HEX RC Multi-Axis Robotic Controller
Not recommended for new designs. See the new Automation1 iXR3 Drive-Rack with Motion Controller. Aerotech’s HEX RC is a high-performance, 6-axis motion controller ideal for controlling robotic systems like hexapods. The HEX RC is 4U high, rack-mountable and compatible with the A3200 motion platform. A high-performance processor provides the intense computing power needed to run up to 32 axes, perform complex, synchronized motion trajectories, manipulate I/O and collect data at high speeds.
Description
Specifications
Dimensions
Ordering Info
Downloads
Description
Description
Specifications
Dimensions
Ordering Info
Downloads
Description
Design Features
- 4U high, rack-mount, six-axis controller for brush, brushless, and stepper motors
- Ideal for controlling six-axis robotic systems like hexapods
- Real-time A3200 distributed control architecture allows synchronized motion on up to 32 axes
- FireWire® or ASCII command interface via TCP/IP
- Optional integrated encoder multipliers for highresolution positioning and reduced integration complexity
- Part-Speed Position Synchronized Output (PSO)
- Optional six-axis jog pendant
- CE approved, NRTL safety certification, EU 2015/863 RoHS 3 directive
- Program in native RS-274 G-code, AeroBasic command set, C, C++/CLI, .NET, MATLAB®, or LabVIEW® for the ultimate in programming flexibility
Powerful Control Architecture
The HEX RC features 6-axes of drives capable of controlling any combination of brush, brushless, or stepper motors. The HEX RC performs both current loop and servo loop closures digitally to ensure the highest level of positioning accuracy and performance. With the A3200 distributed control architecture, the HEX RC connects and controls up to 26 additional axes of servo, stepper, or piezo-driven stages.
Interface and Design Options
The HEX RC is designed with an ASCII command interface over TCP/IP for control in applications such as beamlines. Alternatively, the HEX RC can act as a master controller and control other A3200 external drives via the FireWire interface.
The HEX RC accepts amplified-sine or digital encoders. With optional integrated encoder multipliers up to X4096, high-resolution positioning is assured.
An optional 6-axis jog pendant adds easy, manual control of the positioning system. In safety critical applications, an emergency stop option with redundant safety relays can be added.
Flexible Programming Environment
Aerotech’s A3200 focuses on ease of use for the programmer, shortens development time compared with other tools, and provides the flexibility to use the tools or controller most familiar to programmers. A complete Integrated Development Environment and a comprehensive .NET motion library provide classes for motion, I/O, status, and diagnostic information. Program in Visual Studio and use the .NET library, or use the Motion Composer (IDE) to develop code with AeroBasic™ commands or G code. A LabVIEW® VI library is available for NI users, while a complete C library is available for those using Visual Basic, C++, or C.
Dimensions
HEX RC
Ordering Information
HEX RC Multi-Axis Robotic Controller
| Option | Description |
| HEX RC | Rack-mount, six-axis, robotic controller with FireWire® with TCP/IP ASCII interfaces; 100-240 VAC single-phase power supply. Includes: - Intel i7 multi-core processor, 8 GB memory - Supports brush, brushless, or stepper motor types - 5 A continuous/10 A peak current per axis - 16 digital I/O, eight analog outputs, two analog inputs - Single-axis position synchronized output (PSO) |
Line Voltage (Required)
| Option | Description |
| -A | 115 VAC line |
| -B | 230 VAC line |
| -C | 100 VAC line |
| -D | 200 VAC line |
Feedback and Jog Pendant Configuration (Required)
| Option | Description |
| -FC1 | Standard TTL encoder feedback |
| -FC2 | Amplified sine encoder feedback with programmable encoder multiplier up to x4096 |
| -FC3 | Standard TTL encoder feedback and connector interface for 6-axis jog pendant (MPG). Jog-pendant must be ordered as separate line item. |
| -FC4 | Amplified sine encoder feedback with programmable encoder multiplier up to x4096 and connector interface for 6-axis jog pendant (MPG). Jog pendant must be ordered as separate line item. |
Line Cord (Optional)
| Option | Description |
| -LC1 | US 115 VAC line cord |
| -LC2 | US 230 VAC line cord |
| -LC3 | UK compatible line cord |
| -LC4 | German compatible line cord |
| -LC5 | Israel compatible line cord |
| -LC6 | India compatible line cord |
| -LC7 | Australian compatible line cord |
PSO
| Option | Description |
| -PSO1 | One-axis PSO (default) |
| -PSO2 | Two-axis Part-Speed PSO |
| -PSO3 | Three-axis Part-Speed PSO |
Options (Optional)
| Option | Description |
| -EST3 | ESTOP3 – controller stops motion, then disables servo control; internal positive guided relays with monitor contact disconnect AC power source from motor (uses two relays for redundancy); contains one-second bus discharge resistors; operator risk assessment is the responsibility of the end user or integrator |
| -SL1 | Rack-mount slides |
Accessories (Ordered as Separate Line Items)
| Option | Description |
| MPG | Six-axis jog pendant |