Object-oriented Motion Control

The XMP motion control system is distinguished by its unparalleled flexibility in design. This is largely the result of two features: 1) a firmware-configured DSP processor which can be customized for efficient tasking; and, 2) a dual-library software architecture containing both general (MPI) and specialized (MEI) software objects. These objects encompass complex motion control functions, enabling the programmer to quickly build programs without writing hundreds or thousands of lines of code. Objects lend extraordinary portability to the software environment, allowing complex functions to be executed by calling them as single objects.

Motion Console embodies this object-oriented approach to motion control through its unique graphical user interface. It has been designed as a utility to assist programmers. It does not write custom applications. Rather, it provides an environment for the testing and monitoring of motion control components. This will prove extremely helpful to you when writing new applications, because it allows you to check your code against a proven interface. (For example, if your application fails to move a component, you can try Motion Console to see whether the problem lies within the hardware or software.)

This chapter will guide you through the basic use of Motion Console, and includes a description of objects and attributes. If you would like to try configuring a simple motion control system with Motion Console, please see the Quick-Start Guide, which accompanies MEI's Firmware Developer's Kit. Another helpful section is the, "Configuring New Systems with Motion Console," in this chapter.