Connect the System

A standard, integrated Aerotech system includes these items.

  • Automation1 Precision Machine & Motion Control Platform
  • A standard or custom Aerotech motor
  • A standard or custom Aerotech mechanical stage
  • Aerotech interconnect cables to connect your hardware to Automation1
  • Aerotech interconnect drawing

Use the hardware manuals and the interconnect drawings supplied by Aerotech to connect your system. If you need help, use the Global Technical Support Portal to contact Aerotech Global Technical Support.

To Connect the Drives

The controller connects to drives through the HyperWire motion control bus. For more information, see HyperWire Communication.

  1. Do one of the steps that follow for your controller type:

    • PC-Based Controller - Use a HyperWire cable to connect the PC to the HyperWire IN port on the drive.
    • Drive-Based Controller - Use a USB cable to connect the PC to the USB-C port on the drive-based controller, or use an ethernet cable to connect the PC to the ethernet port on the drive-based controller.

  2. If you want to connect only one drive, connect the drive and continue to Step 4.

  3. To add more drives to your system, use a HyperWire cable to connect the HyperWire OUT port of the first drive to the HyperWire IN port on the second drive. Then use another cable to connect the second drive to the third drive. Repeat this procedure to create a chain of drives.

    IMPORTANT: The number of drives you can connect is different for PC-based and drive-based controllers:

    • Drive-Based Controller: You can connect a maximum of 12 axes of precision motor drives on the HyperWire motion control bus.
    • PC-Based Controller: Each port supports a maximum of 16 axes. If you use more than 16 axes, connect some of them to the second port on the card to create a second chain of drives.
  4. Connect a motor or stage to each drive. Custom wiring is necessary to connect the motors and stages to the drives. To make your own interconnect cables, refer to the hardware manuals for your motors and stages. Also refer to the hardware manuals for your drives for information about the pinouts of the connectors and wiring a motor.
  5. Connect the motor bus and auxiliary power.

    6. Connect the power last. Only approved personnel can connect the power. Most drives have separate power connections for motor supply power and control supply power so that the motor power can be interrupted by an external safety circuit (emergency stop) without losing communication with the drive module. For more information, refer to the hardware manuals for your drives.

  6. Assign a unique communication channel number to each drive on the HyperWire network. Refer to the Electrical Devices section on the Machine Setup page for more information.

Next Step: Use Machine Setup