Typically a servo drive controls a motor’s velocity or torque based upon an analog command input. An external position controller is needed to calculate the position error and adjust the analog command to cause the motor to adjust its actual position.

With the Position Tracker™ mode, the closed loop feature of the position controller has been brought into the drive itself. The user simply needs to feed the drive an analog or fieldbus signal that is proportional to absolute motor position.

No complex ladder logic to send acceleration, velocity and position information, just predefine the maximum values of acceleration and velocity in PowerTools Pro software and then send the position information, via analog input or over the network (Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP, Profibus DP or DeviceNet), and the drive will command the motor to that exact position.

The CPU continually monitors the register for changes and commands the motor when changes occur. Network or analog signal loss can be enabled for fault detection. This solution offers all of the advantages of a fully closed loop servo without the cost of a traditional position controller.

POSITION TRACKER™
ANALOG MODE (EP-B, MDS base)

The advantage of the Position Tracker analog mode is that the drive can now use a simple and low cost analog output module from a PLC (or analog joystick, potentiometer, Lab View Analog output, etc.) instead of a costly position control module. Potentially saving the OEM or end user up to $1400 per two axis system, while still allowing for complete programmable position control. Analog feedback is not required, but a feedback is provided with the analog output on the drive.

Analog Position mode has several features that allow its intelligence to go beyond the initial setup. Using the “Motion Made Easy”™ philosophy, Control Techniques developed the Analog Position mode with many advanced features such as: Mode Enable, Velocity Limits, Dead Band, Preset Calibration and Teach functions.

POSITION TRACKER™
FIELDBUS INDEXING (EP-I, EP-P, FM-2, SM-EZMOTION)

If you like the simplicity of analog position mode but require a optional command source. Upgrade to the Position Tracker™ – Fieldbus Indexing. This indexing option tracks the updated command and dynamically indexes the motor/load. Just send a single numeric value, using fieldbus communication of choice, to a predefined register and the motor will go to that position and hold it's position until another command is sent. Commands can be sent on-the-fly even when the motor is in motion, positioning to the latest command.