2 PRODUCT OVERVIEW
This document is a user manual for the SmarAct Modular Control System 2 (MCS2) which is de-
signed to drive piezo based SmarAct stepping actuators.
For the general concepts of controlling the MCS2 by software as well as for a description of the
application programming interface (API) please refer to the MCS2 Programmers Guide.
Each MCS2 control device consists of the following components:
• MCS2 Main Controller
The main controller has the following tasks:
– process commands from the hand control module or from the user application soft-
ware
– read in the sensor data from the integrated position sensors (via sensor module)
– perform closed-loop position control
– drive the positioners
Each MCS2 controller is equipped with a USB or Network Interface and can be controlled by
software running on a PC.
• MCS2 Sensor Module
The positioners may be equipped with integrated sensors to perform closed-loop positioning
control. For this, a sensor module preprocesses the sensor data and delivers the digitized
data to the main controller. Alternatively, a SmarAct PicoScale interferometer can be used
as a sensor module. Each sensor module can handle up to three positioners.
• Hand Control Module (optional)
The MCS2 offers easy and ready-to-go control by joysticks and control knobs - without the
need of complex installation procedures or software development. The Hand Control Mod-
ule may be integrated into the main controller or placed inside a separate (external) housing.
• I/O Module (optional)
The MCS2 can be equipped with I/O modules that provide digital and analog inputs and
outputs. Fast digital outputs can be used to trigger external devices on specific internal
events of the main controller (e.g. Position Reached). Digital device inputs allow to trigger
the MCS2 by an external device for example to perform an Emergency Stop or to synchronize
data streaming. General purpose digital inputs and outputs provide control signals to switch
lights, relays, dispensers, etc. or to read the state of safety switches, light barriers, etc. Ana-
log inputs can be used to read analog voltage signals from external devices. The controller
supports to feed these signals into the control loop. Closed loop operation depending on
external sensor signals can be implemented with this feature.
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MCS2 User Manual
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