Machine Automation
Location: Taiwan
Project Introduction:
Dueto the increasing efficiency and reliability ofautomation computing products, many Electronic Discharge Manufacturing (EDM) machine applications have become much more cost-efficient. One of the leading EDMequipment builders in Taiwan was developing aleading edge wire cutting machine and waslooking to upgrade their system with a powerfulcontroller to increase their performance, productivity, and reliability.
System Requirements:
The customer wanted to embed a controller in their EDM machine that could process the CAD/CAM numerical control information and show relevant system information on the LCD monitor. This controller needs to be able to communicate with the legacy controller, and also needs high speed Ethernet to satisfy their "program transfer facilitation management" function. Finally, the application needed to be implemented on Windows XP Embedded to save implementation time. These needs led the customer to define the following requirements:
- An open PC-based control platform to provide compatibility with various I/O peripherals
- A compact system that could fit into space limited cabinet space, with front accessibility
- High performance CPU computing power
- No moving parts and a wide temperature range with shock and vibration tolerance
- Embedded OS for real-time control
Project Implementation:
- UNO-1170-C11E Intel Celeron M UNO with 2xLAN, 3xCOM, 4xUSB
System Diagram:
System Description:
The UNO-1170 was the best choice to be installed inside the wire cutting machine. UNO-1170 runs the CAD/CAM numerical control program on Windows XP Embedded, and can communicate with the legacy controller through serial communications which directly control the servo driver and motor. The UNO-1170 also links to the main monitoring/program sharing network through Ethernet with TCP/IP protocol. Additionally the internal USB keypro inside the UNO-1170 protects the software programs from outside access.
Conclusion:
The UNO-1170 is a compact system with open PC-based control. Since the EDM machine manufacturer sells their products worldwide, the controller inside would also need to be very reliable. It is designed fanless, cableless for the harsh, varied environment with possible wide range temperature, high vibration and shock. These features not only increase the reliability but also reduce the cost of maintenance. The DIN rail mounting form factor makes the UNO-1170 controller easily fit into limited space in the cabinet with other legacy controller device without occupying extra space. Equipped with an Intel Celeron M 1GHz / Pentium M 1.4 GHz CPU and 512MB / 1GB memory, UNO-1170 provides high performance computing power to handle multiple tasks such as the graphic based interface, CAD/CAM program, device control at the same time. Furthermore, the Dual Ethernet ports on the UNO-1170 allowed the EDM machine to be easily managed remotely through TCP/IP network.
