Use SANMOTION C with EtherNet/IP PLCs—Keep Motion on EtherCAT
SANMOTION uses EtherCAT for the real-time inner loop to drives—that’s how you get deterministic multi-axis performance. When your machine standardizes on an EtherNet/IP PLC, SANMOTION C bridges the two: you keep your EtherNet/IP tags and workflows at the supervisory layer while motion executes over EtherCAT to SANMOTION servo or stepper drives. Result: EtherNet/IP motion control without re-architecting the machine—and predictable profiles, tuning, and settle behavior where it matters.
Architecture: EtherNet/IP PLC → SANMOTION C → SANMOTION Drives over EtherCAT
The PLC uses EtherNet/IP motion control to send start/stop, mode, and target position/velocity, and to read axis-ready, in-position, and alarms. SANMOTION C acts as the bridge: it exposes an EtherNet/IP interface to the PLC and manages motion over EtherCAT to SANMOTION servo or stepper drives. Drives and motors remain on the real-time motion bus, so profiles, tuning, and following-error limits behave predictably. This split keeps plant-level coordination on EtherNet/IP and preserves motion performance where it counts.
SANMOTION C Motion Controller Configuration
Configuration example with S100 model.
Machine-Level Gains with SANMOTION C (EtherNet/IP + EtherCAT)
These outcomes are achieved using SANMOTION C for EtherNet/IP motion control at the supervisory layer and EtherCAT for inner-loop motion.
- Indexing conveyors: Repeatable index time, smooth starts/stops, fewer micro-stoppages.
- Pick-and-place / gantries: Quick settle, accurate windows, faster changeovers.
- Precision Z-axis: Soft landings, less scrap, lower tool wear.
- Line retrofits / standardization: Keep mechanics, unify alarms/behavior, simpler training.
- Test/inspection turntables & feeders: Low-jitter speed, better reads, fewer re-tests.
- Light palletizing / small transfer: Stable paths, reduced topple risk, cleaner handoffs.
Conformance and interoperability documents are available upon request.
Explore SANMOTION C Models
Choose the controller that matches your network and application needs.
- SANMOTION C S100: EtherNet/IP PLC connectivity with EtherCAT motion to SANMOTION drives for compact systems.
- SANMOTION C S200: EtherNet/IP motion control at the PLC layer with EtherCAT inner-loop motion; Modbus TCP and OPC UA options available by model/firmware.
- SANMOTION C S500: Advanced SANMOTION C controller option for projects that require expanded capabilities and integration flexibility.
Summary
If you want EtherNet/IP motion control at the PLC and deterministic motion without re-architecting your machine, use SANMOTION C as the bridge. You’ll integrate quickly, keep your control standards, and hit predictable cycle times.
Contact SANYO DENKI AMERICA for a quick tag-mapping review or a bench test using your PLC.