New system offers ruggedness, intelligence and superior motion function scalability

San Jose, CA June 23, 2015

ADLINK Technology, a leading global provider of cloud-based services, intelligent gateways and embedded building blocks for edge devices that enable the Internet of Things (IoT), today announced the release of their ADLINK EtherCAT solution, consisting of the Talos-3012 IEC 61131-3-compliant automation controller and EPS Series time-deterministic I/O and motion control system. The combined solution provides time-deterministic control of automatic process, featuring high performance, easy development, rugged construction, intelligent management in ultra-small form factors, and minimal total cost of ownership. Integrated hardware and software elements, fast and easy API configuration, and ADLINKs Softmotion control kernel all drive speedy high performance for EtherCAT applications. Numerous ready-to-use features also speed development for next-generation smart factory environments.

High Performance, High Density

ADLINKs new Talos-3012 is a palm-size EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology) master controller based on the Intel Atom quad-core processor E3845 1.9GHz, with IEC-61131 compliant syntaxes. The Talos master controller allows easy emigration of legacy PLC programming to a PC-based environment and Softmotion function blocks, with a single master controller able to connect up to 64 axes and 10,000 I/O points of control through a daisy-chained slave system. Superior computing power enables the Talos-3012 to flawlessly perform simultaneous multitask processing for HMI, motion control, PLC, and gateway operations in industrial automation applications.

ADLINKs EPS Series slave systems modular design empowers flexible channel density in a 110 x 130 x 105 mm package. Incorporating the latest RISC processor and FPGA, ADLINK EPS slave systems provide a wide variety of I/O modules, including DI/O, AI/O, thermal measurement, motion control, and EtherCAT communication modules, easily daisy-chained for system expansion with no compatibility issues.

Easy Development

ADLINKs EtherCAT solution further minimizes configuration and maintenance burdens on system developers and users. ADLINKs EtherCAT solution has been verified for interoperability with a variety of EtherCAT servo drives and third party EtherCAT products, providing the flexibility to select only the requisite EtherCAT elements. With ADLINKs self-developed EtherCAT configuration utility, LinkMasterPro, the master system is able to automatically detect slave systems and I/O modules of any type and create corresponding XML files to complete configuration without any additional settings. ADLINK EtherCAT master controllers can easily connect to existing or expanded third party slave systems for automatic recognition and configuration with no compatibility problems. Moreover, ADLINKs Softmotion utility provides a complete IEC 61131-3 edition environment supporting application-oriented functions and APIs for ease-of-use and shortened development time.

Intelligent Management and Robust Design

ADLINKs EPS slave systems support a wide variety of I/O, including DI/O, AI/O, thermal measurement and motion control with status monitoring function of EPS modules and systems, including overheating detection, low power detection, slave health reporting, error handling, and usage cycle of relay switching, as well as motion control status. All information can be retrieved for review via software or displayed by dedicated indicators, allowing the status of individual modules to be monitored. LinkMasterPro not only assists in EtherCAT configuration but also evaluates the functionality of every single EPS system, and the Auto-Slave detection function makes system configuration easier than ever.

The EPS slave system significantly eases system maintenance needs, with each hot-swappable slave module replaceable with no need to power down, for a serious reduction in MTTR (Mean-Time-to-Repair). Additionally, quick-removable connectors minimize rewiring efforts. ADLINKs EtherCAT products all feature compact construction with fanless design, operable at -20°C to 60°C, with integral IP31-rated metal housing withstanding the rigors of harsh operating conditions.

"ADLINK industrial automation and motion control solutions have been widely adopted, to date driving over 500,000 axes industry-wide. As we introduce our completely new EtherCAT solution portfolio, we are confident that our extensive field experience, established one-stop service, comprehensive APIs, and highly integrated portfolio of off-the-shelf I/O modules and industrial computing platforms clearly set us apart from other providers. ADLINKs new EtherCAT Solution helps customers to overcome even the most critical challenges of industrial automation," said Simon You, Product Director for ADLINKs Automation Product Center.

Learn more about ADLINK EtherCAT products

About ADLINK
ADLINK Technology is enabling the Internet of Things (IoT) with innovative embedded computing solutions for edge devices, intelligent gateways and cloud services. ADLINKs products are application-ready for industrial automation, communications, medical, defense, transportation, and infotainment industries. Our product range includes motherboards, blades, chassis, modules, and systems based on industry standard form factors, as well as an extensive line of test & measurement products and smart touch computers, displays and handhelds that support the global transition to always connected systems. Many products are Extreme Rugged, supporting extended temperature ranges, shock and vibration.

ADLINK is a Premier Member of the Intel Internet of Things Solutions Alliance and is active in several standards organizations, including PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group (PICMG), PXI Systems Alliance (PXISA), and Standardization Group for Embedded Technologies (SGeT).

ADLINK is a global company with headquarters in Taiwan and manufacturing in Taiwan and China; R&D and integration in Taiwan, China, the US, and Germany; and an extensive network of worldwide sales and support offices. ADLINK is ISO-9001, ISO-14001, ISO-13485 and TL9000 certified and is publicly traded on the TAIEX Taiwan Stock Exchange (stock code: 6166).