In modern machine and device development, the demands placed on drive systems are constantly increasing: higher precision, greater variety, shorter development times and seamless integration into higher-level systems. This is exactly where Antrimon's Universal Motion Control (UMC 3.0) comes in – a modular motion control platform that enables cost-effective and scalable customised drive solutions.
One platform – many drive concepts
The UMC 3.0 was designed as a universal drive platform and covers a wide range of industrial applications. It enables precise control of DC, BLDC and stepper motors as well as integrated brake control. This makes the system equally suitable for industrial automation, robotics, medical technology, special-purpose machine construction and OEM series production.
The modular design is the central architectural principle: plug-in extension boards allow the functionality to be expanded in a targeted manner without having to redevelop the basic system. The result is a significantly reduced time-to-market combined with a high degree of design freedom and lower unit costs in series production.
Technical performance in a compact format
Despite its compact dimensions of 60×60×26 mm, the UMC 3.0 offers high power density. The operating voltage range of 12 to 48 VDC and a rated current of 15 A RMS allow it to be used in a wide variety of power classes.
The motion control functionality is based on field-oriented control (FOC) with a cascaded structure (current, speed and position control). Common feedback systems such as quadrature encoders, sin/cos encoders, SSI absolute encoders and Hall sensors are supported. This allows the platform to be used for both highly dynamic positioning applications and robust industrial drives.
Open, integrable and Industry 4.0-compatible
A key advantage of the UMC platform is its interoperability. Extensive communication interfaces – including CAN, CANopen, UART and RS232 – enable easy integration into existing machine architectures. This is complemented by analogue and digital I/Os and integrated SD card logging for diagnostic and trace purposes.
The clear separation of logic and power levels and real-time monitoring of current, position and speed form the basis for Industry 4.0 applications, predictive maintenance and data-based optimisation.
Software architecture for customer-specific solutions
The UMC 3.0 is based on an STM32 embedded architecture with modular motor control and I/O libraries. Customer-specific application software can be added without affecting the basic functions. A configuration and test interface supports development, commissioning and series production alike.
Optionally, the platform can be expanded with functional safety features, including Safe Torque Off (STO), external hardware watchdog and CPU monitoring – designed in accordance with EN ISO 13849-1.
Practical example: Intelligent control module for furniture drives with obstacle detection
A customer project in the field of interior design demonstrates how universal motion control proves itself in practice. The aim was to make an existing furniture movement system more economical, easier to install and more functional.
Based on the modular motion control architecture, an intelligent control module with integrated obstacle detection was developed. Direct evaluation of motor parameters made it possible to completely dispense with external sensors. This not only reduced system costs, but also greatly simplified cabling and installation.
In addition, cost-efficient absolute position detection was implemented using an SSI encoder. The system is capable of precisely controlling up to three furniture drives simultaneously – flexibly scalable and precisely tailored to the application.
From idea to series production
Antrimon provided comprehensive support for the project: from the concept phase and prototype development to the series-ready solution. In addition to hardware and firmware, communication interfaces, cabling concepts and mechanical interfaces were also redesigned. Assembly and testing equipment was also developed to ensure stable series production.
With a project budget of CHF 180,000, a duration of 18 months and an interdisciplinary team, a production-ready product was created “from a single source”. Feedback from the customer confirms the success: reduced costs, high user-friendliness and smooth integration into existing production processes.
Conclusion
Universal Motion Control 3.0 is much more than just a motor controller. It is a scalable development platform that helps customers implement customised drive solutions quickly, precisely and economically.
The combination of modular hardware, powerful software and systemic development expertise makes UMC a central component of modern motion control concepts – from prototypes to series production.
