Home >> Ensemble Epaq & Epaq MR Series Stand-Alone, Multi-Axis Motion Controllers

The Ensemble™ Epaq is Aerotech’s next-generation, stand-alone controller for moderate- to high-performance applications. It offers functionality appropriate for applications from basic laboratory experimentation and general purpose positioning to advanced OEM systems at an affordable price.

Versatile, Stand-Alone, Multi-Axis Control
The Ensemble Epaq is offered in three versions: a 6-axis desktop (rack-mount optional) version with display and jog pad, as well as 4- and 8-axis 3U rack-mount versions. All versions contain integrated power supplies and pluggable motor and IO connectors. Linear amplifiers are available for high performance, low noise applications. Higher power external amplifiers may be daisy-chained to the Epaq using the high-speed AeroNet serial interface for a total of nine axes of coordinated motion.

This flexible configuration style allows users to seamlessly mix and match drive types (linear versus PWM, brush or brushless, stepper, etc.) within the same positioning system using a common programming and control platform. Multiple Epaqs can be controlled from one Windows^® PC through Ethernet or USB. Optional on-board encoder interpolation offers the user programmable axis resolution (assuming a sine-wave encoder input signal), including the ability to change interpolation (multiplication) values through software.

Powerful and Intuitive Programming Functionality
Unlike most controllers on the market today, there is no need to understand a cryptic command set to generate motion. The intuitive interface allows a user to begin programming immediately. Ensemble online help further simplifies writing motion programs and includes many functional examples that can be easily modified for customer applications.

The Ensemble with Integrated Development Environment software offers a graphical user interface in Windows^®, featuring an intuitive Program Editor, Variable Output window, Compiler Output window, and Task State monitor. This interface enables users to easily monitor all aspects of their positioning system, no matter how complex. The Axis Control and Diagnostic screens are further supplemented by a fully functional Autotuning utility that minimizes startup time and allows easy optimization of motion axes. System diagnostics are easily read from the interface. The Windows^®- based remote software package is included with each unit, which allows the user to upload/download programs, modify parameter files, and analyze motion with Aerotech’s advanced graphical tuning package, all from the convenience of a remote PC.

Whether operated in stand-alone mode through the front panel or by remote control through Ethernet or USB, the full
functionality of the Ensemble Epaq is available. On-board configuration and monitoring utilities simplify remote communications. To allow easy serial connectivity and ease of use, the Epaq features an RS-232 port (additional RS-232
port is an option) and an optional IEEE-488 port.

Advanced DSP Control
The Ensemble Epaq uses the processing power of multiple 225 MHz double precision, floating-point DSPs to offer exceptional performance in a variety of applications, including point-to-point motion, linear and circular interpolation, single- and multi-axis error correction, direct commutation of linear and rotary brushless servomotors, and on-board servo autotuning. High-speed interrupts and data logging capabilities provide a real-time link to external systems. The Ensemble Epaq also offers high-speed position latching capability and optional single-axis PSO (Position Synchronized Output). Whether the requirement is simple
point-to-point motion or complex velocity profiled contours with output on the fly, Ensemble ensures peak performance for
critical applications.

Integral Drives
The Epaq can control any combination of up to six integral drives, while the Ensemble architecture is capable of further
expansion (with external stand-alone, single-axis drive units) to up to nine total axes. Because the Epaq can control many
different types of motors, customers have excellent flexibility in their system designs. High accuracy, linear-motor-driven air-bearing stages can be controlled from the same controller running lower precision drives with servo or stepper motors.
Parameters are easily reconfigured for these various motors and feedback devices, so customers can adapt to changing
system needs.

Expanded Input/Output Capability
Each Epaq features an optional IEEE-488 parallel port, second RS-232 port, and axis expansion port. On a per axis basis the Epaq also features an optional I/O package offering eight digital inputs and outputs, one 12-bit ±10 VDC analog input, one 16-bit ±5 VDC output, a configurable brake output, a second TTL encoder input for dual loop control, and either a second marker input or PSO output. This optional I/O package can be added to each axis so numerous I/O can be connected to the Epaq.

Enhancing a Legacy of Success
Although Ensemble is envisioned as a general-purpose, stand-alone controller, it carries forward a legacy of success built
from Aerotech’s A3200 and Soloist™ controllers. It offers enhanced capabilities that make it an ideal choice for many
aggressive motion control applications. The Ensemble motion control architecture builds upon the Soloist’s intuitive graphical
user interface, while offering advanced features appropriate for multi-axis control. Ease of use is further improved with precoded
LabVIEW^® VIs, AeroBASICTM programming functionality, .NET tools for C#, VB.NET, and managed C++.

EPICS Drivers
EPICS is used worldwide at leading light source (synchrotron) facilities and other government laboratories. Each Ensemble
installation includes full compatibility with the EPICS open source distributed control system, allowing Ensemble to
seamlessly integrate into applications at all major research institutions.