The following summary of new features is only for this release of Aerotech software and may not represent the latest version. Please visit the Software Downloads page on the Aerotech website to access the complete Release Notes and to download the latest version of the software.

New in Version 4.02.000

A3200

• Added support for reading and writing EtherCAT I/O from AeroBasic programs. The EtherCAT controller option is required to use this feature.
• Added the MATLAB library that allows user to command motion and collect data from MATLAB.
• Added the ability to use an EnDat absolute encoder that does not provide incremental feedback signals.
• Added Beta support for Simplified Chinese (ZH-CN) in the CNC OI in the Operator Interface, Help file, and .NET Library.
• Added the ability to use Safe Zones to specify multiple regions in space where a set of axes cannot enter or cannot exit.
• Added Inverse Feedforward Loop Transmission response in the Digital Scope.
• Added the Kd1 and Kp1 servo gains support to the Digital Scope.
• Added the ability to generate quadrature outputs by using the PULSE command. This could be used to generate simulated quadrature output when using the resolve option on an Npaq or Ndrive.
• Modified the task execution of several motion commands to automatically wait for the RAPID, LINEAR, CW, CCW, PVT, and PT commands to finish executing if issued on the same task. This change affects the WAIT MODE AUTO (G359) wait mode.
• Added the ability to initialize queue mode on tasks and stop tasks by using the ASCII Interface.
• Changed the InPositionDisableTimeout axis parameter so that it generates “In Position Timeout” axis fault instead of always disabling the axis. If you want the axis to be disabled, you must set the In Position Timeout fault in the FaultMask and FaultMaskDisable axis parameters.
• Added the ability to watch Defines that map to variables.
• The EncoderMultiplicationFactor parameter can now be set to a floating point number (32-bits).
• Added a “~VERSION” server command that retrieves the software version of the ASCII interface server.
• Improved the procedure to copy, import, and compare parameters.

Operator Interface

Added the Advanced AeroBasic Editor, a fully featured AeroBasic program editor that can be used to edit multiple AeroBasic programs regardless of task association.

MotionPAC

• Added an I/O Configuration tool that simplifies mapping I/O signals to variables declared in a MotionPAC project.
• It is now possible to configure Drive and Fieldbus I/O using Bus Topology in MotionPAC.
• Bus workspace is now available.
• Added a utilities library that contains a PID block that can be used for process control in a PLC program.
• Added eCLR Function Visual Studio item template.
• Added the ability to initialize array variables when the variable is declared.
• Renamed the AerotechFirmware.dll MotionPAC library to AerotechMotion.dll. The library will be referenced in projects automatically, so you do not need to add it as a reference.
• Renamed the MotionPAC firmware library function blocks with a prefix. You must update any MotionPAC projects that use these function blocks.

.NET Library

• Added support for Japanese (JA) in the CNC OI.
• Visual Studio templates are automatically configured during installation.
• Added the ability to get or set task info and task return variables through the .NET library.
• Added properties to the callback API to query the registration status of callbacks.
• Added APIs to access virtual binary and register I/O in the .NET library.
• Added support for retrieving Virtual I/O by variable name in the Custom Diagnostics API.
• It is now possible to manage programs loaded in the SMC. Refer to Controller.LoadedPrograms for more information.
• Changed the tag name that is returned to you when you access a PLC shared tag by byte offset.

C Library

• Changed the values in the PLC_SHARED_TAG_TYPE. This is a binary compatibility change.
• Changed the tag name that is returned to you when you access a PLC shared tag by byte offset.

Sensor Fusion

• Added the SENSORFUSION ALLOCATE command so that you can configure the amount of memory allocated to the data recording and data playback features.
• Data recording memory in the Sensor Fusion is now allocated dynamically. This means that the number of samples you can record varies based on the number of items you are recording. The more items you record, the fewer samples you can record.

Nmark

• Added support for the Nmark CLS.
• Added the GALVO ROTATION command to correct for mechanical alignment errors between the servo and galvo axes in Infinite Field of View mode.
• Improved Nmark Infinite Field of View (IFV) so that it is no longer necessary to specify axis ramp rates, axis ramp modes, axis ramp types, and axis speeds on the galvo axes. IFV will automatically use the servo axis settings for the galvo axes.

