Network drives through a high-speed serial interface to coordinate up to ten axes of motion

Select linear (CL) or pulse width modulation (CP/MP) amplifiers

Coordinate motion using up to five independent tasks

Drive and control linear or rotary brushless, DC brush servo, and micro-stepping motors

Command various motion types including: point-to-point, linear and circular interpolation, electronic gearing, and velocity profiling

Program in AeroBASIC™, Microsoft .NET (C#, VB.NET, and Managed C++), or LabVIEW^® from Windows^® using a standard USB or Ethernet connection

Remotely command drives over Ethernet or RS-232 with an ASCII interface available for both Windows^® and non-Windows^® programs (including Linux)

Diagnose, tune, and program through an advanced Windows-based interface

The Ensemble™ is Aerotech’s next-generation, multiaxis controller for moderate- to high-performance applications. Versatility, power, and affordability make the Ensemble ideal for applications from basic laboratory experimentation and general-purpose positioning to advanced OEM systems.

Versatile, Flexible, Stand-Alone Multi-Axis Control
Network multiple drives for up to ten axes of coordinated motion and seamlessly mix and match amplifier (linear versus PWM) and motor types (brush, brushless, or stepper) within the same positioning system using a common programming and control platform. High-accuracy linear motor air-bearings can be directed from the same controller running lower precision drives with servo or stepper motors. Each drive can be reconfigured to accept different motors and feedback devices, allowing customers to adapt to changing system needs. Optional on-board encoder interpolation provides programmable axis resolution, including the ability to change interpolation (multiplication) values through software.

Powerful and Intuitive Programming
Monitor and control all aspects of the positioning system, no matter how complex, through the Ensemble HMI Integrated Development Environment software. An included Autotuning utility minimizes startup time by allowing easy optimization of motion axes. Functional programs that can be modified and used in customer applications are included in the online help. Pre-coded LabVIEW^®; VIs, AeroBASIC™ programming functionality, .NET tools for C#, VB.NET, and managed C++ make the Ensemble even easier to use.

Advanced DSP Control
The processing power of a 225 MHz double precision, floating-point DSP supplies exceptional performance in a variety of applications, including point-to-point motion, linear and circular interpolation, multi-axis error correction, 2D error mapping, direct commutation of linear and rotary brushless servomotors, and on-board servo autotuning. High-speed interrupts and data logging capabilities provide a real-time link to external systems. The Ensemble drives also offer high-speed position latching capability and optional single-axis PSO (Position Synchronized Output). Whether the requirement is simple point-to-point motion or complex velocity-profiled contours with output on the fly, Ensemble ensures peak performance for critical operations.

Enhancing a Legacy of Success
Ensemble carries a legacy of success founded in Aerotech’s A3200 and Soloist™ controllers. Enhanced capabilities make it an obvious choice for aggressive motion control applications. The Ensemble motion control architecture builds upon the Soloist™ intuitive graphical user interface, while improving multiaxis control through advanced features.