YOKOGAWA F3NC04-OZ Position Control Module – FA-M3 Series

YOKOGAWA F3NC04-OZ 4-Axis Position Control Module — Deterministic Multi-Axis Servo Coordination on the FA-M3 Backplane

The F3NC04-OZ occupies a single slot in any standard FA-M3 base unit and delivers independent closed-loop position management for four servo axes simultaneously. Unlike stand-alone motion controllers that communicate with the host PLC over a fieldbus, this module resides directly on the FA-M3 high-speed backplane, exchanging position commands and status data within the same scan cycle as the CPU. The result is a tightly coupled motion-logic architecture where axis state is always coherent with the process program — no gateway latency, no protocol translation overhead.

Each axis generates a differential pulse train at up to 500 kpps, compatible with any servo amplifier that accepts CW/CCW or pulse-plus-direction input. Encoder feedback (incremental A/B/Z, line driver) is read directly by the module hardware, so position error is computed in silicon rather than in ladder logic. The module supports 32-bit signed position registers, giving a positioning range of ±2,147,483,647 pulses — sufficient for long-travel linear stages without counter overflow management in the application program.

Native 2-axis linear and circular interpolation is executed inside the module’s motion processor. Contouring paths are defined by target coordinates and feed rate; the module resolves the per-axis pulse distribution autonomously, freeing the CPU from real-time interpolation arithmetic. This is particularly relevant in CNC-style applications where the CPU scan jitter would otherwise introduce contour error.

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Technical Parameters

Hardware Logical Analysis

The F3NC04-OZ is built around a dedicated motion processor that operates asynchronously from the FA-M3 CPU scan. Position loop closure — reading encoder counts, computing following error, and adjusting pulse output — executes at a fixed hardware interrupt rate independent of ladder scan time. This decoupling is architecturally significant: even if the CPU scan extends due to complex logic, the motion processor continues to service the servo loop without interruption, preventing position drift during scan overruns.

Differential Pulse Output and EMC Design: All four axis outputs use RS-422-compatible differential line drivers. Differential signaling provides common-mode noise rejection of typically 7 V, which is critical in panel environments where servo amplifier switching transients and VFD-generated conducted emissions are present. The module’s PCB layout routes pulse output traces with controlled impedance and ground plane shielding between axis channels to minimize inter-axis crosstalk at 500 kpps switching rates.

Encoder Input Front-End: The A/B/Z encoder inputs are terminated with 120 Ω line-matching resistors at the module input stage, suppressing reflection artifacts on cable runs up to 50 m. Hardware quadrature decoding (×4 multiplication) is performed in dedicated counter logic, not in firmware, eliminating the risk of pulse miscounts during high-velocity moves. The Z-phase (index) input triggers a hardware latch of the current count register, providing a repeatable home reference with sub-pulse accuracy.

Interpolation Engine: The on-board interpolation processor uses Bresenham-derived integer arithmetic for linear interpolation, avoiding floating-point rounding accumulation across long moves. Circular interpolation is computed using a radius-error correction algorithm that maintains contour accuracy within ±1 pulse of the programmed radius throughout the arc. Both interpolation modes operate without CPU intervention once the target block is loaded, allowing the CPU to pre-fetch the next motion block during execution.

Backplane Bus Arbitration: The module participates in the FA-M3 backplane token-passing arbitration scheme. Position command registers are double-buffered: the CPU writes to a shadow register set, and the module latches the new command at the start of each motion cycle. This prevents partial-update race conditions where a multi-word position target could be read mid-write by the motion processor.

System Integration Benefits

• Zero-Latency Command Path: Commands written by the CPU ladder program reach the motion processor within the same backplane cycle — typically under 1 ms — eliminating the 5–20 ms gateway delay inherent in fieldbus-connected motion controllers.
• Coherent Axis State in Every Scan: All four axis position, velocity, and status registers are refreshed synchronously with the CPU scan. Logic that reads axis position and writes a process output in the same rung operates on data from the same time slice, preventing race conditions in coordinated motion-process sequences.
• Reduced Cabinet Wiring Complexity: A single module replaces four discrete pulse-output cards plus their associated wiring harnesses. Encoder and pulse cables terminate at one connector block, reducing potential failure points and simplifying panel layout documentation.
• Unified Programming Environment: Motion configuration, axis homing, and interpolation block programming are performed entirely within YOKOGAWA WideField3, the same IDE used for all FA-M3 logic. No separate motion programming software license or runtime is required.
• Deterministic Homing Sequence: The hardware Z-phase latch enables a repeatable machine-zero routine with position uncertainty bounded to ±1 encoder count, regardless of the approach velocity at the time the index pulse is detected.
• Diagnostic Transparency: The module exposes following error, output pulse count, feedback pulse count, and axis status word (in-position, alarm, limit active) as standard FA-M3 word registers. These can be logged by the CPU, trended in a SCADA historian, or used directly in ladder interlocks without any additional diagnostic hardware.
• Third-Party Servo Compatibility: The standard differential pulse output is accepted by servo amplifiers from Mitsubishi (MR-J series), Panasonic (MINAS A6), Delta (ASDA-B3), Omron (G5), and others. This preserves procurement flexibility and allows servo drive selection based on torque-speed requirements rather than communication protocol constraints.
• Scalable Multi-Axis Architecture: Multiple F3NC04-OZ modules can be installed in the same FA-M3 base unit (subject to slot power budget), scaling the system to 8, 12, or 16 axes while maintaining a single CPU and a single program image. Cross-module axis synchronization is implemented in ladder logic using the shared register space, without external synchronization hardware.

Quality Assurance & Global Logistics

Every F3NC04-OZ unit dispatched from our Xiamen, China facility is sourced from verified supply channels with full chain-of-custody traceability. Pre-shipment inspection covers label authenticity verification against YOKOGAWA factory markings, date code consistency check, backplane connector pin integrity measurement, and a functional power-on test confirming axis initialization and backplane communication handshake. Units that do not pass all inspection criteria are quarantined and not offered for sale.

Packaging follows IEC 60068-2-32 drop-test guidelines: the module is sealed in a conductive anti-static bag (surface resistance < 10⁹ Ω), placed in a custom-cut polyethylene foam insert, and shipped in a double-wall corrugated carton. For international air freight, carton dimensions and weight are declared accurately on the air waybill to avoid customs holds.

Export documentation provided with every shipment includes a commercial invoice with HS code 8537.10, a detailed packing list, and a certificate of origin (Form E for ASEAN preferential tariff where applicable). DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms are available for select destinations — contact us to confirm eligibility before ordering.

Standard dispatch from Xiamen is within 1–3 business days of payment confirmation. Express air freight (DHL, FedEx, UPS) delivers to most destinations in Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia within 3–5 business days. Sea freight consolidation is available for bulk orders exceeding 50 kg. A 12-month warranty covers manufacturing defects and functional failure under normal operating conditions; warranty claims are processed with a target replacement dispatch of 5 business days.

Contact Information

Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +86 18359268345
Web: siemensplc.com
Location: Xiamen, China
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