Ensemble

• Axis I/O pane in the Motion Composer now maintains the selected axis.
• Added functions to the GearCamLibrary AeroBasic library to stop gearing and camming from another user task.
• Created a new plugin that contains both the Ethernet/IP module and the ECC-200 module.

Ensemble and Soloist

• Added the ability to use an EnDat absolute encoder that does not provide incremental feedback signals.
• Added the ability to configure voice coil stages and motors in the main parameter calculator.
• Added support for the BLOCKMOTION command.
• Added Inverse Feedforward loop transmission response in the Digital Scope. Overlaying the Inverse Feedforward over the plot will graphically confirm that the feedforward gains used are the optimal values.
• Added the Kd1 and Kp1 servo gains support to the Digital Scope.
• Added a PROGRAM RESUME command so that an AeroBasic program can resume a paused program in another user task.
• Improved the procedure to copy, import, and compare parameters.
• Added an argument to the LoopTrans method to specify what type of loop transmission to run. This is a source and binary compatibility change.

CADFusion

• Release 1.00.000.
• Easily imports vector-based drawing files and produces G-code motion programs.
• Automatic and manual shape re-ordering options allow for optimal tool and processing paths.
• Export to AeroBasic or RS-274D G-code format.
• Allows user-defined initialization, process shutdown, and shuttering commands (laser on/off).
• Offers seamless use of Aerotech’s powerful controller features such as PSO (position synchronized output).

The following summary of new features is only for this release of Aerotech software and may not represent the latest version. Please visit the Software Downloads page on the Aerotech website to access the complete Release Notes and to download the latest version of the software.

New in Version 4.03.000

A3200

• Added a Bézier command that creates a Bézier curve trajectory that can be traversed at constant velocity with acceleration limiting. Both cubic and quadratic types are available. Standard G-code features such as normalcy and cutter compensation can be active when using the Bézier command.
• The MotionPAC EtherCAT I/O performance has been drastically increased to handle 3.2 million digital I/O per second!
• Click by click tutorials have been added to the MotionPAC that show the user how to create, run and debug programs in each of the PLC languages, ladder diagrams, function block and structure text. The use of realtime .NET is also covered in the tutorials.
• To support ease of use a Function block error decoder has been added to MotionPAC that indicate the nature of errors.
• Additional libraries have been added to the MotionPAC with many base functions that make programming easier.
• A PID function block has been added to the MotionPAC utility library. This is useful for controlling processes and motors that are not on the motion network of the A3200. For example, temperature control of the chamber or control of a VFD drive for a large motor.
• Added data recording and playback support on Sensor Fusion that can be called from Matlab or LabVIEW.
• Added User Management to Operator Interface permitting multiple profiles to be setup that restrict or allow access to buttons and functions in the Operator Interface.
• The error messages that display in the Operator Interface are now multilingual and are selected based on the language setup on the computer.
• Operators can now configure multiple jog groups and invert jog direction in the Operator Interface.

A3200, Ensemble, and Soloist

• Enhanced the Matlab library interface to include Data Collection APIs.
• The PWM amplifier default deadband (depending on application) can be reduced by the user to one msec which will minimize the cross-over distortion of the amplifier. Previously, it was a factory setting with default of three msec.
• The PID servo loop can be configured by the user to be loop structure (velocity and position loop) with proportional integral gains in each loop (as well as feedforward) or can be set to be a textbook PID controller. The PID gains can now be changed dynamically from the Digital Scope.

The following summary of new features is only for this release of Aerotech software and may not represent the latest version. Please visit the Software Downloads page on the Aerotech website to access the complete Release Notes and to download the latest version of the software.

