Description
Product Overview
The SUMITOMO MC78 is a high-performance CompactPCI motion controller from Sumitomo Heavy Industries. It is designed for high-speed servo processing and multi-axis synchronized motion control, particularly in precision manufacturing and industrial equipment.
The MC78 supports up to 6 controlled axes and can be combined with Sumitomo SD-series servo drivers to build a fully digital, synchronized multi-axis control system. It can also be used together with the PP78 position measurement signal processing unit for precision positioning applications.
Its CompactPCI architecture allows the controller to communicate with an upper-level computer or controller through the CompactPCI bus. Sumitomo identifies semiconductor inspection/manufacturing equipment, FPD inspection/manufacturing equipment, and various industrial machines as typical application areas.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sumitomo Heavy Industries |
| Model | MC78 |
| Product Type | Motion Controller |
| Bus Architecture | CompactPCI |
| CompactPCI Standard | PICMG 2.1 R2.2 compliant |
| Bus Width / Speed | 32-bit / 33 MHz |
| Maximum Control Axes | 6 axes |
| Driver Interface | Digital interface for SD-series drivers / SHI air actuator |
| Command Interface | Pulse-train command, analog voltage command |
| Ethernet | 100 Mbps |
| USB | USB 1.1 |
| Serial Interface | RS-232C |
| Standard Digital I/O | 32 DI / 32 DO |
| Maximum Digital I/O | 128 DI / 128 DO |
| Analog Input | 4 points, 14-bit resolution |
| Analog Output | 4 points, 12-bit resolution |
| Basic Motion Control | Position, speed and load control |
| Closed-Loop Control | Full closed-loop control supported |
| Interpolation | Linear interpolation |
| Acceleration / Deceleration | S-curve profile |
| Operating Temperature | 5–45°C |
| Ambient Temperature | 0–65°C |
| Humidity | 30–90% RH, non-condensing |
| Dimensions | W125 × D250 × H260 mm |
| Configuration | Verify from actual unit |
Specifications above are based primarily on Sumitomo’s official MC78 documentation.
Key Features
- High-speed servo processing
- Up to 6-axis motion control
- CompactPCI-based controller architecture
- Multi-axis synchronized operation
- Position, velocity and load control
- Full closed-loop control capability
- Linear interpolation
- S-curve acceleration/deceleration
- Speed and position override functions
- Digital and analog I/O
- Distance comparator and load comparator interrupt functions
- Ethernet, USB and RS-232C upper-level interfaces
- Compatible with Sumitomo SD-series servo drive systems
The controller also provides control algorithms including disturbance-observer processing, low-pass and notch filtering, active yaw control for gantry-type stages, and backlash correction.
Typical Applications
The MC78 was developed for equipment where coordinated and repeatable motion is important.
Typical applications include:
- Semiconductor inspection equipment
- Semiconductor manufacturing equipment
- Wafer handling and positioning systems
- FPD inspection and manufacturing equipment
- Precision XY stages
- Gantry-type positioning systems
- Industrial automation machinery
- Precision motion-control systems
- Legacy equipment requiring CompactPCI motion control
Sumitomo specifically lists semiconductor, FPD and general industrial machinery among the MC78 application fields.
Motion Control Functions
The MC78 provides several functions useful in precision positioning applications.
Position / Speed / Load Control
The controller supports position, speed and load control, with full closed-loop operation available depending on the system configuration.
Interpolation
Linear interpolation can be used for coordinated multi-axis movement.
Acceleration and Deceleration
An S-shaped acceleration/deceleration profile is available, with acceleration and deceleration times configurable independently.
Override
Continuous operation, speed override and position override functions are supported.
Interrupt Functions
The controller provides external-input interrupts as well as distance-comparator and load-comparator interrupt functions.
Installation and Configuration
Before replacing an MC78 in an existing machine, verify the complete controller configuration rather than matching the model name alone.
- Confirm the MC78 model marking and board revision.
- Record the existing CompactPCI slot position.
