Trio Motion Flexslice series EtherCAT add-on modules

The Trio Motion Flexslice series of add-ons allow simple extension of an existing or new EtherCAT network. The Trio Flexslice can work with most EtherCAT masters, along with Trio Master controllers. The bus cycle times and I/O is tightly synchronised using EtherCAT distributed clocks.

Of particular interest is the Flex 3-axis module that can be utilised to provide virtual EtherCAT stepper motor drives. Output is via generic step and direction signals for any stepper motor drivers and works with most micro-stepping drives.

Users may choose to use this Flex slice 3-axis as an encoder input that turns conventional encoders into EtherCAT encoders. Most common encoder types are supported, examples being incremental, SSI, BISS and ENDAT. Other modules are available including but not limited to 16 I/O (PNP, NPN or analog) and 2-axis analog servo control.

The Flexslice system is fully expandable and each module has a common bus for power and communications, thus negating the need of Cat 5 cables jumping between modules.