The system files stored in the XPS-RLD are easily accessible, much like a Windows environment. At the same time, these files can be edited and saved in situ, without having to pull them from the folders and opening them with notepad or other text editor.

The XPS incorporates pre-configured motion groups and user-definable motion groups to optimize the performance and simplify the use of advanced features like line-arc trajectories, splines, contouring, and complex PVT trajectories. These motion groups can be single axis positioners, spindles, gantry groups, XY groups, XYZ groups or multiple axis groups. The flexibility of grouping stages greatly improves process flow and error handling and provides a uniform structure for easy application development.

The XPS-DRV11 is a universal digital driver card compatible with the XPS-D and XPS-RLD controllers. It has been optimized to perform with most of Newport's DC, stepper and linear motor positioners. It is not included in the controller and needs to be purchased separately. The Stage and Controller Compatibility table lists the stages that the XPS-DRV11 can drive.

The Line-arc trajectory is a motion path defined by a combination of straight and curved segments (available only for positioners in XY groups) such that constant speed is maintained throughout the entire region of interest. Sequential execution of the lines-arc trajectories eliminates discontinuities. A dedicated function performs a precheck of the trajectory to ensure optimized and safe execution within the positioners' parameters. The spline trajectory executes a Catmull-Rom spline on an XYZ group, passing through user-specified points with 3rd order polynomial segments at a constant speed. Similar to Line-arc trajectory, spline trajectory has functions for trajectory prechecking. The PVT-mode is the most flexible mode for creating complex trajectories. In PVT, a trajectory element is defined by the end position (P) and end speed (V) of each positioner plus the duration for the element (T). The controller then calculates the cubic function trajectory that will pass through all defined positions at the defined times and velocities. PVT is a powerful tool for any kind of trajectory with varying speeds and for trajectories with nonlinear motion devices.

The XPS-RLD provides GPIO with a total of 8 digital I/Os and 2 analog I/Os. These GPIOs can be used to read external switches, control valves or other digital devices. The analog outputs can be used to precisely monitor any motion axis (such as position, velocity or acceleration). To synchronize external devices during a motion process, the XPS has dedicated “event and action" API's which users can use to trigger an action upon the occurrence of an event. Typical examples include sending a digital output when constant velocity is reached or initiating a TCL script when the motion is done. Once defined, the XPS autonomously monitors the status of the event to trigger the action with a latency of 50 ns for position triggers and digital I/Os and 125 µs for analog I/Os. This powerful feature does not require any complex programming by the user and does not consume any time of the host PC or communication link since processing is done at the controller level. The XPS can be used as a master controller for a complete application.

TCL scripts can be quickly generated then executed directly from the XPS GUI Terminal for rapid development for motion programs. TCL stands for Tool Command Language and is an open-source string-based command language. TCL is field-proven, very well documented and has many tutorials, applications, tools and books publicly available (www.tcl.tk).

Use the DISPLAY button to view gathered data after data acquisition.