"EPOS2 P": Setup & IEC61131 Programming

Topic:

Learning basics about "EPOS2" setup and programming the integrated PLC of the "EPOS2 P 24/5" (P/N: 378308).

Solution:

• Please find attached an English and German version of maxon's training book "Motion Control by Newbies".
  
  
• Please note that your local EPOS Studio installation already offers some "Best practice examples" and "Application examples":
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\maxon motor ag\EPOS IDX\EPOS2 P\04 Programming\IEC 61131\Application Examples
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\maxon motor ag\EPOS IDX\EPOS2 P\04 Programming\IEC 61131\Best Practice Examples

Important remarks:

• Please note that there is no successor product of the "EPOS2 P" present which offers IEC61131 capability. The "EPOS2 P" and also any EPOS2 controller is not recommended for new product designs or projects.
  • Most EPOS2 product types are already in "NRND - Not recommended for new designs" state. Production of different EPOS2 product types will be discontinued within the next years (depending on decreasing demand).
    
    
• The current EPOS4 product line is a so-called CiA402 motion control slave device. The EPOS4 demands for a master, which commands the required motion by USB, RS232, CAN, or optional EtherCAT. This means that the application code must be programmed on the master (and with its tools). The EPOS4 product line does not(!) offer product types with an internal PLC.
• In case of an EPOS4 there is typically one of the following masters in use:
  • PC or  "Raspberry Pi",
    e.g. programmed in C, C++, C#, .net, Python based on maxon's "EPOS Command Library".
  • PLC (e.g. Beckhoff, OMRON).
    The application code has to be implemented on base of the PLC supplier's specific programming tools and libraries.
  • maxon's MasterMACS or MiniMACS
    which are specialized master controllers for single- and multi-axis applications. There are also so-called MiniMACS-AMP versions present with integrated power stage, i.e. there is no external EPOS controller required in case of the MiniMACS-AMP. The application code of MACS controllers can be programmed in maxon's APOSS or APOSS-C programming language. There is a professional integrated development environment present. 
  • Microcontroller.
    If there is a microcontroller in use to command the EPOS, there is the implementation of the required bus protocol (USB, RS232, CAN) required. Especially the implementation of the bus protocol demands for some in-depth programming and hardware knowledge of the microcontroller in use as the master device. maxon does not(!) offer any support for microcontroller code implementation and debugging. 

Do not miss to download the attached "EPOS2 P" training book!