Automation1 iSMC Intelligent, Software-Based Motion Controller
Our Automation1 Software-Based Machine Controller (iSMC) tightly integrates precision motion with process control. Whether you’re programming a simple move, building a complete machine or doing something in between, the Automation1 iSMC delivers high-quality automation and improved throughput.
Because the iSMC integrates with our user-friendly Automation1 Motion Development Kit, you’ll quickly configure and develop your application, easily set up control devices and enjoy programming with features like intelligent autocomplete, context sensitive help, EasyTune®, live build checking, a variable and I/O watch window, and more.
Capable of running a PC-based or drive-based hardware platform, the iSMC allows you flexibility in deploying a wide variety of motion control solutions.
Automation1 Advantages
Extreme Performance
The Automation1 controller will take you to the next level in motion control performance. High-end machine and system builders are building better solutions with Automation1. See how Automation1 improves laser scan system performance.
Easy to Use
Automation1 is easy to learn and to use. Quick setup tools such as Machine Setup, Checklists and EasyTune allow even a novice to configure precision motion control. Several graphical helper modules exist in the Studio application for motor phasing, homing, motor tuning and more.
Tons of Functionality
The Automation1 iSMC has tons of canned functionality. Advanced features such as PSO and IFOV as well as a variety of standard controller capabilities are all configured or programmed via the iSMC controller.
Connectivity & Control
Connect sensors, cameras, lasers and other tools via Automation1 drive-based I/O or industrial Ethernet buses such as MODBUS, EtherNet/IP™, and EtherCAT – all managed by the controller hardware. The AeroScript programming language and controller APIs enable high-level control algorithms to be programmed around these devices.
Flexible Deployment
Deploy your controller solution to an industrial PC or to one of the Automation1 drive-based controllers. See the selection guide to evaluate the differences.
Multi-Axis Precision Motion
Command up to 32 axes of servo/stepper and laser scan head motion over the HyperWire® fiber-optic communication bus to Automation1 drive hardware.
Coordinated Motion
Coordinated moves start and stop simultaneously and can incorporate a velocity profiling mode of operation. Non-coordinated moves start at the same time but do not necessarily end at the same time.
Calibration and Corrections
Use metrology tools to gather information about linear and angular errors, then build calibration tables. Correction values apply automatically without changing programmed positions shown in the user interface. The iSMC natively supports 1D, 2D and orthogonality calibration tables.
Gantry Control at Lightspeed
Get higher throughput, more precise gantry control via MIMO decoupling of Spar 1 and Spar 2 gantry motion axes from their linear and yaw axes of control. Control gantries using any combination of Automation1 servo motor drives, as the lightspeed HyperWire motion bus connects even single-axis drives together without the need for complex and costly wiring.
Motion Made Easy
Choose from seven homing functions for each axis: speed, distance and distance hold jogging controls; axis in position verification and axis stability verification; incremental motion; geared motion; camming motion and freerun motion commands.
Do More with AeroScript™
Our AeroScript programming language is easy to use, provides advanced features, makes code more flexible and portable, and allows you to build libraries. Because AeroScript programs run on a real-time operating system, code executes faster and more deterministically than Windows-based applications.
Improve Following Error
Set up multi-axis move commands to obey coordinated acceleration values and apply acceleration limiting via multi-axis trajectory lookahead. Acceleration limiting greatly improves following error along a contoured motion path.
Control Your Process
Use Position Synchronized Output to control industrial lasers, cameras and more with less latency. Set analog outputs based on motion conditions like vector velocity. Complete on-the-fly end point modification, high-speed registration, constant force generation, spindle control and more.
Custom Interfaces
New! MachineApps lets you quickly and easily develop a custom user interface for your machine or motion system. Deploy your brand and enable access control with our tools. Need more? Get more control over your customization using the .NET, C or Python API. LabVIEW and EPICS drivers are available for integration to data collection systems and scientific instruments.
Secure Machine Control
AeroScript can program up to 31 controller tasks, enabling each task to better manage specific aspects of your machine’s functionality. Protect your process with access control and prevent unwanted users from connecting to the iSMC.
Easily Access Data
Access data quickly through the Studio application and libraries. More than 100 axis status items, 50 task status items and 25 system-level status items are available to collect, and each can be displayed using the data visualizer, written to a file and exported to a Windows file.
Fast Data Capture Rates
The iSMC works with Automation1 drive electronics’ memory to control I/O and acquire data based on logic that operates at the drive. This means data can be captured and I/O can be set at rates as fast as the drive’s own 20kHz servo control rate.
Advanced I/O Features
Analog outputs can track vector velocity commands or feedback signals, while industrial lasers and other tools can be set to trigger based on distance traveled. Multi-axis coordinated velocities and accelerations can be limited with a dependent axis.
Frequently Asked Questions
View our Automation1 FAQ.
