Product Overview

• Brand: Galil Motion Control (a leading provider of motion control solutions for industrial and research applications)
• Model: DMC-1832
• Series: DMC-1800 Series (High-Precision Multi-Axis Motion Controllers)
• Type: 32-Bit Digital Motion Controller
• Industry: Automation (CNC machining, semiconductor equipment), robotics (pick-and-place, articulated robots), laboratory research (precision positioning stages), and manufacturing (electronic assembly, packaging machinery).
• Function: Controls up to 2 independent axes of motion (e.g., linear slides, rotary stages, servo/stepper motors) with high precision. It executes motion profiles (point-to-point, linear interpolation, circular interpolation), processes feedback from encoders, and adjusts motor outputs in real time to ensure accurate positioning. The controller communicates with a host PC or operates standalone via stored programs, making it suitable for both simple and complex motion tasks.

Key Features

1. Dual-Axis High-Precision Control
   • Supports 2 axes of motion, with each axis capable of independent or coordinated control (e.g., linear interpolation for 2D path following).
   • Compatible with both servo motors (DC brush, DC brushless, AC servo) and stepper motors (bipolar/unipolar), offering flexibility for different load and precision requirements.
   • High-resolution feedback support: Accepts signals from incremental encoders (up to 25 MHz) and absolute encoders (via SSI or BiSS-C protocols), enabling sub-micron positioning accuracy (down to ±0.1 μm for linear stages).
2. Advanced Motion Modes & Profiles
   • Offers a comprehensive set of motion modes to handle diverse applications:
     • Point-to-Point (PTP): Moves axes to target positions at specified speeds, with configurable acceleration/deceleration (trapezoidal or S-curve profiles) to reduce mechanical stress.
     • Linear Interpolation: Coordinates 2 axes to move along a straight path (critical for CNC milling, laser cutting, or robotic arm positioning).
     • Electronic Gearing/Camming: Synchronizes one axis to another (gearing) or follows a predefined position vs. position profile (camming), ideal for packaging or printing machinery.
     • Jogging & Homing: Manual jog control for setup and automated homing routines (using limit switches or encoder indexes) to establish a reference position.
3. Flexible Programming & Communication
   • Intuitive programming via Galil’s proprietary command language (simple text-based commands like MOVE, SPEED, HOME) or C/C++/Python libraries for integration with custom software.
   • Supports standalone operation: Stores up to 32,000 lines of program code in non-volatile memory, allowing the controller to run motion tasks without a host PC (e.g., in embedded automation systems).
   • Multiple communication interfaces for host connectivity:
     • Ethernet (10/100 Mbps): For high-speed data transfer and remote control (supports TCP/IP, UDP, and Galil’s proprietary protocol).
     • RS-232/RS-485: For legacy PC or PLC communication.
     • USB 2.0: For direct PC connection and firmware updates.
4. Robust I/O & Safety Features
   • Equipped with 16 digital inputs and 8 digital outputs (24V DC) for interfacing with sensors (limit switches, photoeyes), actuators (solenoids, relays), or emergency stop circuits.
   • Built-in safety functions to protect equipment and operators:
     • Software/Hardware Limits: Stops motion if axes exceed predefined travel ranges (via limit switch inputs or software settings).
     • Overcurrent/Overload Protection: Monitors motor current and triggers alarms/shutdowns to prevent motor damage.
     • Emergency Stop (E-Stop) Input: Hardwired input to immediately disable motion in critical situations, complying with industrial safety standards.

Key Specifications

1. Motion Performance
   • Axis Count: 2 independent axes.
   • Encoder Input: Incremental encoders (up to 25 MHz, differential line driver), absolute encoders (SSI/BiSS-C, optional).
   • Motor Output:
     • Servo Motors: ±10V analog output (for servo drives) or PWM output (for brushless servos).
     • Stepper Motors: Up to 2.5 A/phase (bipolar) with microstepping (up to 512 microsteps/step) for smooth motion.
   • Positioning Resolution: Determined by encoder resolution (e.g., 1 μm with a 1000-line encoder and 4x quadrature decoding).
   • Maximum Speed: Up to 10 m/s (dependent on motor, drive, and mechanical system).
2. Electrical Parameters
   • Power Supply: 24V DC (nominal), with a tolerance range of 18–30V DC.
   • Power Consumption: ≤15W under full load (varies with motor type and I/O activity).
   • Digital I/O: 16 inputs (sinking/sourcing, 24V DC), 8 outputs (sourcing, 24V DC, 0.5A per channel).
3. Physical & Environmental Attributes
   • Form Factor: Compact DIN-rail or panel-mount design, suitable for small control cabinets.
   • Dimensions: Approximately 100 mm (width) × 150 mm (height) × 50 mm (depth).
   • Weight: Approximately 0.5 kg.
   • Environmental Ratings:
     • Operating Temperature: 0°C to +60°C.
     • Storage Temperature: -20°C to +85°C.
     • Humidity: 10–90% (non-condensing).
     • Vibration Resistance: 10g (5–500 Hz, IEC 60068-2-6).
4. Software & Tools
   • Configuration Software: Galil Tools (Windows-based software for programming, tuning, and monitoring motion tasks; includes real-time waveform analysis and parameter adjustment).
   • Development Libraries: Galil API for C/C++, Python, LabVIEW, and MATLAB, enabling integration with custom applications (e.g., machine vision systems).

