Trio Motion Technology’s Flexible Machine Controller (FLEX) range offers high-performance and adaptable motion control solutions designed to meet the demands of modern industrial automation. These compact controllers provide precise, scalable, and flexible control for a wide variety of applications — from small machines to large-scale systems. Moreover, their modular design allows engineers to optimise performance and integration with ease.
Flex-7: High-Performance Controller for Complex Systems
The Flex-7 is Trio’s most powerful and compact Flexible Machine Controller, capable of controlling up to 128 motor axes via EtherCAT, with update rates as low as 125µs. Thanks to its 1.2GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, the Flex-7 dedicates specific cores for motion and communication tasks, thereby ensuring optimal performance for complex systems.
Key Features:
- Up to 128 EtherCAT axes
- Update rates down to 125µs
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Modbus and Ethernet/IP support
- Fully integrated into Motion Perfect software
- Programming in TrioBASIC and IEC 61131-3 with PLCopen
- Compatibility with Flexslice I/O modules
Consequently, the Flex-7 is ideal for applications requiring high-speed and high-precision control, such as robotics, CNC machining, and large-scale automation systems.
Flex-6X Nano: Compact and Scalable Solution
The Flex-6X Nano offers a compact yet powerful solution for applications requiring up to 64 axes of motion. Powered by a 1.2GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A55 processor, it delivers fast cycle times and smooth scalability through the matching Flexslice range of input, output, and axis modules. In addition, its small form factor makes it well-suited to space-sensitive environments.
Key Features:
- 2 to 64 EtherCAT axes
- Cycle time as low as 125µs
- Built-in EBUS coupler for direct access to Flexslice modules
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Field programmable with Motion Perfect software
- High-performance, flexible topology, and simple configuration
Therefore, the Flex-6X Nano is an excellent choice for packaging, material handling, and pick-and-place systems, where space constraints and scalability are key considerations.
Flexslice Expansion Modules: Enhancing Flexibility
Trio’s Flexslice system provides fast, modular, and scalable expansion for motion applications. These EtherCAT I/O modules offer a robust and high-speed solution for both motion control and general automation. Furthermore, they allow easy integration of digital and analogue I/O, stepper controllers, temperature measurement, and encoder interfaces.
Key Features:
- Use with Trio or third-party EtherCAT masters
- High-performance, flexible topology, and simple configuration
- Bus cycle time synchronised with motion coordinator servo period
- Automatic mapping to the motion coordinator I/O system
- DIN rail mounted with easy-to-use push-in terminals
As a result, the Flexslice system enables OEMs to deploy both centralised and decentralised control of up to 128 axes. It delivers a motion-first machine solution with distributed I/O for local connection to sensors and actuators, while maintaining real-time performance over EtherCAT.
Conclusion
Trio Motion Technology’s FLEX range delivers versatile and high-performance controllers designed to meet the evolving demands of modern industrial automation. Whether for compact machines or complex multi-axis systems, the Flex-7 and Flex-6X Nano offer reliability, speed, and precision in a scalable, flexible package. Additionally, the integration of Flexslice expansion modules further enhances adaptability and functionality, making them suitable for a wide range of automation applications.
For more information on Trio’s FLEX range and to explore how these controllers can enhance your automation systems, visit Micromech’s supplier page for Trio products or contact our team of engineers.
