ELE-PAC Precision Axis Controller

Precision Axis Controller

Model: ELE-PAC

Features
  • Modular design for remote or rack-mount installation
  • Flexible control: stepper and servo motor options
  • Built-in timing master for coordinating complex acquisitions
  • Scalable: controls up to 16 axes
  • Supports high-accuracy incremental and absolute position feedback sensors
  • Enhances positioner accuracy by correcting repeatable systemic errors
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Description

The Precision Axis Controller (ELE-PAC) is the latest high-performance position controller from NSI-MI. The modular and flexible design has been specially optimized to support all types and sizes of measurement systems. ELE-PAC modules can be co-located within an equipment enclosure or installed remotely to maximize performance. The ELE-PAC supports increased connectivity to a wider variety of positioning equipment, with options for both stepper and servo modules. The ability to mix and match different motor types allows for more flexible system implementations, with support for active position correction to improve upon native system accuracy. The ELE-PAC also serves as a timing master, allowing it to coordinate all acquisition timing with the RF sub-system to maximize measurement efficiency. An optional hand-held local control unit may be used to provide operator control near the final positioner. The ELE-PAC is especially powerful when combined with Vector Field Analyzer™ Performance Suite.

 

ELE-PAC Servo Module Rear Panel Connections
Label Description Connectors
(J1) EC Out
(J2) EC In		 Connect to the next PAC module in the system RJ45
(J3) Safety Out
(J4) Safety In		 Hardware drive disable RJ45
(J5) Trig A
(J6) Trig B		 RS-422 differential trigger bus connections RJ45
(J7) Motor Motor drive for brushed, brushless and shunt-wound field types M23
(J8) Feedback Motor feedback signals, including motor halls, velocity feedback, position feedback, limits and brake control AMP MIL-DTL-38999
(J10) 100/GbE Connect the PAC to the system computer for remote control and SCPI programming interface RJ45
(J11) ECAT
Main Out		 ECAT motor driver input for the main PAC module RJ45
(J12) Diagnostic Direct connection to the motor driver for diagnostic purposes HD15
(J13) Aux I/O Multiplexer control, receiver ready and receiver trigger signals HD26
(J14) Regen Out Used to prevent overvoltage condition by dissipating energy with external power resistor (Med/High only) M17
(J15) AC Power Input Low: 100–240 VAC
Med: 100–120 VAC
High: 220–240 VAC		 Low: IEC C14
Medium: M17
High: M23
ELE-PAC Stepper Module Rear Panel Connections
Label Description Connectors
(J1) EC Out
(J2) EC In		 Connect to the next PAC module in the system RJ45
(J3) Safety Out
(J4) Safety In		 Hardware drive disable RJ45
(J5) Trig A
(J6) Trig B		 RS-422 differential trigger bus connections RJ45
(J7) Axis 1
(J8) Axis 2		 Stepper motor drive, step, direction and limit switch detection Jaeger;
19-Pin circular
(J9) Brakes 2-axis independent brake control; brake engages when signal is de-energized AMP 7-Pin 208871-1
(J10) 100/GbE Connect the PAC to the system computer for remote control and SCPI programming interface RJ45
(J11) ECAT Main Out ECAT motor driver input for the main PAC module RJ45
(J12) Diagnostic Direct connection to the motor driver for diagnostic purposes HD15
(J13) Aux I/O Multiplexer control, receiver ready and receiver trigger signals HD26
(J14) Feedback Optional encoder feedback with home/index positions DB25
(J15) AC Power Input 100–240 V AC IEC C14
ELE-PAC Typical System Diagram

A typical system configuration using two dual-stepper PAC modules is shown below. For small systems, two PAC modules can be installed in a single rack-mount kit, configured as ELE-PAC-SK4. For larger systems, two modules can be distributed as required near the motion axes, with trigger and control daisy-chained between PAC modules via Ethernet connections. In this setup, the Vector Field Analyzer™ (ELE-VFA) acts as receiver and system timing master. For VNA- based systems, ELE-PAC can be used to coordinate measurement timing.

ELE-PAC Typical System Diagram
ELE-PAC System Timing Master

When ELE-PAC is paired with a VNA-based RF sub-system, it is used to coordinate system timing. Some features of the ELE-PAC timing master include:

  • Support for up to 250,000 measurements at each trigger point
  • Four multiplexer bits for RF switch or open-loop beam state control
  • Receiver ready and receiver trigger signals
  • 200 ns minimum measurement time


For more complex and demanding measurement scenarios, NSI-MI highly recommends integrating the ELE-PAC with either the Vector Field Analyzer™ (ELE-VFA) or the Vector Measurement Controller (ELE-VMC). This combination ensures enhanced precision, accuracy, and efficiency in capturing and analyzing electromagnetic field data.

  • Specifications
  • Applications
  • Ordering Guide
  • Includes
  • Available Add-Ons
Function/Parameter Servo Dual-Stepper
Low Power Medium Power High Power
Number of axes per module 1 1 1 2
Drive capacity (maximum continuous current) 6 12 20 7 per axis
Motor bus voltages (DC V) 24 160 320 48
AC power requirements 100–240 V AC;
50/60 Hz;
3 A max		 110–120 V AC;
50/60 Hz;
15 A max		 240 V AC;
50/60 Hz;
25 A max		 100–240 V AC;
50/60 Hz;
7 A max
Supported software NSI2000
MI-3000
Advanced Antenna Acquisition and Analysis (A4)
SCPI over Ethernet
Safety features Limit switch support: Fwd/Rev (stop & index)
E-Stop Integration: hardware real-time
Brake Control: 24V, 1.1A max & external relay for high power brakes
Hardware interlocks supported
Combined-axes features Virtual axes, Torque bias, Cross-axis correction, Dual drive, Position trigger/capture, Position feedback
Position feedback Single/Dual Speed Synchro, Incremental Encoder, Absolute Encoder
Velocity feedback Tachometer, Incremental Encoder
Mounting options 4U rack-mount chassis (up to 2 modules), Distributed mounting
Regulatory CE (EMI/EMC, Low Voltage, Safety), SGS (NA Safety)
Environmental Temperature: 0° to +40°C (indoor)
Humidity: <95% non-condensing
Module size (H x W x D) 17.0 x 19.7 x 59.0 cm (6.7 x 7.8 x 23.2 in.) without rack mount hardware
4U chassis size (H x W x D) 17.7 x 48.3 x 56.2 cm (7 x 19 x 22.1 in.) with rack mount hardware
Weight < 11 kg (24 lbs)
Model Number Type Feedback Type
ELE-PAC-STP PAC Module, Dual Stepper Encoder or Open-Loop
ELE-PAC-SK4 PAC Kit, 4-Axis Stepper, 4U Rack Encoder or Open-Loop
ELE-PAC-LPE PAC Module, Low Power Servo, Encoder Encoder
ELE-PAC-MPE PAC Module, Medium Power Servo, Encoder Encoder
ELE-PAC-MPS PAC Module, Medium Power Servo, Synchro Synchro
ELE-PAC-HPE PAC Module, High Power Servo, Encoder Encoder
ELE-PAC-HPS PAC Module, High Power Servo, Synchro Synchro
ELE-PAC-RMK PAC Rack Mount Kit for 2 Modules N/A
  • ELE-PAC Precision Axis Controller
  • Power cord
  • User guide
  • SCPI command set for remote control applications
  • Standard one year warranty
ELE-LCU Local Controller Set provides local operator control at the positioner and consists of a handheld Local Control Unit (LCU) and a desktop or rack-mountable Local Control Interface (LCI) unit.