Applications

• Precision Positioning Systems:
  • Controls linear stages or rotary tables in semiconductor wafer inspection equipment, ensuring sub-micron accuracy for defect detection.
  • Used in laboratory research (e.g., optical microscopy, laser ablation) to position samples or instruments with high repeatability.
• CNC & Machining:
  • Drives 2-axis CNC routers, engravers, or small milling machines, executing linear interpolation for 2D cutting paths.
  • Integrates with servo drives to control spindle speed and feed rate in small-scale machining applications.
• Industrial Robotics:
  • Controls the joints of 2-axis robotic arms (e.g., pick-and-place robots for electronic components) or gantry systems, enabling precise movement between workstations.
• Automated Assembly Lines:
  • Synchronizes conveyor belts (via electronic gearing) or positions parts for soldering/gluing in PCB assembly equipment, improving production throughput and accuracy.

Availability and Support

• Condition: Available as new OEM (through Galil Motion Control or authorized distributors) or genuine refurbished (via Galil’s official repair services).
• Warranty: 24-month warranty for new units (covers defects in materials/workmanship); refurbished units typically include a 12-month warranty.
• Documentation:
  • Technical datasheets, programming manuals, and wiring diagrams are accessible via Galil’s Support Portal.
  • Galil offers technical support, application engineering, and training for controller setup, tuning, and programming.

Compatibility and Similar Products

• Compatible Components:
  • Servo Drives: Galil AMP-2300 (2-axis servo drive), third-party drives (e.g., Yaskawa, Parker) via analog/PWM signals.
  • Motors: Galil servo/stepper motors, third-party servo motors (DC brushless, AC servo) and stepper motors.
  • Feedback Devices: Incremental encoders (e.g., Renishaw, Heidenhain), absolute encoders (e.g., Sick, Baumer).
• Similar Galil Models:
  • DMC-1840: 4-axis variant of the DMC-1800 Series (for multi-axis applications like 3D printing or 4-axis CNC machining).
  • DMC-2160: 6-axis motion controller with advanced features (e.g., hexapod control, adaptive tuning) for complex robotics.

Installation and Maintenance Notes

1. Setup Requirements:
   • Mount the controller on a DIN rail or panel in a control cabinet with adequate ventilation (minimum 20 mm clearance) to avoid overheating.
   • Configure via Galil Tools software: Select motor type (servo/stepper), set encoder parameters (resolution, quadrature decoding), and tune servo gains (position loop gain, velocity loop gain) for optimal stability and response.
2. Wiring Guidelines:
   • Use shielded, twisted-pair cables for encoder and motor signals to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI) from nearby power cables.
   • For servo motor connections, ensure correct wiring of the analog output (±10V) to the servo drive’s command input. For stepper motors, connect the controller’s output to the stepper driver’s step/direction inputs.
   • Wire limit switches and E-stop circuits to the digital inputs, ensuring they are normally closed (NC) for fail-safe operation.
3. Safety & Troubleshooting:
   • Follow lockout-tagout (LOTO) procedures when wiring or servicing the controller—disconnect power to prevent unexpected motor motion.
   • Use Galil Tools to diagnose issues:
     • Motion Errors: Check for overtravel (limit switch activation), encoder signal loss, or incorrect gain settings.
     • Communication Failures: Verify Ethernet/USB cable connections, IP address settings, or serial port baud rate.
     • Motor Not Moving: Confirm motor power, wiring continuity, and that the controller is in “run” mode (not inhibited by safety inputs).

Critical Notes

1. Axis Limitation: The DMC-1832 is a 2-axis controller—for applications requiring more axes (e.g., 3-axis gantries), upgrade to the DMC-1840 (4-axis) or DMC-1860 (6-axis) models.
2. Servo Tuning: Proper servo gain tuning is critical for performance. Use Galil Tools’ auto-tuning feature or manual tuning to balance responsiveness and stability, avoiding oscillation or overshoot.
3. Genuine Parts Only: Use genuine Galil DMC-1832 controllers for precision-critical applications. Aftermarket alternatives may lack Galil’s motion control algorithms or reliability, risking positioning errors or system failures.