Dutch industrial automation specialist Delta has launched the first of a series of compact PLC motion controllers based on the CODESYS industrial programming environment.

The AX-308E is designed to cut the time for programming industrial controllers and systems. It is a multi-axis motion controller controlling up to eight EtherCAT servo drives. It is compatible with Delta’s existing AS Series and supports a range of industrial communication protocols, including EtherCAT and offers a complete motion control solution.

The AX-308E is able to control up to eight EtherCAT servo drives, as well as inverters, remote I/O modules, and other third-party devices. Up to four pulse-train drives can be controlled using integrated fast digital outputs.

Connectivity interfaces offered include Modbus TCP/RTU, Ethernet/IP, and OPC UA. Complementing these communication capabilities are 16 digital inputs, eight digital outputs, two serial ports, two incremental encoder interfaces, and an SSI port. The AX-308E also supports additional I/Os, temperature sensing, and load cells through Delta’s existing AS Series Expansion Module.

The controller is programmed through CODESYS, a programming environment designed for industrial systems such as PLCs (programmable logic controllers), PAC (programmable automation controllers), ECUs (electronic control units), controllers for building automation and other industrial programmable controllers.

CODESYS allow programming in a number of modes, including assembler-like instructions, conventional Algol based programming, ladder diagrams, function block diagrams and sequential function charts. These are compliant with the IEC 61131-3 standard for industrial automation development.

DIADesigner-AX is the integration of CODESYS in DIAStudio software platform. The environment provides support from the planning stage through execution and commissioning, easing the implementation of both simple and complex motion control, including single- and multi-axis movements, gearing, ECAMs and interpolation, in accordance with international standards, namely IEC 61131-3 and PLCopen. Software developers can also benefit from the other integrated tools, such as oscilloscope, simulator and CAM design editor.

“The Delta AX-308E is designed for motion control applications in markets as diverse as assembly, packaging, and woodworking,” said Simone Orlandi, product manager, Industrial Automation Business Group for Delta in Europe Middle East & Africa (EMEA). “Together with the AX-8 series, we increase the scalability of the Delta motion control product portfolio, offering customers with more options.”