Posted to News on 2nd May 2025, 10:00
Multi-axis motion controller now in motherboard integration format
maxon's MicroMACS6 multi-axis motion controller is now available in a PCB module format for integration with custom-designed motherboards. The new MicroMACS6 Module is an ultra-compact, six-axis motion controller designed for integration into robots and machines.
Including the same motion control performance as maxon's MicroMACS6, launched last year, the new Module version of the controller achieves an even smaller and lighter footprint. Free of power amplifiers, this reduces weight to less than 10g, while the motion control module is below 1cm in height and is 45mm long by 30mm wide. The board is easily mounted to its host with a pair of M2 screws.
The minimised hardware footprint also achieves a cost down for OEMs and integrators.
The MicroMACS6 Module is a master motion controller designed for Delta, SCARA, and mobile robots. The motion control board can also coordinate machines reliant on kinematics, such as pick-and-place applications. Suitable for use in demanding environments, the module can operate in temperatures ranging from -30degC to 55degC, and humidity up to 90%.
Integrating with DC or brushless DC (BLDC) motor controllers to modulate position, speed, and current, the MicroMACS6 Module can achieve multi-axis coordination as a kinematics group, or it can control axes individually. The master controller features a range of motion functions, such as path generator with sinusoidal/trapezoidal profiles, position and velocity control feed forward, as well as position marker/touch probe.
The control board features flexible integration with its host, including six digital inputs and two analogue inputs, all of which are free programmable. The control board also hosts four digital outputs with free programmable functionality, including a 25kHz PWM capability.
For network integration and peripheral device connectivity, the MicroMACS6 Module supports CANopen, complying with CiA 301 CANopen application layer and CiA 402 motion control profiles, as well as compatibility with EtherCAT. The module also supports Bluetooth Low Energy.
Application development is assisted with an extensive software development kit including numerous functions and program examples. Developers can programme the MicroMACS6 Module with a wide choice of languages including MS Visual C# and MS Visual C++, plus maxon's simple to use ApossC_SDK language. For rapid commissioning, maxon's intuitive ApossIDE installation software enables rapid set-up.
The motion control module is compatible with Windows 10 and 7 operating systems and provides access to Windows DLL for PC in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. The control board can also connect to a PC master via a USB CAN adaptor.
OEMs and integrators can achieve a complete motion system with maxon, including DC and BLDC motors, gear heads, encoders, and speed and position controllers. The company's engineers also specialise in providing customised drive system design.
