When an ESP-compatible stage is connected to the XPS, the stage is quickly recognized and operating parameters are configured without the need for user inputs. This Plug and Play feature is not only transparent to the user, but it also ensures the safe operation of the stage.

The web interface allows a quick configuration of the XPS-RLD, as simple as that in the ESP301 controller.

The system files stored in the XPS-RLD are easily accessible, much like a Windows environment. At the same time, these files can be edited and saved in situ, without having to pull them from the folders and opening them with notepad or other text editor.

Moving away from numerical error codes, a new set of more descriptive error codes is now available and visible in the XPS-RLD.

The XPS incorporates pre-configured motion groups and user-definable motion groups to optimize the performance and simplify the use of advanced features like line-arc trajectories, splines, contouring, and complex PVT trajectories. These motion groups can be single axis positioners, spindles, gantry groups, XY groups, XYZ groups or multiple axis groups. The flexibility of grouping stages greatly improves process flow and error handling and provides a uniform structure for easy application development.

An extensive set of compensation features are available to the user including backlash, linear error and error mapping in single, 2D or 3D. All compensations are corrected dynamically at each servo cycle, updated at the rate of 10 kHz. This broad selection of options transforms the most basic positioner into a high performance device, thus increasing the accuracy and performance of any motion application, culminating in more reliable results.

The is a universal digital driver card compatible with the XPS-D and XPS-RLD controllers. It has been optimized to perform with most of Newport's DC, stepper and linear motor positioners. It is not included in the controller and needs to be purchased separately. The Stage and Controller Compatibility table lists the stages that the XPS-DRV11 can drive.

The Line-arc trajectory is a motion path defined by a combination of straight and curved segments (available only for positioners in XY groups) such that constant speed is maintained throughout the entire region of interest. Sequential execution of the lines-arc trajectories eliminates discontinuities. A dedicated function performs a precheck of the trajectory to ensure optimized and safe execution within the positioners' parameters. The spline trajectory executes a Catmull-Rom spline on an XYZ group, passing through user-specified points with 3rd order polynomial segments at a constant speed. Similar to Line-arc trajectory, spline trajectory has functions for trajectory prechecking. The PVT-mode is the most flexible mode for creating complex trajectories. In PVT, a trajectory element is defined by the end position (P) and end speed (V) of each positioner plus the duration for the element (T). The controller then calculates the cubic function trajectory that will pass through all defined positions at the defined times and velocities. PVT is a powerful tool for any kind of trajectory with varying speeds and for trajectories with nonlinear motion devices.

The XPS-RLD provides GPIO with a total of 8 digital I/Os and 2 analog I/Os. These GPIOs can be used to read external switches, control valves or other digital devices. The analog outputs can be used to precisely monitor any motion axis (such as position, velocity or acceleration). To synchronize external devices during a motion process, the XPS has dedicated “event and action" API's which users can use to trigger an action upon the occurrence of an event. Typical examples include sending a digital output when constant velocity is reached or initiating a TCL script when the motion is done. Once defined, the XPS autonomously monitors the status of the event to trigger the action with a latency of 50 ns for position triggers and digital I/Os and 125 µs for analog I/Os. This powerful feature does not require any complex programming by the user and does not consume any time of the host PC or communication link since processing is done at the controller level. The XPS can be used as a master controller for a complete application.

Based on QNX real-time operating system and multi-tasking functionality, the XPS is capable of executing complex, internally stored, user-generated applications using TCL scripts. The motion processor supports TCL program execution without adversely impacting higher-priority tasks. With this advanced real-time multi-tasking functionality, the XPS not only manages the most complex motion requirements but also serve as a powerful, standalone process controller to concurrently support multiple applications.

TCL scripts can be quickly generated then executed directly from the XPS GUI Terminal for rapid development for motion programs. TCL stands for Tool Command Language and is an open-source string-based command language. TCL is field-proven, very well documented and has many tutorials, applications, tools and books publicly available (www.tcl.tk).

Here the users can define and save  both internal and external data gathering configurations for routine data acquisition operations. For more details please refer to sections 4.24-4.26  of XPS-RLD User's manual.

Use the DISPLAY button to view gathered data after data acquisition.

The XPS features two or eight channels of 12-Bit analog-to-digital converters which can be integrated with a motion process using a TCL script. The analog inputs can be converted to directly control the position or speed of a motion axis via external analog inputs. This is critical in precision alignment or auto-focusing routines which require real-time feedback from other devices such as power meters, vision systems, or other sensors. Besides higher communication speed, the A-to-D conversion is internal to the XPS, therefore no processing burden is added to the host PC or the communication link. Consequently, this feature can improve process development and throughput.

XPS-GCODE software enables your XPS to become a powerful, high-precision laser machining center that can read and convert G-codes, display the tool path and execute trajectory routines with the power and precision of Newport Motion Control.

The XPS Universal High-Performance Motion Controller and Driver is compatible with the motorized stages and actuators from the product series listed below. For more details – including required driver cards and cables – please see the Stage and Controller Compatibility technical note or the motorized stage's or actuator's series page.

Motorized Linear Stages

• Precision, Compact, VP Linear Stages

• Miniature Steel MFA DC and Stepper Motor Linear Stages

• Mid-Travel Steel UTS DC and Stepper Motor Linear Stages

• Ultra-Precision XM Linear Motor Stages

• MLT Series Low-Profile High-Precision Linear Motor Stages

• High-Performance Mid-Travel ILS DC and Stepper Motor Linear Stages

• High Performance Mid-Travel ILS-LM Linear Motor Stages

• High Torque GTS Linear Stages

• High Load Capacity Steel MTN DC and Stepper Motor Linear Stages

• One-XY, Mid-Travel Integrated XY Linear Stages

• High-Performance Long-Travel IMS DC and Stepper Motor Linear Stages

• High-Performance Long-Travel IMS-LM Linear Motor Stages

• Industrial Grade Long-Travel IDL Linear Motor Stages

Motorized Rotation Stages

• Low Profile PR50/SR50 DC and Stepper Motor Rotation Stages

• High-Performance RV DC and Stepper Motor Rotation Stages

• Precision URS DC and Stepper Motor Rotation Stages

• High Speed RGV Direct Drive Rotation Stages

• High Speed Belt Driven URB Rotation Stage

• High Angular Stiffness Rotation Stages

• Integrated Vertical and Rotation ZVR DC and Stepper Motor Stages

• High Precision BGM and BGS DC and Stepper Motor Goniometric Cradles

Motorized Vertical Linear Stages

• Precision Compact VP Vertical Linear Stage

• Steel UZ Vertical Linear Stages

• High-Precision GTS Vertical Linear Stages

• Ultra-Precision XMS Direct Drive Vertical Linear Stages

• High-Performance Long-Travel IMS-V Vertical Linear Stages

• Industrial Grade IDL-V Vertical Linear Stage

Motorized Actuators

• TRA Compact Actuators

• TRB Compact Actuators

• LTA Precision Actuators

• VP High Precision Actuator

• NPA-D Nanopositioning Piezo Stack Actuators