Hardware Specifications
Form Factor
•Dimensions: Standard 19” x 4U Rack Mount
•~24” L x 20” W x 6” H
•Weight: ~45 lbs.
•Ventilation: Rear exhaust fan.
Power Supply
•Voltage Input: 120 VAC or 240 VAC
•Amperage Input: Max 15A at 120VAC or 8A at 220V
•24V Bus (12 terminals) Power Output: 8A Max/192W
•0V Bus (12) terminals
•POE+ Ports (3): POE+/IEEE 802.3at/25.5W
•Protection: Overvoltage, short circuit, and reverse polarity protection.
Connectivity
Motor Interfaces
•Supports NEMA 8, 10, 17, 23, 34 absolute encoder closed-loop stepper motors
•Single M12 cables with absolute encoders for all motor connections
•Programmable brakes available in all sizes (no separate wiring required).
•Home-run architecture from control block to motor (6 motors supported natively)
External Ports
•POE+ Ports (3): POE+/IEEE 802.3at/25.5W
•(1) USB 2.0 for file management
•(1) DB15 for HMI teach pendant with integrated e-stop circuit.
•(4) M12/4 motors
•M12/5 (2) Light curtains
•M12/4 (1) Light Tower
•M12/8 (1) Primary Door Switch
•M12/8 (1) 7 Safety inputs/24V
•M12/8 (1) 5 safety outputs/1 AUX output.
•12 Pin Connectors (4) - 1 inputs/1outputs/1 24VDC/1 0VDC
Communication Protocols
•Ethernet/IP
•MODBUS TCP
•CANopen/CANLayer2
•MQTT Client
I/O Standard Model
•10 digital inputs
•2 analogue Inputs
•10 transistor outputs
•2 Relay outputs
•Expandable up to 2048 points.
I/O Analogue Model
•8 digital inputs
•4 analogue Inputs
•6 transistor outputs
•2 Relay outputs
•3 analogue outputs
•Expandable up to 2048 points.
Other
•SQL Client
•WEB Server
•E-Mail & SMS
•VNC
•FTP server/client
•GPRS
Safety Features
•Safety Controller: Integrated Programmable Safety Controller
•Ple, Category 4, SIL3 Safety Standards
•Plug and play safety devices - light curtain, door interlocks, remote E-stop, light tower, and other safety devices
•Customizable programming
•Safety event tracking
•Remote Emergency Stop Circuit: Remote E-stop port to connect field devices.
•Interlocks: Plug and play magnetic door interlock/switches. HMI password controlled.
Mechanical and Environmental Specifications
•Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C
•Storage Temperature: -20°C to 70°C
•Humidity: 10% to 90% (non-condensing)
Software & Control Capabilities
Software Packages
•Control Block comes pre-loaded with a choice of AutoCode or TurnCode.
•AutoCode - a software package for generalized automation control
•TurnCode - software package specializing in modular rotary control
•Custom Interfaces – Limited custom Interfaces are available with NRE.
AutoCode Programming Environment – Linear Control Made Simple
•Table-based command structure compatible with PLC and CAM programming
•Supports custom commands and developer environment.
•Supports AI-generated AutoCode for fast programming
•Recipe Programming: Integrated recipe management for production line reconfiguration
•Machine Master and up to (6) Slave device AutoCode control.
Turn Code Programming Environment – No Code Modular Rotary Control
•Modular Rotary System Support: Controls up to 8 stations with configurable 2, 4, or 8-position setups.
•No-Code Configuration: Simplifies programming with an intuitive, point-and-click interface.
•Error Handling and Diagnostics: Includes real-time error detection, fault history, and troubleshooting tools.
•Integration: Fully compatible with Autoblocks HMI and teach pendant for seamless operation.
•Applications: Ideal for assembly lines, inspection stations, filling operations, and other indexed rotary tasks.
•Efficient Automation: Enhances the Autoblocks Control Block’s capabilities for scalable, multi-station rotary control.
