Control technology

  • Portfolio image in gray with control technology products highlighted in color

    Motion control without the headaches

Automation without the headaches? Absolutely! If you take motion control and automation control from the same source. Our control technology combines high-performance hardware, easily programmable software and user-friendly visualization solutions. Would you rather not have to do any programming? Not a problem. MOVI-C® comes with ready-made software modules for simple and complex control functions. All you have to do is set the parameters. Time-consuming programming is a thing of the past.

Control technology made by SEW-EURODRIVE

MOVI-C® CONTROLLER progressive MOVI-C® CONTROLLER progressive
MOVI-C® CONTROLLER progressive
MOVI-C® CONTROLLER progressive

Whether they are used for motion control, automation control or cyber-physical control tasks, MOVI-C® CONTROLLER units can be linked to the higher-level controller of a machine cell or system using classic fieldbus slave interfaces for the PROFINET, PROFIBUS, EtherNet/IPTM or Modbus TCP fieldbus systems.

Alternatively, they can be used as independent controllers for machines or systems, in which case they take care of smooth communication with the subordinate devices, e.g. MOVIDRIVE® application inverters and their synchronous connection to the movement/application.

The performance class of a MOVI-C® CONTROLLER depends on the number of inverters and the number of synchronous axes and auxiliary axes required and to be configured for the movement. Four performance classes for up to 32/32, 16/16, 8/8 or 2/6 axes are available. All versions have a compact design, meaning they can fit into even small machine control cabinets.

MOVI-C® control technology

  • Hardware
  • Software
  • Topologies
  • Accessories and options

Hardware

Our control technology and software also give you the option of writing your own programs. Would you prefer to create your own bespoke programs for your application, such as PLC functions or specific rules, so you can stand out from your competitors? If so, then our software platform has exactly what you need.

Control cabinet controllers

The controllers can be used both for challenging motion control tasks under any market-standard control system and as independent higher-level controllers for automation or even cyber-physical control tasks for complex machines and systems.

Find out more

Decentralized controllers

In addition to the drives with the MOVI‑C® FIELD CONTROLLER standard and advanced, we also offer motion controllers suitable for customized applications. The housing's high degree of protection ensures the controller can be flexibly used in the field – without needing an additional control cabinet.

Find out more

MOVI‑PLC® I/O modules

Our MOVI-PLC® I/O modules enable you to expand your automation network and connect all field units. High bus transmission rate, simple click connection for fast mounting, space-saving and with clear installation.

Find out more

Visualization

It's important to keep track of sophisticated drive tasks involving a large number of axes. We are therefore now offering a three-part modular system that covers every conceivable requirement – from standard to customized visualization.

Find out more

Software

Ready-to-go software modules

SEW image

MOVI-C® takes the headaches out of motion control. Ready-made software modules are available – all you have to do is set the parameters. This can be done conveniently via a graphical user interface, cutting down the amount of programming you have to do. You can therefore implement a large number of tasks in the blink of an eye – everything from simple drive functions to sophisticated motion control and robotics functions.

Control a wide range of handling units and production machines using our controller software and various application modules. Choose between a program for easily configurable applications, or controller software for more complex, freely configurable motion sequences. Our portfolio is completed by additional program modules for highly demanding path interpolation.

  • MOVISUITE® engineering software
  • MOVIRUN® software platform
  • MOVIKIT® software modules

MOVISUITE® engineering software

Close table
The MOVISUITE® engineering software can be used for planning, startup, operation, and diagnostics. It reduces time and costs for the user while improving usability, even during the software engineering process.

  • End-to-end engineering for all components in the MOVI-C® modular automation system – from inverters to customer-specific drive technology
  • Rapid engineering thanks to unique usability and optimized workflows
  • User-friendly operation with a modern look and feel, and state-of-the-art GUI technology
  • Simple accessibility thanks to homogenized engineering interface

We have stored a table for you here.

Startup with the MOVIRUN® software platform

Close table
MOVIRUN® flexible – the flexible and open platform

  • Automation with MOVI-C® and third-party components
  • Interpolated operating modes for demanding motion control applications
  • State-of-the-art programming system (IEC 61131)
  • Ready-made software modules from the MOVIKIT® modular software system can be integrated into the user program

We have stored a table for you here.

Operation with MOVIKIT® software modules

Close table
For everything from simple drive functions to demanding motion control functions



  • Graphical configuration and diagnostics
  • Available for MOVIDRIVE® technology and MOVIRUN® flexible for integration into the IEC program with user-friendly IEC interface

Modules

  • MOVIKIT® Velocity, Positioning
  • MOVIKIT® MultiMotion, MultiMotion Camming
  • MOVIKIT® MultiAxisController
  • MOVIKIT® Robotics

We have stored a table for you here.

Topologies

CONTROLLERs from the MOVI‑C® modular automation system

The CONTROLLERs from the MOVI-C® modular automation system can solve a range of tasks with ease. A variety of options are available for integrating them into the system topology, depending on requirements or application.

