Difference between Softmotion and Re-time

[We love Mechatronics]

Hi, everyone. I am trying to create a 3D simulation environment with a 3D model which is controlled by an input data from a real-time interface controller. The 3D image is created by SolidWorks.

Does anyone know which module I should use, Softmotion module or the Real-time module?

Thanks very much

Tommy

[MahdiehG]

Hi Tommy,

If you are working with a Compact RIO (cRIO), you will need both. The Real Time module will be used to communicate with your Real Time (RT) controller and the Softmotion module will allow you to work with Solidworks models.

T

he links that I sent you in your other thread should hopefully help you.  Here are some more useful resources for you:

http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/3723 

https://download.ni.com/support/manuals/372876e.pdf

https://forums.ni.com/t5/Example-Code/NI-SoftMotion-2009-Axis-Interface-and-3rd-Party-EtherCAT-Drive...

https://forums.ni.com/t5/Example-Code/Build-State-Machine-with-SoftMotion-Function-Blocks-using/ta-p...

Hope it helps. 

[We love Mechatronics]

Thank you very much for your help on both of the threads.

However the links provided do not say that the NI Softmotion Module can generate a 3D image of the solidworks model on the front panel.

Do i output the values to 3D picture from the Graphs toolbox to show the 3D image?

Would both of the Softmotion and Real-time modules work together if I use NI USB-6008 12-Bit, 10 kS/s Low-Cost Multifunction DAQ to read 5 input ON/OFF signals?

Thanks

Tommy

[MahdiehG]

Hi Tommy,

The tutorial Getting Started with NI SoftMotion for SolidWorks explains the process of using this module.

Softmotion helps you to do mathematical calculations on your models. You can view your 3D model if you wish too, I have included this in the below links:

https://knowledge.ni.com/KnowledgeArticleDetails?id=kA03q000000YHUpCAO&l=en-US

http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/9416 

http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/3455 

http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/7335 

Real Time is not required with the 6008, it is only used with RT controllers e.g cRIO.

Softmotion can be used with the 6008.

The best idea is to simply try out the module for yourself!

Kind regards,

[MahdiehG]

Just to clarify on the previous post. You will be able to use the 6008 to read a digital ON/OFF signal. If you want to use to use Softmotion for controlling a piece of hardware you will need a more powerful DAQ or controller.

Please take a look at the hardware examples on this article.

http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/3723 

It will all depend on your application...

Thanks,

[We love Mechatronics]

Thank you very much for your help.

Those links are very useful for my work and they answer all of my questions.

Tommy