Parker COMPAX series compact servo controller: integrated motion control and drive

Parker COMPAX series compact servo controller: integrated motion control and drive

Product positioning and core philosophy

In modern automated manufacturing systems, the accuracy and response speed of motion control, as well as the simplicity of system integration, directly determine the performance limit of production equipment. Parker Hannifin's COMPAX series compact servo controllers are integrated products designed to address this core requirement. It integrates servo drives and programmable positioning controllers into the same chassis, eliminating the need to separately install motion control modules and power amplifiers in the control cabinet, greatly simplifying the system architecture, reducing wiring workload, and improving overall reliability.

The design philosophy of the COMPAX series can be summarized as "fast and stable". This concept runs through the development process of all digital controllers. By integrating position control, speed control, and torque control into a single device and using a high-speed digital signal processor (DSP) for unified computation, COMPAX achieves better dynamic response and rigidity than traditional discrete solutions. Users do not need to be proficient in complex control theory, as the system can automatically calculate the optimal control parameters based on input motor model, load inertia, transmission ratio, and other parameters, greatly reducing the threshold for servo system debugging.

Breakthrough in Integrated Control Technology

2.1 Fully digital closed-loop control

Unlike traditional servo systems that rely on analog input and potentiometer adjustment, COMPAX achieves fully digital closed-loop control from setting value generation to power output stage. The digital signal processor operates with a cycle time of 100 microseconds and processes real-time algorithms for the three loops of current, velocity, and position. The direct benefit of this high-speed processing capability is that the driver can respond to load changes in a very short amount of time, reduce tracking errors, and lower peak current and torque requirements. Due to the discontinuation of analog potentiometers and the storage of control parameters in digital form, parameter deviation caused by temperature drift or vibration is completely avoided, resulting in extremely high consistency during long-term operation.

2.2 Automatic Control Parameter Setting

One of COMPAX's major innovations is its intelligent parameter self-tuning function. Users only need to input physical parameters such as motor type, external load inertia, and transmission ratio during debugging, and the controller will automatically calculate and set the optimal core control parameters such as PID gain and filter time constant. This means that on the first power on, the three control loops can operate in a fast and stable state without the need for repeated trial and error. For higher-order applications, users only need to adjust up to two independent optimization parameters - damping coefficient and rigidity coefficient - to further match specific process requirements. This design compresses the servo debugging work that originally required hours or even days into a few minutes, making it particularly suitable for multi variety, small batch equipment manufacturing scenarios.

2.3 Monitoring Control and Adaptive Control

COMPAX integrates real-time monitoring capabilities for various system state parameters, including motor temperature, intermediate circuit voltage, actual current, external load inertia, and output stage temperature. Based on this information, the controller can adopt advanced monitoring control and adaptive control strategies. For example, when a significant change in load inertia is detected, the system can dynamically adjust the speed loop gain to maintain the same dynamic response performance. This adaptive capability enables COMPAX to perform well in situations where load characteristics vary with process steps, such as when a robotic arm grabs workpieces of different weights.

Comprehensive product range and power coverage

The COMPAX series is divided into multiple sub series based on power levels, power supply methods, and installation forms to meet different application requirements ranging from 1kW to 35kW.

3.1 COMPAX 1000SL

This is an entry-level model in the series, suitable for single-phase 230V AC power supply environments. Its rated output current is 2.5A effective value, and the peak current can reach 5A effective value (with a duration of less than 5 seconds), with an apparent power of 1.0kVA. This model adopts a fully enclosed metal shell, with built-in EMC shielding and heat dissipation fins, and supports panel installation. Despite its compact size, it still provides complete positioning control and 16 digital I/O (8 inputs/8 outputs), and comes standard with an RS232 interface. Regenerated energy is absorbed through a built-in 660 μ F capacitor, and if necessary, an external 100 Ω/60W braking resistor can be connected.

3.2 COMPAX 25XXS

This model supports single-phase or three-phase 230V AC power supply, with a rated current of 6.3A effective value, a peak value of 12.6A, and a power of 2.5kVA. Its design is compact and can be installed side by side or wall mounted through the accompanying mounting plate, significantly saving control cabinet space. The internal energy storage capacitor is 1100 μ F and can absorb 27Ws of regenerative energy. The recommended external braking resistor is 56 Ω/180W. It is suitable for small and medium-sized packaging machinery, textile machinery, and simple handling systems.