  • Topology for single-axis automation
  • Topology for motion control
  • Topology for module automation
  • Topology for EtherCAT® motion slave
  • Topology for POWERLINK

Topology for single-axis automation

Topology for single-axis automation
Topology for single-axis automation
Topology for single-axis automation

Typical application: Material transportation (single-axis automation)

The MOVIDRIVE® technology application inverters, the MOVIGEAR® performance mechatronic drive system and MOVIMOT® flexible are connected directly to the higher-level master via fieldbus interfaces. Predefined MOVIKIT® software modules ensure the drive function can be quickly and reliably implemented using graphical editors. Each axis is controlled individually via the network. Data is stored via a data exchange function on a memory card in the application inverters and in the decentralized units.

Topology for motion control

Topology for motion control
Topology for motion control
Topology for motion control

Typical application: Multiple column hoists, tripod mechanics, robots, including auxiliary axes.

The MOVIDRIVE® modular and MOVIDRIVE® system application inverters, and decentralized peripherals such as the MOVIGEAR® performance mechatronic drive system and MOVIMOT® flexible have a real-time-capable connection with the MOVI-C® CONTROLLER via EtherCAT®/SBusPLUS.

The MOVI-C® CONTROLLER receives setpoints for single-axis motions or coordinated movements from the higher-level master via the fieldbus. The MOVI-C® CONTROLLER determines the setpoints for the connected application inverters and thus performs tasks such as phase-synchronous operation, the electronic cam function and kinematics.

Predefined MOVIKIT® software modules are used to implement the motion control drive function quickly and reliably with the aid of graphical editors. Thanks to more than 50 kinematic models, a large number of mechanical configurations are already covered. New functions for kinematic models can be custom-made by SEW‑EURODRIVE. Data is stored via a data exchange function on a memory card in the MOVI-C® CONTROLLER.

Topology for module automation

Topology for module automation
Topology for module automation

Typical application: Packaging machines, processing machines, complex transportation tasks (module automation)

All drive functions of the motion control topology are available in the module automation topology. In addition to the graphical editors for the drive functions, some or all automation tasks of the higher-level master controller can be performed easily and flexibly using the programming system (IEC 61131) in the MOVI-C® CONTROLLER. To support automation, any EtherCAT®devices can be integrated centrally or locally in addition to the application inverters and drives from the MOVI-C® modular automation system.

Topology for EtherCAT® motion slave

Topology for EtherCAT® motion slave
Topology for EtherCAT® motion slave

Typical application: Series machines with numerous axes, kinematic calculation in the higher-level PLC

The CiA402 profile for controlling inverters has established itself in plants with highly specific motion control applications that are calculated in the higher-level master controller. To support control via CiA402, the MOVIDRIVE® modular and MOVIDRIVE® system application inverters, the MOVIGEAR® performance mechatronic drive system and MOVIMOT® flexible can be connected directly to the controller via the integrated EtherCAT® interface. This means integration into the higher-level controller can be achieved particularly quickly and easily, and does not require extensive conversion work. More sophisticated safety functions can be triggered via FSoE directly from the safety control system.

Topology for POWERLINK

Topology for POWERLINK
Topology for POWERLINK
Topology for POWERLINK

In addition to the available PROFIBUS, PROFINET, EtherNet/IPTM, Modbus TCP/IP and EtherCAT® interfaces, POWERLINK offers system designers the flexibility of using our drive technology in every topology. POWERLINK can be used to achieve both machine automation with e.g. motion control applications and system automation with materials handling technology of any level of complexity.

Based on the CANs in automation standard CiA402, POWERLINK is one of the most widely used real-time-capable industrial Ethernet communication technologies in the world of automation. The expansion into the field of control cabinet technology makes it possible to achieve power ranges above 7.5 kW in systems with the POWERLINK communication protocol. This complements our high-performance modular automation system, which now includes control cabinet technology in addition to decentralized drives.

Accessories and options

Visualization

The ideal accessories for every requirement.
The ideal accessories for every requirement.
The ideal accessories for every requirement.

It's important to keep track of sophisticated drive tasks involving a large number of axes. We are therefore now offering a three-part modular system that covers every conceivable requirement – from standard to customized visualization.


Parameterizing instead of programming

MOVI-C® CONTROLLER
MOVI-C® CONTROLLER
MOVI-C® CONTROLLER

The MOVI-C® modular automation system offers a shared platform for control cabinet controllers and decentralized controllers with the same functions and the same variety of interfaces.

The controllers from the MOVI-C® modular automation system can be used for a wide range of motion control and automation tasks. As motion controllers, they are connected to the higher-level controller of a machine cell or the system in the conventional way via fieldbus slave interfaces for the PROFINET, EtherNet/IPTM or Modbus TCP fieldbus systems. As an EtherCAT®/SBusPLUS master, the controller handles smooth communication with the subordinate devices, e.g. MOVIDRIVE® or MOVIGEAR® performance and their synchronous connection to the movement/application.

State-of-the-art safety concepts such as safety via fieldbus are implemented through either PROFIsafe routing or FSoE safety controller (e.g. the SCU safety controller tested by SEW-EURODRIVE).

However, the added value that really counts in terms of reducing complexity comes from the integrated software of the centralized and decentralized controllers – parameterizing rather than programming. This software gives you, as a user, more freedom to customize parameters while reducing your outlay on programming.