be executed directly within the drive hardware. Instead of developing extensive PLC code for each different motion sequence, machine builders can access predefined functions. This reduces the overall programming effort for engineering teams, shortens commissioning times, and simplifies diagnostic and troubleshooting processes. This architectural shift allows developers to reuse validated motion software modules across multiple automation projects, lowering lifecycle costs and reducing time-to-market.

🌐 Standardized Communication Protocols​

The system operates on a CANopen architecture, utilizing the widely adopted CiA 301 and CiA 402 device profiles. This infrastructure provides an interoperable foundation for motion control applications across various industrial sectors. The communication standard ensures reliable data exchange between controllers and drive systems, while the integration of predefined control logic addresses the broader engineering challenges of maintaining software consistency across different mechanical configurations.

⚙️ Scalability in Modular Machine Architectures​

The operational advantages of decentralized control are particularly well-suited for modular machine architectures, where OEMs create equipment families that share functional modules but serve different output requirements. By using this integrated approach, machine builders can standardize motion concepts across the dCore, dMove, dPro, and dGo drive families. Within this modular motion ecosystem, engineers can combine different motors, gearboxes, encoders, and brakes while maintaining a uniform software and control environment. This limits the need to change programming approaches or commissioning procedures when scaling a machine design or adapting to new operational parameters.

💡 Additional Information​

In the motion control market, automation architectures are often divided into centralized and decentralized control models. Centralized systems, using protocols like EtherCAT or PROFINET, rely on a central PLC to calculate motion trajectories and transmit raw position data to drives at high frequencies. Conversely, decentralized architectures, using intelligent drives from competitors like maxon, ebm-papst, or Faulhaber, embed trajectory generation and position loops directly into the motor controller. By utilizing CiA 402 device profiles over a standard CANopen network, the QuickStart Control system significantly reduces the required network bandwidth. This allows engineers to execute complex motion sequences using highly robust, lower-speed fieldbuses (typically up to 1 Mbps) without the network overhead or extensive PLC programming required by centralized Industrial Ethernet solutions.