Baldor Intros NextMove-ES/ESB/ST Motion Controllers

Baldor Electric Co. (UK) introduced a new family of USB-compatible motion controllers compatible with the Mint language. The high-speed USB interface provides the serial communications performance that allows the motion subsystem to be mounted in the optimal location inside a machine, instead of a PC expansion slot. The approach simplifies system building and enhances ruggedness. With three multi-axis choices providing a range of servo and stepper motor control in packaged or PCB forms, the new family allows OEMs to select optimal solutions for a variety of application requirements.

The members of the product family are the NextMove-ESB, a packaged controller offering three servo and four stepper control axes; NextMove-ES, a single-Eurocard with two servo and four stepper control axes; and the NextMove-ST, an intelligent three-axis drive for stepper motors. All three options include built-in I/O and CAN field-bus interfacing. This provides a platform for machine control tasks as well, eliminating the need for a separate PLC in many situations.