A FPGA Approach in a Motorised Linear Stage Remote Controlled Experiment

Abstract

In recent years, an advanced motion control software for rapid development has been introduced by National Instruments, accompanied by innovative and improved FPGA-based hardware platforms. Compared to the well-known standard NI DAQ PCI/USB board solutions, this new approach offers robust stability in a deterministic real-time environment combined with the highest possible performance and re-configurability of the FPGA core. The NI Compact RIO (cRIO) Real Time Controller utilises two distinctive interface modes of functionality: Scan and FPGA modes. This paper presents an application of a motion control flexible workbench based on the FPGA module, and analyses the advantages and disadvantages in comparison to another approach - the LabVIEW NI SoftMotion module run in scan interface mode. The workbench replicates real industrial applications and is very useful for experimentation with Brushless DC/ Permanent Magnet Synchronous motors and drives, and feedback devices.