maxon motor ag last week launched the EPOS4 Micro 24/5 CAN, which is only 32 x 22 mm (1.25 x 0.86 in.), as part of its line of positioning controllers. The company said the miniaturized controller has an attractive price-performance ratio and functionality that’s virtually identical to its larger units. This enables it to address cost-sensitive single- and multi-axis applications such as robotics, according to maxon.

The functionality, operation, software, and accessories of the new controller are derived almost directly from the existing products in the EPOS4 range, said the company. It added that the device is suitable for use with both brushed DC and brushless EC motors (BLDC) of up to 120 W.

The EPOS4 Micro also has comprehensive feedback options such as Hall sensors, as well as digital incremental and SSI (Synchronous Serial Interface) absolute encoders. State-of-the art concepts such as dual loop, field oriented control (FOC), feed forward, and observer control allow optimal control in a wide variety of applications, maxon said.

In addition, existing digital and analog inputs and outputs are freely configurable and ideally matched to the numerous functions and operating modes of the CiA-402 positioning controller, said maxon.

Free libraries available for EPOS4 Micro

The intuitive EPOS Studio start-up software, as well as libraries and programming examples for integration in a wide variety of master systems, are available free of charge and make operation as easy as possible. A plug-and-play EvaluationBoard (EB) is provided for initial commissioning. The offer is rounded out by a comprehensive scope of accessories and detailed product documentation.

The first derivative of the EPOS4 Micro design is the CANopen version, which can also be addressed via RS232 or USB, as usual. In spring 2020, the EPOS4 Micro 24/5 EtherCAT will follow as a second product of similarly small size, said maxon.

Visit epos.maxongroup.us for the latest updates about EPOS and individual devices, EPOS Studio, as well as all downloads and technical documentation.