Xilinx FPGAs enable MEI network technology

Xilinx Inc. has announced that Motion Engineering Inc. (MEI), a manufacturer of motion control solutions, has utilized Xilinx Spartan-IIE FPGAs on the development of its SynqNet technology, a motion network designed to enhance machine performance & reliability.

SynqNet replaces the de facto standard 10V analog interface with a patent-pending real-time synchronous network. According to MEI, the technology is particularly suited for robotics, precision positioning, and high-speed point-to-point applications.

MEI developed the technology based on Xilinx's programmable logic. By utilizing a Xilinx reprogrammable solution versus standard fixed logic, MEI has helped speed SynqNet's adoption by servo suppliers, including AMC, Yaskawa Electric, Panasonic, Sanyo Denki, Tamagawa Seiki, and Danaher Motion.

"Xilinx provided a cost-effective alternative to ASICs, eliminating ASIC related development costs and speeding time-to-market," said Phil Strong, CEO of MEI. "And because we used Xilinx FPGAs in lieu of fixed logic, we can provide our customers with an efficient and reliable way to upgrade and customize features, at design time, or in the field."