Home >> Motion Controllers Quick Select Guide

Our motion controllers are used in our own positioning systems and in motion control and positioning systems throughout the world. We offer software-based (no PC slots required) and stand-alone multi- and single-axis motion controllers. Our software-based controller (A3200) combines a robust, high performance motion engine with vision, PLC, robotics, and I/O in one unified programming environment. The A3200 provides 1 to 32 axes of synchronized control with no degradation in performance as the axis count increases through the use of the industry standard FireWire® network.

Aerotech’s next-generation, multi-axis motion controller for moderate- to high-performance applications with high-speed communications through 10/100 Base T Ethernet or USB interfaces is the Ensemble™. The Ensemble™ features include control of brushless, brush, or stepper motors or stages in any arrangement, and both PWM and linear drives are available. It is easy to use offering affordable multi-axis (1-10 axes) motion programming for laboratory experimentation, production testing, or advanced OEM automated manufacturing.

Our single-axis servo motion controller is the Soloist™ (excluding the MP series) that combines a power supply, amplifier, and position controller in a single package. The Soloist™ is able to control up to four tasks simultaneously, as well as handle variables and manage I/O, allowing it to be used in very demanding production applications. Making it ideal for laboratory and test instrument applications are its high-speed position latch inputs and advanced data logging capabilities.

Dynamic Controls Toolbox
A user-friendly advanced servo algorithms and tuning tools are included in our Dynamic Controls Toolbox that enable the highest level of system performance from your hardware investment.

Aerotech’s Harmonic Cancellation algorithm dramatically reduces positioning errors on systems with periodic trajectory commands or disturbances. This feature, part of the Dynamic Controls Toolbox, provides an easy-to-use command set and graphical user interface to enable the algorithm and to extract the highest possible performance from your investment in a precision motion control system.

When you choose one of our motion controllers, consider including our ETM (Enhanced Throughput Module) option. The ETM helps enhance the positioning performance of high-dynamic motion systems by directly measuring the unwanted motion of the machine base and communicating it back to the controller. By working together with the Dynamic Controls Toolbox and our controllers, the ETM appreciably improves move-and-settle time and contouring performance, increases throughput of existing and new machines, and significantly reduces the effects of frame motion on the servo system.

Motion Designer
Aerotech’s Motion Designer is an easy to use software GUI for generating or importing motion trajectories, and running and then evaluating the trajectory.

Automation Control Solutions Brochure
Aerotech's Automation Control Solutions brochure highlights our complete lines of high-performance automation controllers and software, drives, linear and rotary motors, and the benefits and features of each. An automation controller comparison chart, extensive software capabilities and examples, standard and advanced control solutions, as well as examples of motion applications, are provided. Order your free hard copy or download a convenient pdf.

Motion Controllers

Automation 3200 Software-only Motion Controller	Ensemble Stand-alone Multi-Axis Motion Controller and Software	Soloist Single-Axis Servo Controller
The Automation A3200 motion, vision, and I/O system features the world's first high-performance, software-only controller (Nmotion SMC) that offers from 1 to 32 axes of synchronized motion control. The A3200 uses the FireWire network. Click here for complete product information.	The Ensemble™ is Aerotech's next-generation, stand-alone controller for moderate- to high-performance applications. It offers functionality appropriate for applications from basic laboratory experimentation and general purpose positioning to advanced OEM systems at an affordable price. Click here for complete product information.	Aerotech’s Soloist™ is a single-axis servo controller that combines a power supply, amplifier, and position controller in a single package. The Soloist can control up to five tasks simultaneously, as well as handle variables and manage I/O, for demanding production applications. It has high-speed position latch inputs and advanced data logging capabilities that make it ideal for laboratory, test, and industrial applications. Click here for complete product information.
Number of Axes 1 - 32 Type Software Drive Types Brushless, DC Brush, Stepper	Number of Axes 1 - 10 Type Stand-Alone Drive Types Brushless, DC Brush, Stepper	Number of Axes 1 Type Stand-alone Drive Types Brushless, DC Brush, Stepper
A3200: Easy machine retrofits, preserve your capital investment
Nservo	Nstep
Nservo provides an economical method to retrofit any existing system that uses analog servo amplifiers to the performance and flexibility of the Automation 3200 digital platform.	Nstep is a one- to four-axis stepper controller that interfaces with any standard stepper drive via clock and direction inputs. Motion can be coordinated with other axes, even non-stepper axes, to produce contoured motion.