Compact all-rounder

From conveyor systems to test systems to assembly lines: the more electric drives were used in applications, the more complex and space-consuming their control via stepper motor controllers was. SMC now offers a solution that is unique on the market with the EA-Manifold Controller of the JXD1-M series.

The multiple controller consists of three components and enables the control of up to 16 axes in slide (LE2FS#H series) or piston design (LE2Y#H series). The compact system enables operation without a fan and optimizes not only the space required and maintenance effort, but also the system architecture. Finally, the electric drives available for connection ensure high performance with fewer CO2 emissions.

In particular, with multi-axis applications such as manipulators or assembly lines, the control cabinet quickly became cramped: Either each axis required a separate controller or previous solutions were very limited in the number of drives that could be connected. With the JXD1-M series EA manifold controller, SMC has met this challenge and provided a solution that is unique on the market and enables the control of up to 16 axes. Complex applications can be controlled in a small space, without a fan and via numerous communication protocols, while the simplified setup avoids errors and saves time and costs. The connectable electric axes in slide (LE2FS#H series) and piston design (LE2Y#H series) ultimately offer users high performance and precision.

Space-saving and strong communication

The JXD1-M series multiple controller, which can be mounted either using a fastener for direct mounting or via DIN rail, consists of a communication module, up to 8 driver units (1 unit each to control 2 axes) and a termination unit. Although up to 16 electric axes can be controlled in this configuration, the width is only 239 mm and the height is only 90 mm.

Compared to 16 individual controllers mounted on a DIN rail, the width of the JXC#1 series has been reduced by 66% (471 mm) and the height by 47% (80 mm). This results in significantly optimized use of space in the control cabinet, which not only means more space is available for other components. Because 2 axes can be connected to each driver unit and less cabling is required overall, connection errors are reduced and the entire system organization is made easier.

The appropriately selected communication module can be used to connect to a PLC or to input directly via the communication protocols CC-Link, EtherNet/IPÔ, PROFINET or EtherCAT. The connections for the plugs for the power supply (24 VDC ±10 %) of the controller and motor are also located here. Because all connections are on the front and all components are compactly arranged together, installation is quick and easy.

The battery-free absolute encoder also implemented ensures that even in the event of an emergency stop, operation can be restarted from the current position of the axes without the need for a complex reference run. In addition to the elimination of a battery - a plus point in terms of environmental protection - the lack of a fan also ensures that less effort is required for system maintenance. In addition, there is a long product life and reliability thanks to the suitability for an operating temperature range of 0 to 55 °C (not frozen) and a humidity range of max. 35 to 85% (no condensation).

Powerful and at the same time low-emission electric drives

Various electric axes from SMC can be connected to the EA Manifold Controller: in slide (LE2FS#H and LE2FB#H series) and in piston design (LE2Y#H and LE2YG#H series). Axial, these are available with a ball screw and additionally with a belt. Users benefit from high performance indicators in both variants: among other things. Max. speed of 1200 (slide) or 900 mm/s (piston), positioning repeatability of up to ±0.015 (slide) or ±0.02 mm (piston), max. horizontal/vertical payload of 80/40 (slide) or 100/46 kg (piston) and max. stroke of 1200 (slide) or 500 mm (piston).

By optimally matching it to the JXD1 series controller, the operation and efficiency of the motor have been improved, meaning the motor consumes less energy and waste heat is reduced. The result: a significant reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 38% or 8.7 kg CO2 equivalent per year.