New in Version 4.04.000

A3200

• Added the ability to use the marker input from the velocity feedback channel for homing when you use dual loop feedback.
• In Configuration Manager, added the ability to map AeroBasic variables to Hilscher EtherCAT and PROFINET I/O by using the Fieldbus Mapping dialog.
• Added the ability to set the next program line to execute in Motion Composer, Motion Simulator and the CNC Operator Interface.
• Motion PAC Function Blocks now display the value of inputs and outputs even if no variable is connected.
• Added several new Utility Function Blocks to MotionPAC. Refer to the help file for documentation of each Function Block.
• Improved the PC and Drive Modbus interfaces. You can now use the mapping tool in Configuration Manager to configure Modbus connections and to map Modbus I/O directly to AeroBasic variables.
• New AeroBasic commands allow for TCP/IP connection to remote machines.
• Simplified the PID Utility Function Blocks in MotionPAC by replacing all previous scan rate and loop update inputs with a ScanRateDivider input that specifies the number of scan rates at which the block is updated.
• Added support for the PULSE command on the HLe and HPe.
• Added .NET Library APIs for modifying Modbus Fieldbus mapping configurations.
• Added the ability to toggle and remove breakpoints in the CNC Operator Interface by using the Debug menu.
• Help for the CNC Operator Interface is now available in German, French, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese.
• Added the ability to archive a MotionPAC PLC project.
• Added a new PSO output mode that lets you specify the state to which the PSO output will be set upon entering, exiting, or both entering and exiting a window.
• Added a Find window that you can use to search your entire PLC project within MotionPAC.
• Created a new command, MOVETOLIM, so that you can manually command an axis into a limit.
• Added support for macro text replacement to the AeroBasic preprocessor.
• Added the ability for the ANALOG TRACK command to output Position Error.
• Expanded the ability of Configuration Manager to upgrade incompatible parameter files.

Ensemble and Soloist

• Added a new AeroBasic include file called “AeroBasicInclude.abi” which includes multiple constant definition files to make programming easier.
• Added the ExternalVelocityAverageTime parameter which filters the output of the EXTVEL function.
• Added support for the CW, CCW, OSCILLATE, TIMESCALE, and SCALEFACTOR commands to the ASCII interface.
• Expanded the ability of Configuration Manager to upgrade incompatible parameter files.
• Added a new PSO output mode that lets you specify the state to which the PSO output will be set upon entering, exiting, or both entering and exiting a window.
• Added the ability to use the marker input from the velocity feedback channel for homing when you use dual loop feedback.

New features include improved support for 64-bit operating systems. Read on for the complete list of updates to the A3200, Ensemble and Soloist software in software version 4.05.

The following summary of new features is only for this release of Aerotech software and may not represent the latest version. Please visit the Software Downloads page on the Aerotech website to access the complete Release Notes and to download the latest version of the software.

New in Version 4.05.000

A3200

• Added a program Operation Mode that ensures the program cannot be stopped easily (useful for I/O or PLC type functions).
• Improved support for look-ahead during cutter compensation and corner rounding.
• PVT and PT Function Blocks are now available in MotionPAC.
• The maximum number of safe zones has increased from 8 to 32.
• Added support for PSO operations based on the commanded position of the scanner on the Nmark SSaM.
• Added the ability to program the depth of the program execution queue.
• Added support for 2D barcodes with the BARCODE DATAMATRIX command.
• Added the ability to customize Access Control in the CNC Operator Interface.
• The Digital Scope’s Loop Transmission tool can be used to optimize the current loop.
• The CNC Operator Interface runs as a 64-bit application on 64-bit operating systems.
• Motion Composer runs as a 64-bit application on 64-bit operating systems.
• Added a defined constant, “MATH.PI”, in AeroBasic.
• Added AeroBasic math functions CEIL, FLOOR, and ROUND.
• The Zero position of an absolute encoder can be shifted with an offset parameter.
• Added AeroBasic programming examples for implementing a TCP Server and TCP Client application to the samples directory.
• The PSO Window function supports continuous asynchronous output operation in addition to position-based output.
• Variables and expressions can be used as an Axis Mask or Axis Index using the % and @ operators.
• Added support for Gain Mapping, where servo loop gains are changes as a function of position, to the Dynamic Controls Toolbox.

Ensemble

• Ensemble LAB supports Aerotech’s new FlashConfig feature, which automatically configures axis parameters based on the connected stage type (the parametric information required to operate the stage is stored on the stage itself).
• The Digital Scope’s Loop Transmission tool can be used to optimize the current loop.
• Motion Composer runs as a 64-bit application on 64-bit operating systems.
• Added a defined constant, “MATH.PI”, in AeroBasic.
• Added AeroBasic math functions CEIL, FLOOR, and ROUND.
• The Zero position of an absolute encoder can be shifted with an offset parameter.
• Added AeroBasic programming examples for implementing a TCP Server and TCP Client application to the samples directory.
• The PSO Window function supports continuous asynchronous output operation in addition to position-based output.
• Variables and expressions can be used as an Axis Mask or Axis Index using the % and @ operators.
• Added support for Gain Mapping, where servo loop gains are changes as a function of position, to the Dynamic Controls Toolbox.

