Hilscher China wins Intelligent Solution Award for netX-based PROFIdrive motion control

Hilscher’s netX 90 network controller is able to efficiently address the PROFIdrive application classes (AC) AC 1 and AC4. PROFIdrive AC1 and AC4 are popular in the market for PROFINET-based networks. 

• PROFIdrive AC1 is applied in inverters controlling the speed of electric motors used in pumps, fans and compressors.
• PROFIdrive AC4 includes the capability to drive servomotors with isochronous speed control and positioning by the Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). These include, for instance, multiple network-connected motors and axes in robotic systems, logistics and pharmaceuticals.

By combining real-time communication with motor control, Hilscher has established a motion control solution with a single-chip approach. This offers a range of technical and economic benefits:

• Lower latency and increased reliability
• Higher efficiency with less power dissipation
• Fewer external components reducing cost and complexity
• Faster time to market

The netX 90 network controller serves as the core of Hilscher’s netMOTION platform for drive applications. The network controller is particularly well suited for space-constrained applications in harsh industrial environments, enabling users to directly embed a multi-protocol network interface into electric motors or encoders.

The advantages of such a solution are particularly evident in systems or machines with a centralized motion control approach. In such applications, drive-specific data and parameters are exchanged in real-time over the network with the communication unit of the drive that controls the motor. Over the years, various application profiles have emerged for the respective communication standards that focus on drives, encoders, motors, and their applications. Besides PROFIdrive AC1 and AC4, the netX 90 supports the CiA 402 drive profile for EtherCAT SubDevices as well.