Trio Motion updates Motion Perfect v3 application development interface to include single-point HMI programming

Amongst many of the noteworthy upgrade features added to the new release, MPv3 extends its single development environment to include direct configuration and software programming of Trio Motion’s newly released UNIPLAY HMI range of graphical operator interfaces. Users can now realise single-point programming of all motion, machine interfacing and graphical HMI functions from within Motion Perfect v3 - with a common project file and program code storage resources taken care of on the MC4 controller. With no need to use a separate language to program HMI functions or interface third party panels, this greatly reduces application development timescales and associated cost - particularly for more complex multi-axis motion and automation systems. The new UNIPLAY 7” and 10” high contrast colour displays use the latest touch panel technology and Ethernet connection to the controller significantly reducing commissioning effort. Any future servicing in the field or program modifications will also be made much easier with a single software environment for the HMI and Motion Controller.

As a free of charge programming and commissioning tool MPv3 makes full use of the powerful benefits of Microsoft .NET and WPF to include intuitive tree views for project and controller information, tabbed layouts that simplify programming and file management, and window docking for neat and convenient desktop presentation. MPv3 supports both TrioBASIC and IEC 61131-3 programming for motion control and machine interfacing across the MC4 Motion Coordinator range. Its Project Manager tool ensures that all program storage and associated data is automatically synchronised, verified and updated between the controller and a host PC whilst the MC400 Simulator allows offline programming so that code can be developed even before machine hardware is commissioned – reducing project timescales. A wide choice of free support software includes CAD2Motion, CamGen, G-code and HPGL interpreters which broaden the application scope with motion path generation made more easily. Trio PCMotion works with ActiveX, providing direct connection to Motion Coordinators from custom front end user applications that use Microsoft Visual programming languages such as Visual Basic, Visual C#, C++, etc.

Trio Motion's MC4 Motion Coordinators are advanced motion and machine controllers with latest technology I/O and fieldbus expansion modules, encoder feedback devices and recently launched HMIs that allow simple to highly advanced industrial machines to be built with the minimum of external components. A wide choice of drive interfaces, including EtherCAT, Sercos and many other manufacturers’ proprietary types such as Control Techniques SLM and Panasonic RTEX, allow OEMs and machine builders’ complete freedom to choose their preferred drive and motor technology. At the lower end of the range, the MC403 and MC405 satisfy smaller automated machine setups with 2-servo/3-stepper and 4-servo/5-stepper and machine I/O capability. For up to 64 axes of synchronised motion and servo cycle times, the modular and expandable MC464 series provides highly precise 64Bit motion calculations from its 400MHz MIPS processor. All MC4 Motion Coordinators may be programmed with a choice or a combination of multi-tasking TrioBASIC or IEC 61131-3 languages (Structured Text, Function Block, Sequential Function Chart and Ladder formats). Advanced features across the range include EnDAT and SSI absolute encoder support and robotic transformations for straightforward control of Delta, Cartesian and SCARA robots from simple X,Y and Z axis coordinates.