Soloist

• The Digital Scope’s Loop Transmission tool can be used to optimize the current loop.
• Motion Composer runs as a 64-bit application on 64-bit operating systems.
• Added a defined constant, “MATH.PI”, in AeroBasic.
• Added AeroBasic math functions CEIL, FLOOR, and ROUND.
• The Zero position of an absolute encoder can be shifted with an offset parameter.
• Added AeroBasic programming examples for implementing a TCP Server and TCP Client application to the samples directory.
• The PSO Window function supports continuous asynchronous output operation in addition to position-based output.
• Variables and expressions can be used as an Axis Mask or Axis Index using the % and @ operators.
• Added support for Gain Mapping, where servo loop gains are changes as a function of position, to the Dynamic Controls Toolbox.

The following summary of new features is only for this release of Aerotech software and may not represent the latest version. Please visit the Software Downloads page on the Aerotech website to access the complete Release Notes and to download the latest version of the software.

New in Version 4.06.000

A3200

• Text strings support up to 187 characters.
• The output from the AUTOFOCUS function can be combined with motion that is generated from AeroBasic and G-Code commands.
• MotionPAC supports variables as an index in one-dimensional shared tag arrays.
• Programs can be added to the SMC without being associated with a task.
• Customizable buttons can use Fieldbus variables to determine the active button state.
• Tasks in the CNC Operator Interface can be hidden from the operator.
• Retrace can be used when cutter compensation or corner rounding is active.
• Binary data can be written to a file from an AeroBasic program by using the FILEWRITEARRAYBINARY command.
• Nmark CLS supports the DATAACQ commands.
• PSO pulse period and width can be changed in continuous firing mode without having to re-issue the FIRE CONTINUOUS command.
• Multiple status items can be retrieved in the ASCII interface by using the new ~STATUS command.
• FreerunStop, MC (Motor Commutate), and AutoFocus On/Off function blocks were added to the MotionPAC firmware library.
• Nmark CLS PSO output can be synchronized to an external clock input by using the PSOOUTPUT PULSE EXTSYNC command.

A3200, Ensemble & Soloist

• A Web Interface was added to A3200 and the LAB controller.
• Sourcing and Sinking output modes were added for the opto-isolated digital outputs on the -IO option for the CL, CP, ML, and MP drive types.
• Capacitance Sensor feedback device type is supported on the LAB controller and the Npaq.
• Digital Scope can show the combined frequency response of the PID and Servo filters in the Loop Transmission utility.
• Digital Scope can show the Process Sensitivity frequency response in the Loop Transmission utility.
• Analog inputs have programmable DC offsets.
• Enhanced Tracking control functionality was added to all drive types.

Improvements to Aerotech’s controller software in version 4.07 include a new REST API, enhanced user interface capabilities, and several enhancements to the Nmark SSaM and Nmark CLS platforms.

The following summary of new features is only for this release of Aerotech software and may not represent the latest version. Please visit the Software Downloads page on the Aerotech website to access the complete Release Notes and to download the latest version of the software.

New in Version 4.07.000

A3200

• The HOME command includes a CONDITIONAL keyword. Axes that were previously homed ignore HOME commands that include the CONDITIONAL keyword.
• A new axis parameter, EncoderMarkerAlignment, compensates for markers that are not correctly aligned with the encoder signals.
• Added support for Ndrive HPe200 (200 amp peak PWM digital amplifier with shared bus option).
• You can monitor the quality of analog sin/cos encoder feedback by using the EncoderRadiusThresholdLow and EncoderRadiusThresholdHigh parameters. A feedback fault can be triggered if the voltage level is outside the range of the parameter settings.
• You can zoom in Digital Scope by holding the Ctrl key and moving the mouse wheel.
• A REST (Representational State Transfer) API was added to the web server interface. The REST API has low-level commands such as PUT, GET and POST that transfer data between the A3200 and another application or service.
• The MATLAB Library can read and write AeroBasic variables by name.
• AeroBasic variables can be read over the ASCII interface.
• ASCII command interface examples are available for C++ and Java.
• You can configure 2D calibration files for the Nmark SSaM and Nmark CLS in Configuration Manager. Previously, you had to use an AeroBasic command to load Nmark SSaM 2D CAL files and for Nmark CLS, the CAL file was stored in the same file as the 2D CAL file for the servo axes.
• A new Nmark SSaM and Nmark CLS command, GALVO WOBBLE, widens the laser marking path by adding a circular or figure-eight motion to the programmed motion.
• The new Nmark command, PSOOUTPUT PULSE LASER MASK, automatically arms 1D and 2D position tracking for G1/G2/G3 moves, and disarms for G0 moves.
• The Nmark CLS reports end-of-travel and software limit faults only if motion is being commanded in the direction of the limit.
• You can change the polarity of the auxiliary encoder input on the Nmark by using the FeedbackSetup parameter.
• The MotionPAC PLC has new function blocks that support gearing, cam tables, safe zones and ProgramBufferedRun.
• You can configure safe zones from MotionPAC PLC.
• The number of programs per task and the number of programs per resource on MotionPAC were increased to 100.