HMI/Teach Pendant Interface
•10.1-inch-high resolution capacitive touch screen HMI interface.
•Supports integration of other web interfaces.
•Integrated E-Stop
•Supports VNC/Remote connectivity
•Supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
HMI HUB Interface
For customers who prefer to use their own touchscreen monitors and peripherals like a keyboard and mouse, Autoblocks offers a pre-configured hub interface. This plug-and-play solution comes preloaded with our HMI software and allows any FHD 1920 x 1080 touch monitor to connect via a single standard HDMI and USB cable. Seamlessly integrating with the Control Block, the hub ensures a smooth, hassle-free setup. E-stop must be added separately via the DB15 or safety input connectors.
Motion Control
Axes Control
•6 primary axes of control (X, Y, Z, A, B, C)
•4 axes teach control
•Simplified wiring via a single M12 cable for power and communication.
•High-precision motion with closed-loop control using absolute encoders
•Real-time trajectory planning with coordinated motion control
Safety and Error Handling
•Built-in Fault Detection
•Diagnostic system with real-time error logging
•Automatic motor shutdown in case of fault
•Red, Green, and Yellow HMI/light tower status indicators
System Integration
Modularity
•Compatible with all types of robots.
•Flexible device integration through Auto-code or drag-and-drop ladder logic for complex machine control
•Expandable I/O and motor controls for future scalability
Supported Devices
AutoBlocks Smart Motors
•NEMA 8, 10, 17, 23, 34
•Closed-loop stepper motors with absolute encoders
AutoBlocks Smart Actuators
•Precision Ball Screw Actuators +/- 0.005mm up to 2000mm
•Belt Drive Actuators +/- 0.05mm up to 3000mm
•Customizable Cartesian Gantries available.
EPSON Robots
•EPSON Robots are plug-and-play with simple device selection on the HMI.
•EPSON robot program templates with extensive handshake and error handling prebuilt.
Universal Robots
•UR robots are plug-and-play with simple device selection on the HMI.
•UR CAPP with extensive handshake and error handling prebuilt.
Vision Systems
•Keyence IV3/4
•Keyence VS
•Zebra FS/VS
•Cognex
•Custom devices supported
Servo Drives & VFDs
•AutoBlocks Smart Servo Drives & VFDs come plug & Play
•Third Party Servo Drives & VFDs available.
Safety
•Keyence GS Door interlocks
•Keyence Light Curtains
•Banner Light Towers
•Custom devices supported
Cloud
•Customizable Cloud Machine monitoring dashboard
•Remote Support
•Remote Software Customization and Support.
Other Devices
•Control Block is simple to configure for any discrete I/O device
• High-level communication devices are simple to add with NRE or development.
Integrator Support
The Autoblocks Control Block is targeted at integrators and machine builders seeking a cost-effective, highly configurable, and easy-to-program machine controller. Its plug-and-play capabilities and AI-driven AutoCode functionality reduce the need for extensive programming, making it ideal for medium-complexity machines in industries such as automotive, electronics, medical devices, and precision assembly.
Control Block List Price: $11,950.00
This technical specification sheet provides a detailed overview of the capabilities and components of the Autoblocks Control Block, highlighting its advanced features for motion control, machine safety, and flexibility in industrial automation applications.
Overview
The Autoblocks Control Block is a robust and general-purpose controller (GPC) that effortlessly combines logic, safety, and motion control into a single, streamlined platform. It supports up to 6 slave devices including up to 6 axes of linear or rotary absolute motion with single-cable connections. Offering no-code integration, it simplifies the management of diverse industrial robots, vision systems, safety devices, and sensors, making it accessible even for those with limited programming experience. Its modular, flexible design allows for seamless scalability, from small batch processes to fully automated production lines, making it the perfect solution for a wide range of industrial automation requirements. Additionally, the Autoblocks platform includes the AB+ product line, offering highly compatible motors, actuators, and gearboxes that further enhance system versatility and expand automation capabilities across multiple applications.