- Check the connected SD-series servo drivers and feedback configuration.
- Record all external I/O connections before removal.
- Power down the equipment completely before removing the board.
- Use ESD protection when handling the controller.
- Install the MC78 into the correct CompactPCI chassis slot.
- Reconnect communication, I/O and motion-control wiring.
- Restore the machine-specific motion parameters and control program.
- Perform axis initialization and verify feedback operation.
- Test low-speed positioning before returning the equipment to normal production.
For semiconductor and precision machinery, the controller’s software and motion parameters can be machine-specific. A physically compatible MC78 should therefore not automatically be considered a complete plug-and-play replacement.
Maintenance and Storage
Keep the controller in an ESD-safe package when stored outside the machine.
Recommended practices include:
- Keep the PCB and connectors free from dust and contamination.
- Avoid unnecessary handling of electronic components.
- Inspect CompactPCI connectors for bent or damaged contacts.
- Check the board for corrosion, overheating marks or damaged components.
- Maintain suitable temperature and humidity during storage.
- Record the board revision and configuration before installation.
- Back up machine-specific motion parameters whenever possible.
For critical spare-parts inventory, recording the complete model marking, revision and associated servo-driver configuration can make future replacement considerably easier.
Inspection and Testing
For a used or surplus MC78, inspection should include:
Visual Inspection
- PCB condition
- Connector condition
- Mounting hardware
- Component damage
- Signs of corrosion or overheating
Electrical / Functional Testing
- Power-up verification
- CompactPCI communication
- Ethernet communication
- RS-232C communication
- Digital I/O operation
- Analog I/O verification
- Motion-command response
- Servo-driver communication
- Axis initialization
- Feedback and positioning verification
A complete motion test should ideally be performed with a compatible Sumitomo servo system or equivalent test platform. Basic power-on testing alone does not confirm the condition of every motion-control function.
Compatibility
The MC78 is intended to work within a larger motion-control system rather than operate as an independent controller.
Commonly associated Sumitomo products include:
- SD Series Servo Drivers
- SDLN Series Servo Drivers
- SDPH Series Servo Drivers
- PP78 Position Measurement Signal Processing Unit
Sumitomo states that combining MC78 with SD-series servo drivers can provide a fully digital, synchronized multi-axis control system. The PP78 can be combined with MC78 for high-precision position measurement and synchronized positioning applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many axes can the MC78 control?
A: The standard MC78 supports up to 6 control axes.
Q: Is the MC78 a CompactPCI controller?
A: Yes. Sumitomo specifies a CompactPCI bus interface compliant with PICMG 2.1 R2.2, 32-bit at 33 MHz.
Q: What servo drives can be used with MC78?
A: The MC78 is designed to work with Sumitomo SD-series servo drivers and related SHI motion-control equipment. Exact compatibility should be checked against the machine configuration.
Q: Can MC78 be used for semiconductor equipment?
A: Yes. Semiconductor inspection and manufacturing equipment are specifically listed among its intended application fields.
Q: Is MC78 the same as PP78?
A: No. MC78 is the motion controller. PP78 is a position measurement signal processing unit that can be combined with MC78 for high-precision positioning and synchronized measurement functions.
Q: What should I verify before purchasing a replacement?
A: Check the complete model marking, board revision, CompactPCI configuration, associated servo drives, I/O arrangement and machine software. For an existing machine, matching the original configuration is recommended.
Identification and Ordering Notes
When purchasing or requesting compatibility confirmation, please provide:
Brand: Sumitomo Heavy Industries
Model: MC78
Product Type: CompactPCI Motion Controller
Bus: CompactPCI
Maximum Axes: 6
Associated System: Sumitomo motion-control / servo system
The eBay listing supplied for this product identifies the item as a used SUMITOMO COMPACTPCI MC78 MOTION CONTROLLER, located in South Korea.
Suggested eBay Title
SUMITOMO MC78 | CompactPCI 6-Axis Motion Controller
