Motion controller
Aerotech Automation1 iSMC software-based motion controller
PC- or drive-hosted software motion controller coordinating up to 32 axes of servo, stepper and laser scan head motion over the HyperWire fibre-optic bus, programmed in AeroScript with .NET, C and Python APIs.
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Need Aerotech parts, a replacement or another suitable option? Send your part number or describe what the machine needs to do. We connect your requirement with experienced UK engineering and procurement support to help you get the right products, pricing and supply options. Your matched provider can take the enquiry through quotation and ordering to delivery and after-sales support.
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- One enquiry for components, complete axes and ongoing support
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Select the products and performance you need. Our UK engineering team can use your specification to help source the right components, pricing and supply options. See your summary before adding contact details.
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- 1Products
- 2Performance
- 3Environment
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What are you specifying?
Select everything you need. A motor, drive and gearbox can be specified together as one axis.
Key specifications
| Fieldbus | HyperWire; EtherCAT, Modbus, EtherNet/IP via industrial Ethernet |
|---|---|
| Axes | up to 32 |
| Axes max | 32 |
| Programming | AeroScript; .NET, C, Python APIs; LabVIEW and EPICS drivers |
| Features | gantry control, 1D/2D calibration, PSO and IFOV laser synchronisation, up to 31 tasks |
Summarised in our own words from Aerotech, Inc.'s published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1 · Source 2
Specify Motion is not affiliated with Aerotech, Inc.. Aerotech and Automation1 iSMC software-based motion controller are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
Aerotech Automation1 iSMC software-based motion controller replacement and alternative options
Use these supply-network options as a starting point for an engineering check. We can also help source the original Aerotech part. Published series figures do not establish an exact-model or drop-in replacement: confirm ratings, fit, interfaces and approvals for your application.
Slim 54 mm EtherCAT motion controller programmed in CODESYS, running up to 32 synchronised axes on a 1 ms cycle with RP20 I/O expansion.
| Published maximum | Automation1 iSMC software-based motion controller | AK (AK8 / AK840) |
|---|---|---|
| Axes | 32 | 32 meets or exceeds |
CODESYS-based PLC/motion controller with EtherCAT for 8, 16 or 32 axes plus 6 local pulse axes, dual-core SOC+FPGA and 32-module R2 I/O expansion.
| Published maximum | Automation1 iSMC software-based motion controller | MC500 (MC508CS / MC516CS / MC532CS) |
|---|---|---|
| Axes | 32 | 32 meets or exceeds |
Figures are the highest published for each series and are not always measured the same way. A higher figure is not automatically a better choice: mounting, duty cycle, feedback, connectors and approvals matter too. An engineer will check the fit against your application before recommending anything.
Typical applications
What a motion controller is
A motion controller plans and coordinates movement for one or more axes, sending position, velocity or torque commands to servo or stepper drives. It generates trajectories with defined acceleration and jerk, synchronises axes for interpolation, electronic gearing and camming, and handles homing, limits and registration inputs. Commands reach drives over pulse, analogue or, most commonly now, EtherCAT and other real-time networks. Many controllers also include PLC functions to IEC 61131-3, combining logic and motion.
When engineers choose a motion controller
Choose a dedicated motion controller when a machine needs coordinated multi-axis motion beyond basic point-to-point moves, such as robots, gantries, packaging and CNC. It gives deterministic timing and motion libraries. The trade-offs are cost, programming effort and ecosystem lock-in. For simple machines with a few independent axes, a PLC with motion function blocks or intelligent drives with stored moves may be enough.
How to specify the Aerotech Automation1 iSMC software-based motion controller
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right Automation1 iSMC software-based motion controller variant or an equivalent:
- Number of axes and drives
- Network and cycle time (ms)
- Motion functions: interpolation, camming, robotics
- Programming environment and languages
- I/O and expansion
- HMI and connectivity
- Safety integration
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a controller that does not support the drives' network
- Underestimating cycle time needs for many axes
- Ignoring programming tools and skills in the team
- Not planning for future axis count
Aerotech Automation1 iSMC software-based motion controller: frequently asked questions
Can you help replace Aerotech Automation1 iSMC software-based motion controller or source the original?
Send the full model code, quantity and required date. Our engineers can check original-part availability and assess suitable alternatives, including supply-network options where appropriate. We confirm compatibility and any changes needed before recommending a replacement.
What is the Aerotech Automation1 iSMC software-based motion controller?
PC- or drive-hosted software motion controller coordinating up to 32 axes of servo, stepper and laser scan head motion over the HyperWire fibre-optic bus, programmed in AeroScript with .NET, C and Python APIs. It is made by Aerotech, Inc.; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the Aerotech Automation1 iSMC software-based motion controller?
The Aerotech Automation1 iSMC software-based motion controller is made by Aerotech (Aerotech, Inc.) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with Aerotech, Inc.; brand names are used only to identify the product.
Is there an alternative to the Aerotech Automation1 iSMC software-based motion controller?
We can assess suitable replacement options. On published figures, Kinco AK (AK8 / AK840) and Leadshine MC500 (MC508CS / MC516CS / MC532CS) are options to assess from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
What is the difference between a motion controller and a PLC?
A PLC handles machine logic, sequencing and I/O. A motion controller specialises in trajectory planning and coordinating axes. Many modern controllers combine both, running PLC logic and motion libraries on one CPU. Choose based on axis count, motion complexity and timing requirements.
Why is EtherCAT common for motion control?
EtherCAT offers short cycle times, precise synchronisation using distributed clocks and simple cabling, which suit coordinated multi-axis motion. Many drives and I/O devices support it. Other real-time networks such as PROFINET IRT and Sercos are also used, so check what the drives and controller support.
Further reading: How to select a motion controller or plc · Controllers and PLCs
Other motion controller series
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