Ensemble and Soloist

• A REST (Representational State Transfer) API was added to the web server interface. The REST API has low-level commands such as PUT, GET and POST that transfer data between the Ensemble and a Web-based application or service. (Ensemble only)
• The HOME command includes a CONDITIONAL keyword. Axes that were previously homed ignore HOME commands that include the CONDITIONAL keyword.
• The controller automatically homes the axis the first time you enable the axis if the PositionFeedbackType parameter is set to one of the feedback types.
• Added support for Ndrive HPe200 (200 amp peak PWM digital amplifier with shared bus option).
• You can monitor the quality of analog sin/cos encoder feedback by using the EncoderRadiusThresholdLow and EncoderRadiusThresholdHigh parameters. A feedback fault can be triggered if the voltage level is outside the range of the parameter settings.
• You can zoom in Digital Scope by holding the Ctrl key and moving the mouse wheel.

New features in 4.08 include one-button optimization of gains and filters, interface improvements for working with 1D and 2D plots, and A3200 fieldbus variable data collection.

The following summary of new features is only for this release of Aerotech software and may not represent the latest version. Please visit the Software Downloads page on the Aerotech website to access the complete Release Notes and to download the latest version of the software.

New in Version 4.08.000

A3200

• Click the Optimize button to easily optimize gain and filter values based on data from a Loop Transmission plot.
• Easily change between 1D and 2D plots by using the Toggle Plot Dimensions button.
• Pan 2D plots either by using the Pan button in Digital Scope or by using your middle mouse button.
• Data collection includes information about Fieldbus connections that are defined in your active parameter file.
• Added MotionPAC function blocks that convert status word values into individual bits for you to use in your programs.
• Optimize the timing of the feedforward gains relative to the motion profile by using the FeedforwardAdvance parameter.
• Find out how long it has been since the last controller reset by using the Time Since Reset data collection item.
• Distance Logging logs to a file the total distance that a motor has traveled.
• Delay compensation on the Resolute encoder interface makes it possible for you to use longer feedback cables.
• Added LabVIEW VIs to use with Piezo nanopositioners.

Ensemble and Soloist

• Support for Windows 8.1.
• Click the Optimize button to easily optimize gain and filter values based on data from a Loop Transmission plot.
• Easily change between 1D and 2D plots by using the Toggle Plot Dimensions button.
• Pan 2D plots either by using the Pan button in Digital Scope to or by using your middle mouse button.
• Find out how long it has been since the last controller reset by using the Time Since Reset data collection item.
• Increased the limit of the hardware counter on the control board to 85 seconds. Use the QUERYTIMEBIT function to read the counter.
• Program in the new Matlab interface.
• Added LabVIEW VIs to use with Piezo nanopositioners (Ensemble only).
• Added DATAACQ and PSO features to the Ensemble QLAB.

New features in 4.09 include Infinite Field of View and galvo calibration improvements on A3200 and better controller trajectories on the Ensemble and Soloist.

The following summary of new features is only for this release of Aerotech software and may not represent the latest version. Please visit the Software Downloads page on the Aerotech website to access the complete Release Notes and to download the latest version of the software.

