he first product in the family includes a SOMANET control subsystem, an EtherCAT communications module, 120W motor driver and an example brushless DC (BLDC) motor. The compact kit measures just 40mm x 50mm x 15mm when assembled, making it ideal for use by designers seeking to add intelligence “close to the node” in their automation projects. Options are provided for Hall Sensor and Quadrature Encoder sensing, with support for CiA 402, the CANopen device profile for drives and motion control.

Configured and programmed in a high-level C-based environment via the XMOS xTIMEcomposer integrated development suite, the hardware package is augmented with robust, proven motor control IP modules from Synapticon that implement position, speed and torque/current control loops. The powerful xCORE multicore microcontroller subsystem is equipped with up to 32 processing cores, providing up to 2000MIPS of raw performance.

Synapticon’s SOMANET technology allows the construction of a range of robotic and cyber-physical systems*, from simple motor controllers to complex motion control solutions where the intelligence is distributed and runs alongside the sensors and actuators. This allows the systems to react much faster, improving precision and quality as well as enabling new advanced applications. SOMANET technology delivers high levels of energy efficiency, functional safety and standards compliance. The new development kit allows users to take the first steps on the road to creating these intelligent embedded systems, with fast and easy creation of both single- and multiple-axis control systems.

The kits are the first results of an extension to the existing partnership between XMOS and Synapticon. Synapticon has built its complete range of SOMANET technology on the xCORE multicore microcontrollers. The two companies have now agreed to collaborate on a range of joint development, support and marketing initiatives.

The new motor and motion control kit is available immediately via the XMOS global network of representatives and distributors, priced at $909 for the Hall sensor-only version and $999 for the version equipped with Quadrature Encoder sensing. The kits allow developers to address new opportunities in rapidly growing sectors such as consumer and professional robotics, transportation, and the $170bn factory automation market, enabling emerging trends such as Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing.

Visit the XMOS website for more information.

As part of the agreement, XMOS will market a range of development platforms based on Synapticon’s SOMANET hardware and software modules. These products will allow embedded developers to realize a broad range of intelligent control tasks, ranging from simple and efficient BLDC motor control to sophisticated distributed real-time computing and control systems. Ultimately the companies plan to jointly provide single-chip silicon solutions and system-level intellectual property that will support the next generation of intelligent embedded devices.

The new partnership builds on the already strong relationship between the two companies, which has seen Synapticon base its complete range of SOMANET products on the xCORE range of multicore microcontrollers from XMOS.

Nikolai Ensslen, CEO, Synapticon said: “xCORE is the pre-eminent programmable platform for designers working on demanding real-time embedded design. Synapticon’s hardware and software are already delivering solutions to some of the most challenging design problems in the embedded market. Strengthening our ties with XMOS will not only allow us to forge ahead with new technology developments, it will also increase the reach and uptake of Synapticon products in the market.”

Visit the XMOS website for more information.