EMP-9xx8-xx is a SoftPLC based motion controller with a high performance processor, an integrated real-time EtherCAT master and a multi-axis motion kernel. The built-in motion engine runs together with the EtherCAT master on a dedicated processor in a real-time environment to achieve time-deterministic control of the EtherCAT application. The controller uses EtherCAT as its main communication technology.

EMP-9xx8-xx combines a PLC-based motion logic system with a Windows IoT operation system, allowing PLC, motion control and Windows application to run simultaneously without affecting each other. This enables the machine-builders to integrate in house developed or third party Windows software, for instance, HMIs, data gathering and processing applications. Programming interfaces and shared memory communication are provided to allow Windows application to directly and rapidly access the PLC data. 

The SoftPLC supports all five programming language defined by the IEC61131-3 standard, provides extensive programming libraries including motion control and fieldbus libraries. The motion control function blocks are designed according to PLCopen (part 1, 2, 4) and CiA402, are easy to use and greatly reduces learning and development time. The controller can handle up to 512 EtherCAT slaves and up to 32 EtherCAT servo/stepper drives. It supports the implementation of both simple and complex motion control applications, such as single-axis and multi-axis movements and interpolation.

An OPC UA server is part of the PLC runtime and is a secure, open, reliable mechanism for transferring information. OPC UA is used for horizontal communication between machines and vertical communication between the machine and higher-level IT system (SCADA, cloud). All standard OPC UA clients can be connected directly to the motion controller without the need for additional customization, reducing integration and application software development costs.

Equipped with a variety communication interfaces (RS-232/485, Ethernet ports, USB, etc.) the controller makes it easy to integrate peripheral devices such as sensors, machine vision systems, and central computers. In addition, expandable communication and IO modules are available for easy customization.

EMP-9x58-xx uses EtherCAT as its main real-time, high speed communication protocol. In addition to EtherCAT, the Modbus fieldbus (TCP, RTU, ASCII) is an integral part of the SoftPLC which allows the controller to be connected to a Modbus network and act as a Modbus/EtherCAT gateway.

The compact design with robust metal housing saves space in machines and control panels and reduces EMF interference.

A software package for configuration, programming and monitoring the multi-axis controller is provided, as well as extensive programming examples.