Recently, Schneider Electric, a global expert in digital transformation in the field of energy management and automation, released the new generation Modicon M310 motion controller. As the latest masterpiece of Schneider Electric's motion control family, Modicon M310 motion controller is developed based on Intel X86 hardware platform and Codesys 3.5 SP19 software platform, supports EtherCAT bus, has powerful computing power, high usability and high flexibility, and can help industrial enterprises build high-end manufacturing equipment and automated production lines.
Under the tide of developing new quality productivity, my country's industrial transformation is accelerating, and the manufacturing industry is ushering in new development opportunities. As one of the core components of industrial automation motion control, the importance of motion controllers to intelligent manufacturing is self-evident. With the rapid development of the industrial market, the previous generation of motion controllers is increasingly difficult to meet the complex application requirements of equipment manufacturers for higher precision, faster response, and more axis synchronization. At the same time, EtherCAT bus systems and ecological products are becoming more and more popular in the industry, and the market's recognition of open bus systems is constantly improving. To this end, manufacturing companies urgently need to update and upgrade the motion control solutions for production line equipment, promote production and manufacturing quality and efficiency, and accelerate the development towards high-end.
From the inside out, bring three major values to customers
Based on Schneider Electric's deep technical accumulation in the field of automated motion control for many years, the Modicon M310 motion controller has a built-in advanced processor, adopts a standardized development platform, and supports the EtherCAT bus, which can bring customers three major values: strong computing power, convenient and easy to use, and flexible embedding, to achieve cost reduction and efficiency improvement.
Powerful computing power: The Modicon M310 motion controller uses Intel 4-core 2Ghz processor, 2GB DDR memory, 16GB eMMC flash memory, built-in UPS and other hardware configurations, bringing powerful computing and motion control capabilities - the computing and execution speed of a single instruction is only 3.3 nanoseconds, and it supports up to 64 axis synchronization, with the shortest synchronization cycle up to 250 microseconds. This series of products offers three models, covering 16 axes 250 microseconds, 32 axes 0.5 milliseconds, and 64 axes 1 millisecond. Three specifications meet the needs of different customers for response speed and control accuracy.
Convenient and easy to use: Based on the standard Codesys 3.5 SP19 software platform development, the Modicon M310 motion controller provides a wealth of motion control function blocks (based on PLC Open PartI&II), and supports mainstream programming languages such as IL, LD, FBD, SFC, ST, CFC, etc., with standard position (positioning, electronic gears, electronic cams), speed and torque control functions, which not only facilitates developers to quickly get started, but also allows in-depth development on demand to expand application scenarios.
Flexible embedding: The Modicon M310 motion controller provides a wealth of communication interfaces and main I/O and encoder interfaces, including Ethernet, EtherCAT, CANopen, RS232 and RS485 ports, which can be seamlessly embedded in existing Schneider Electric or third-party control systems to ensure the smooth iteration of the equipment architecture. In addition, in the third quarter of this year, Schneider Electric will also release the EtherCAT Bus Coupler (bus coupler) that is compatible with the EtherCAT bus to help customers expand I/O more flexibly.
Local R&D + EtherCAT ecological integration, directly hitting user pain points
As a localized product developed by Schneider Electric China R&D Center, the product design of the Modicon M310 motion controller fully considers the usage habits and pain points of domestic users. First, the controller supports DIN rail and backplane installation, which is convenient for users to complete the equipment; secondly, users can quickly obtain electronic materials such as product manuals and certification certificates by scanning the QR code on the front of the fuselage, and by observing the indicator light on the right side of the fuselage, they can also intuitively grasp the operating status of the equipment. In addition, the controller has a built-in spindle encoder, so customers do not need to purchase an additional encoder option card, which further optimizes the solution cost.
In addition, as Schneider Electric's first EtherCAT motion controller designed for high-performance machines, the Modicon M310 motion controller can work seamlessly with the Lexium 18E bus-type servo drive and motor to form a motion control triangle based on the EtherCAT ecosystem, helping customers in the packaging, electronics and electrical, and machining industries to create highly adaptable and stable motion control systems.
Cheng Xiaoli, head of product management at the China Marketing Department of Schneider Electric's Industrial Automation Business, said: "Under the guidance of the 'China Center' strategy, Schneider Electric has always insisted on being driven by innovative technology and guided by customer needs, and continuously bringing stable, reliable and high-quality product solutions to the industry. The Modicon M310 motion controller released this time is another innovative masterpiece of Schneider Electric based on the real needs of local companies. In the future, we will continue to launch more comprehensive and advanced automation product solutions to help China's manufacturing industry develop towards high-end development."