Hypertherm HTA Rev 6.00 Install Guide - Manual (Page 119)

Appendix A: Motion Overview 107
SERCOS Interface™ Overview
The acronym “SERCOS” refers to SErial Real time COmmunication System servo drive interface.
This approach to communication with the drive amplifiers is performed through use of a fiber optic
ring and would replace the traditional +/- 10VDC analog output motion control card with a new fiber
optic driver card. Motion commands from the amplifier to the motor are the same as in a traditional
servo loop.
Developed in Europe in 1991 by a group of machine control vendors, SERCOS has been widely
accepted and is approved by International standard ( IEC 61491 in 1995 ) and European standard (
EN 61491 in 1998 ).
Due to the expandable nature of the SERCOS interface, Mariner can support up to 12 axes of motion
currently available in control software. Additional I/O modules may be added to expand the total
number of digital and analog I/O.
The SERCOS Drive Interface has a number of unique advantages.
1. Reduced CNC - machine interface wiring by use of a single fiber optic connector.
2. Fast 32 bit communications between the drive an CNC.
3. Improved noise immunity due to the fiber optic communication.
4. Long fiber optic cable lengths supported.
5. SERCOS is an open standard that is cross vendor compatible.
For more information on SERCOS, contact SERCOS North America at
http://www.sercos.com/
SERCOS™ Interface is a registered Trademark of SERCOS North America.