New in Version 4.09.000

A3200

• The location of OGM files can be setup from within Configuration Manager or Motion Composer.  This capability allows the user to store program files in a read-only folder.
• Added PSOANALOG features to the Ndrive HLe, HPe, and FLS and the Nmark CLS.
• Reduced download times for galvo calibration files and increased the table size to 257×257.
• 2D galvo calibration files download faster.
• Infinite Field of View (IFOV) is infinitely easier to configure and works with any motion profile— without you having to optimize your AeroBasic program.
• With the improved FILEREADARRAYBINARY AeroBasic command the controller can read different data types. And, the controller stops the task when an error occurs. The old syntax will compile and run, but it is no longer documented.
• Use the FILESIZE function to retrieve the size of a file in bytes from AeroBasic.

Ensemble and Soloist

• Use the FeedforwardAdvance parameter to specify the time by which the velocity and acceleration feedforward contributions to the output of the servo loop are advanced by the controller.
• Command shaping is applied at the servo rate instead of 1 kilohertz.
• See your controller trajectories improve because the controller uses analytically computed velocity to produce more accurate positions.
• The firmware loads faster.
• You can specify if axes will move out of an end-of-travel or software limit fault condition when you acknowledge the fault by using the FaultAckMoveOutOfLimit system parameter.

Because Microsoft has ended support for Windows^® XP,  Aerotech will end support for Windows XP with our December release. Here is a quick summary of what is required to migrate to Windows^® 7.

Migration Directions for Soloist and Ensemble Users: 

Install the latest copy of controller suite on your Windows^® 7 PC. Upgrade the firmware on your Soloist/Ensemble hardware. Copy your programs and parameter files to the new installation. The parameter file will be converted to be compatible with the current version. Download programs and parameters and begin running as usual.

If migrating from a version 2.x then some of the AeroBasic™ commands have changed and the .NET library class names have changed. Programs will need to be updated to reflect the new names. For .NET users, all dll’s have changed and all custom applications will need to be rewritten using these new dll’s.

The controller hardware will work with V4.xx and V5.xx and will not need to be upgraded.

Migration Directions for Automation 3200 Users: 

Software: If you are using V3.xx, use A3200 version 4.xx or 5.xx for Win 7 (32 or 64 bit). Install this version on your new PC with Windows^® 7. The computer must have at least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB for 64 bit OS) and an Intel i3/i5/i7 type processor. If you are using V2.xx, then we need to know the serial number to be sure that we configure the new software with all the modules you currently use – specifically, LabVIEW^® and CNC are optional modules.

Hardware: The drive compatibility must be considered when migrating to the newest releases.

• Any NCdrive, Ndrive CP Rev-, Ndrive HP, Ndrive HL, Ndrive xxB, or Npaq bought before May 2007 will need to be upgraded or replaced.
• NCdrive and Ndrive CP Rev- will be replaced with an Ndrive CP, latest revision.
• Ndrive HP and Ndrive HL will be replaced with an Ndrive HPe and Ndrive HLe, respectively.
• Ndrive xxB will be replaced with an Ndrive HPe.
• Npaq will need updated with a new control board. We can supply an AeroBasic™ program to determine if a Rev A Npaq is compatible with V4 software, or if the control board will need updated.

Parameters: Parameter files will be updated by the new software suite. When the original parameter file is opened with the Configuration Manager, it will get updated to the new version. Any Ethernet based IO parameter settings will need to be updated manually and remapped in the Fieldbus section.

Programming (AeroBasic™): Some AeroBasic™ commands have been renamed – specifically the status commands have been changed. Also, the $RIAction has been eliminated. Aerotech can offer aid in updating programs at a cost. G-code programs should not need updated, as those are mainly the same.

Programming (Libraries): All dll’s have been rewritten in V4.xx in the .NET language. All custom applications will need to be rewritten using these new dll’s.

If you have any further questions, please contact your Aerotech Sales Application Engineer or Aerotech’s Global Technical Support.

Aerotech’s new piezo nanopositioning stages are now supported on A3200 and Ensemble controllers. New features in 5.01 include Easytune to get you started faster, improved trajectory generation, a parameter search feature in Configuration Manager, and an enhanced Axis Parameter Calculator. The 5.01 version does not support Windows XP or Windows Vista.

The following summary of new features is only for this release of Aerotech software and may not represent the latest version. Please visit the Software Downloads page on the Aerotech website to access the complete Release Notes and to download the latest version of the software.

