Description
Adept Technology 20000-310 | SmartController CX
The Adept 20000-310, commonly known as the SmartController CX, is a high-performance, ultra-compact robot motion controller. It is designed to manage complex automation tasks, including robot motion control, vision integration, and high-speed I/O processing. This controller is the “brain” of many Adept (now part of Omron) robotic systems, such as the Cobra, Viper, and Quattro series.
ADEPT TECH 20000-310
Product Technical Description
The SmartController CX is a distributed control architecture system that uses the IEEE 1394 (FireWire) high-speed serial bus to communicate with robot power amplifiers and encoders.
- Operating System: Runs on the V+ real-time operating system, which is optimized for high-precision motion and deterministic multitasking.
- Integrated Vision: Supports the AdeptSight and V+ Vision systems, allowing for seamless plug-and-play vision-guided robotics.
- Architecture: Unlike traditional PC-based controllers, the 20000-310 is a dedicated industrial hardware platform, ensuring high reliability and immunity to common OS crashes.
- SmartServo: Utilizes the SmartServo distributed control technology, allowing the controller to manage up to 8 axes of motion simultaneously.
Product Datasheet (Parameters)
| Parameter | Specification |
| Product ID | 20000-310 |
| Model Name | SmartController CX |
| Processor | Integrated high-speed RISC processor |
| Memory | 128 MB SDRAM / 128 MB CompactFlash |
| Communication Bus | IEEE 1394 (FireWire) for motion / Ethernet for Host |
| I/O Interfaces | 12 Digital Inputs / 8 Digital Outputs (Expandable) |
| Serial Ports | 2x RS-232, 1x RS-422/485 |
| Voltage Supply | 24V DC (±10%) |
| Operating Temperature | 5°C to 40°C |
| Mounting | DIN Rail or Panel Mount |
| Country of Origin | USA |
Technical Characteristics
- Motion Control: Supports Point-to-Point, Continuous Path, and S-Curve profiles.
- Connectivity: Features dual Ethernet ports for factory floor networking and a dedicated FireWire port for sub-millisecond robot feedback.
- Compact Design: The “CX” variant is significantly smaller than the previous MV series, allowing for installation in shallow electrical cabinets.
- Safety: Integrated E-stop circuitry and safety gate interfaces compliant with RIA standards.
Common Questions & Answers (Q&A)
Q: Can I use the 20000-310 to replace an older 10000 series controller? A: Yes, the SmartController CX is often used as an upgrade for older Adept controllers. However, since it uses FireWire rather than older proprietary bus systems, you may need an sMB (SmartMotion Board) interface or FireWire-compatible amplifiers.
Q: How is the software loaded onto this unit? A: The system software and user programs are typically stored on a removable CompactFlash (CF) card. You can update firmware and transfer V+ programs using the Adept Windows or ACE (Automation Control Environment) software via Ethernet.
Q: What is the purpose of the FireWire ports? A: The FireWire ports are not for cameras; they are for the SmartServo network. They carry high-speed position and torque commands to the robot amplifiers and receive encoder feedback.
Q: Does it support remote I/O? A: Yes, the 20000-310 supports DeviceNet (optional) and Ethernet/IP, as well as Adept’s own sIO modules for extending the digital and analog I/O count.
Similar Model Recommendations (8 Units)
- Adept 20000-300: A predecessor to the 310, often with less RAM or different CF card capacity.
- Adept 20000-313: A variation of the CX controller with specialized communication options.
- Adept 04000-000 (SmartController EX): The next-generation controller featuring faster processing and updated EtherCAT support.
- Adept 30300-310: A compact eAIB (embedded Adept Interface Board) that integrates some controller features into the robot base.
- Adept 10332-11000: Legacy MV-8 controller (VME-based system).
- Adept 10330-01105: Legacy SmartController (Original generation).
- Omron NX1P2-9024DT: A modern Omron Sysmac controller used in newer integrated solutions.
- Adept 90300-01100: sIO (Smart I/O) module commonly used to expand the 20000-310 I/O capabilities.
