The ClearCore Motion & I/O Controller can be used with either the ClearPath-SD or -MC series Integrated Servos, and your specific application requirements will dictate which motor series (and which operational mode) should be used with ClearCore. With very few exceptions, the ClearPath-SD series should be used for applications that require control of the motor's position and/or velocity. Whereas, the ClearPath-MC series must be used when an application requires variable control of the motor's torque (and no precision positioning).
This may be counter-intuitive to customers who are familiar with the ClearPath-MC motors since the MC series includes operational modes that allow users to control the motor's position or velocity. Teknic recommends the ClearPath-SD series instead of the MC series because, once you integrate the ClearCore controller into your system, it's easier to control all aspects of the motion profile with the SD series.
A little background on this point: Teknic designed the ClearPath-MC Integrated Motors to be used standalone and, oftentimes, controlled using buttons, switches, or other forms of digital I/O. ClearPath-MC motors are most commonly used by customers who do not want to program a controller. When using the MC series, you use the MSP software to initially configure the motor ("set and forget") by selecting an operational mode and setting parameters (e.g. velocity, acceleration, absolute positions, etc.). Changing any of these parameters at a later time would require you to plug into the back of the motor, launch the MSP software, and alter those parameters. On the other hand, if you use the ClearCore with ClearPath-SD, changing things such as the commanded speed or position is as easy as calling a software API function in your code (there's no need to physically connect to the back of the motor and reconfigure it). This approach enables customers to have effectively infinite control over the motor's position and velocity.
However, if you already have a ClearPath-MC motor and are outside of the 90-day return period, you can still use ClearCore to control most position or velocity operational modes in your ClearPath-MC motor. Please note that implementing those modes in ClearCore isn't quite as straightforward as it is with ClearPath-SD, but it is still achievable.
For help selecting the best products and operational modes for your application, please contact a Teknic Applications Engineer at 585-784-7454 or by submitting a contact request on our website.