New in Version 5.01.000

A3200

• Piezo nanopositioning stage support.
• EasyTune automatically tunes and optimizes an axis. Use EasyTune to stabilize an axis or optimize performance.
• Axis Parameter Calculator is completely redesigned. New features include:
  • Enhanced motor and stage selection
  • Ability to select feedback option by name
  • Bus voltage options for Npaq amplifiers
  • Galvo scanner configuration
  • Piezo stage configuration
• Easily search for parameters in Configuration Manager! When it finds the parameter, it selects the category in Network Explorer and highlights the parameter in the Viewer pane.
• Improved trajectory generation in Motion Designer. New features include:
  • Sub-millisecond sample times for trajectories
  • Improved generation of triangle wave trajectories
  • Asymmetric triangle waves
  • Move Delay trajectory type which delays motion while at zero velocity
• One-time activation is required when you install the software.
• Windows XP is no longer supported.
• LabVIEW 2010 is the minimum supported version.
• Nmark VCT and Nmark GRC are no longer supported. They were replaced with the SSaM and CLS versions of Nmark.
• For Rev A Nmark CLS, the maximum DATAACQ capture rate increased to 128,000 samples.
• Calculate Enhanced Tracking Control parameters in Digital Scope.
• 1D calibration files now store the value of the AbsoluteFeedbackOffset parameter.
• Matlab Library now includes parameter file management APIs.
• C Library now includes parameter file management APIs.
• In libraries, you can configure data collection to sample based on changes in conditions. Also,  DataCollectionConfiguration.CollectionPeriod is obsolete, use DataCollectionConfiguration.SampleTrigger instead.
• The DefaultWaitMode parameter now has a setting for WAIT MODE AUTO, which is the new default of the parameter.
• Enhanced Galvo commands and Galvo conditional plotting signals.
• Use the new MOVEDELAY command to command a motion delay of less than 1 millisecond. The delay synchronizes with BEZIER, CCW, CW, GALVO LASEROVERRIDE ON/OFF, LINEAR, and RAPID commands.
• Reduced latency for BEZIER, CCW, CW, LINEAR, PT, PVT, and RAPID commands.
• Specify a timeout value for the CRITICAL START command in your AeroBasic program.
• For Bezier curves, you can specify a different tolerance for each curve and you can use BEZIER commands in a buffered run program.
• Decrease the rate of quadrature output by using the new ENCODER OUT DIVIDER command.
• For Npaq, average more than two encoder inputs to generate the position feedback
• Enhanced Signal Log functionality.
• Bug fixes for camming. If you used camming in AeroBasic programs and MotionPAC projects, you must update and recompile these projects.
• Improved error reporting for gantry configurations.

Ensemble and Soloist

• Piezo nanopositioning stage support on Ensemble.
• EasyTune automatically tunes and optimizes an axis. Use EasyTune to stabilize an axis or optimize performance.
• Axis Parameter Calculator is completely redesigned. New features include:
  • Enhanced motor and stage selection
  • Support for encoders
  • Bus voltage options for Npaq amplifiers
  • Galvo scanner configuration
  • Piezo stage configuration
• Easily search for parameters in Configuration Manager! When it finds the parameter, it selects the category in Network Explorer and highlights the parameter in the Viewer pane.
• Improved trajectory generation in Motion Designer. New features include:
  • Sub-millisecond sample times for trajectories
  • Improved generation of triangle wave trajectories
  • Asymmetric triangle waves
  • Move Delay trajectory type which delays motion while at zero velocity
• Use Trajectory Tables to implement and run trajectory at the servo rate.
• Calculate Enhanced Tracking Control parameters in Digital Scope.
• LabVIEW 2010 is the minimum supported version. All previous versions are no longer supported.
• Windows XP and Windows Vista are no longer supported.
• You can customize the touchscreen display of Ensemble LAB and QLAB.
• Matlab Library now includes parameter file management APIs.
• 1D calibration files now store the value of the AbsoluteFeedbackOffset parameter.
• 1D and 2D calibration applies fractional numbers instead of integers.
• Faster loading of AeroBasic programs to the controller.
• You can specify Linear or Sinusoidal ramping for MOVEINC and MOVEABS commands by using the DefaultRampType parameter.

New features in 5.02 include easier setup with FlashConfig and improved EasyTune and Calculator functionality. The 5.02 version of A3200 supports Windows 8.1 and has an upgraded real-time operating system. Support for Sensor Fusion was removed.

