GE Fanuc's S2K Series of brushless servo and stepper modules feature standard DeviceNet communications, all-digital drive technology, and control capabilities in a standalone integrated package. The S2K Series is available in servo amplifier, servo controller/amplifier, and stepper controller/amplifier versions -- offering the flexibility to solve most motion system requirements with a single product family, which can help save time, reduce panel space, and speed machines to market -- just as at Conflex (for case study, click here).

All S2K Series controllers are available with PROFIBUS or DeviceNet communications. DeviceNet models include ODVA-compliant master/slave messaging services and peer-to-peer support for multiaxis standalone systems. A 2-character LED on the front panel displays real-time diagnostic updates in convenient, mnemonic format and reports the DeviceNet node address of controller units. Additional S2K Series controller features include:

• Power and flexible multitasking operating system,


• Electronic gearing and camming,


• High speed registration,


• Secondary (load mounted) position feedback,


• Torque limit control,


• Variable jerk-limited acceleration and deceleration, and


• Digital and analog I/O.

Using low inertia S-Series or MTR-Series motors, the S2K Series provides high acceleration rates for improved machine cycle times. An S2K controller with a 122 µs servo loop update and powerful multitasking real-time operating system provides superior performance for demanding applications such as assembly, electronics, material handling, semiconductor processing, textiles, and packaging.

In addition, S2K servo amplifiers support either an analog torque or velocity command interface or pulse/direction command interface (for convenient stepper replacement). The SK2 offers a scalable solution with cost vs performance options with minimal engineering to switch between the options. Velocity and torque modes employ the industry standard 10 V analog command interface used with GE Fanuc's DSM controllers. An analog input is available to dynamically control the torque limit on-the-fly and to handle a wide variety of complex applications, including tightening bottle caps and bolts and positioning to a hard stop. Separate encoder feedback input is available for electronic gearing, camming, and eliminating position errors due to drivetrain backlash.