Omron has also announced a new entry-level automation controller for machines with up to two axes. The NJ101 controller is compatible with Omron’s earlier NJ501/301 products, is similar in size, and offers similar functions.
The new flagship NX701 machine controller is capable of fast and accurate control of up to 256 axes. The quad-core processor can handle high-speed execution of double-precision floating-point arithmetic instructions, as well as basic instructions. It has two built-in 1Gb/s EtherNet/IP ports, and is said to deliver high operating speeds without compromising on reliability or robustness.
As well as the controllers, Omron has announced several additions to the Sysmac family, including:
• an EtherCat slave terminal (NX-ID/IA/OD/OC/MD) for high-speed synchronised control;
• a 12.1-inch touchscreen monitor (FH-MT12) for Omron’s high-speed FH vision system, which avoids the need to use a mouse;
Omron claims that its NX701 machine controller is the world's fastest
• a space-saving RFID reader/writer system with built-in EtherNet/IP (V680S) that can handle large amounts of data, and measures the communications signal and ambient noise levels to diagnose its stability;
• an EtherCat slave (CJ1W-ECT21) for use as the subsystem controller on EtherCat, allowing rapid data exchange between an EtherCat master and a CPU; and
• a programmable terminal (NA5) with a troubleshooter function that can be used to check and clear controller errors and events.
Omron’s Sysmac integrated automation platform, launched in 2011, offers synchronous control of all machine devices and functions including motion, robotics, vision and database connections. It uses a single software package to provide complete control and management of automation plants, with programming based on global standards and open networks.