The following summary of new features is only for this release of Aerotech software and may not represent the latest version. Please visit the Software Downloads page on the Aerotech website to access the complete Release Notes and to download the latest version of the software.

New in Version 5.02.000

A3200

• Added support for Windows 8.1.
• The installation automatically upgrades your INtime real-time operating system to version 6.0.
• With FlashConfig, you can easily transfer calculator, parameter, and calibration data from a FlashConfig stage to your controller.
• Axis Parameter Calculator has even more new features.
  • You can calculate default speeds and ramp rates.
  • Added support for non-direct drive stages.
  • Added support for dual motor linear stages.
• Use EasyTune to calculate gains and filters for axes configured in dual-loop mode.
• Easily compare parameters with the improved Parameter Comparison dialog.
• Set the HomeType parameter to “Home at Current Position Absolute” and the axes will home automatically when they are enabled.
• Removed support for Sensor Fusion.

Ensemble and Soloist

• Use the new Ensemble FlashConfig interface to work with data stored on FlashConfig stages, now including calibration data.
• Convert Ensemble binary calibration files (.cx1/.cx2) to text format calibration files (.cal).
• Axis Parameter Calculator has even more new features.
  • You can calculate default speeds and ramp rates.
  • Added support for non-direct drive stages.
  • Added support for dual motor linear stages.
• Use EasyTune to calculate gains and filters for axes configured in dual-loop mode.
• Easily compare parameters with the improved Parameter Comparison dialog.  

New features in 5.03 include compensating for motor wiring problems, improved dual-loop mode configuration, and support for Windows 10.

New in Version 5.03.000

A3200

• Added support for Windows 10.
• On the Ndrive QL and Ndrive QLe, the following features update at the 24 kHz servo rate.
  • ANALOG TRACK
  • ANALOG CONTROL
  • AUTOFOCUS
• If you are using an AC Brushless motor, you can use the new Motor Phasing Calculator to compensate for problems with the motor wiring. The calculator calculates the correct values for the CommutationOffset, FeedbackSetup, and ServoSetup parameters.
• Configure dual-loop feedback in the Axis Parameter Calculator.
• The Feedback Tuning tab of Digital Scope supports optimization of the two feedback devices for dual-loop axes.
• Removed support for Ndrive CL.

Ensemble and Soloist

• Added support for Windows 10.
• If you are using an AC Brushless motor, you can use the new Motor Phasing Calculator to compensate for problems with the motor wiring. The calculator calculates the correct values for the CommutationOffset, FeedbackSetup, and ServoSetup parameters.
• Configure dual-loop feedback in the Axis Parameter Calculator.
• For Ensemble, the Feedback Tuning tab of Digital Scope supports optimization of the two feedback devices for dual-loop axes.
• Removed support for Windows 8.0. The software still supports Windows 8.1.
• Removed support for CL drive type.  

New features in 5.04 include support for the new Nmark GCL, the Catalog Manager, and EasyTune improvements. See the product release notes for details and a complete list of updates.

A3200

• Added support for Nmark GCL.
• Added the Catalog Manager so that you can keep a catalog of the specifications of non-standard Aerotech stages and motors that you use in your system. Use and reuse the catalog information when you use the Axis Parameter Calculator to configure axes.
• Easier controller setup with motors that do not have Hall-effect sensors.
• Improved EasyTune to identify axes that have low-frequency mechanical resonances.

Ensemble and Soloist

• Added the Catalog Manager so that you can keep a catalog of the specifications of non-standard Aerotech stages and motors that you use in your system. Use and reuse the catalog information when you use the Axis Parameter Calculator to configure axes.
• Easier controller setup with motors that do not have Hall-effect sensors.
• Improved EasyTune to identify axes that have low-frequency mechanical resonances.

New features in 5.05 include the ability to apply projective transformations, ThermoComp support, and Catalog Manager improvements. See the product release notes for details and a complete list of updates.

A3200

• Added the ability to select which items to export from the Custom Mechanics Catalog Manager.
• Now you can apply projective transformations to a galvo scanner that is connected to an Nmark GCL. In AeroBasic, simply use the GALVO PROJECTION command.
• If you have an Aerotech stage with the new ThermoComp™ feature, you can use your A3200 software to configure and apply automatic temperature compensation to your stage.

Ensemble and Soloist

• Added the ability to select which items to export from the Custom Mechanics Catalog Manager.