Galil Motion Control: Easy optical isolation for Ethernet motion controller

Each Galil ICM-20105 board optically isolates four motion axes on a DMC-21×3 Series Ethernet controller.

Adding optical isolation to DMC-21×3 Series Ethernet controllers from Galil Motion Control has become as easy as attaching a small (4.25 x 3.70 in.) board atop the multi-axis motion controller using a 96-pin DIN connector. No other cabling or hardware is needed. Named ICM-20105, the auxiliary board optically isolates inputs and outputs—including limits, home, and general I/O points.

One ICM-20105 is required for each set of four axes, and two can sit side-by-side on a DMC-2183 eight-axis motion controller. ICM-20105 works by segmenting the controller’s 96-pin DIN connector into convenient D-sub connectors for easy interface to external amplifiers and I/O devices. There are:

Four D-sub connectors (one for each of four motion axes);

A 37-pin D-sub for digital I/O points, home, and limits; and

A 25-pin D-sub for auxiliary encoder signals.

Further features include eight 500 mA high-side drive outputs for higher power external devices such as relays; up to 28 V operation; interface to a wide range of external amplifiers; user-configuration for high- or low-amplifier enable; 5 or 12 V logic; and sinking or sourcing. ICM-20105 targets cost-conscious OEMs with a pricing of $195 each and $145 in 100 quantities.

Galil’s DMC-21×3 Series controllers provide 1-8 axis control of step or servo motors. Among its numerous features are electronic gearing and camming and various interconnect, amplifier, and I/O options.

—Frank J. Bartos, executive editor, fbartos@reedbusiness.com

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