ACS Motion Controller as a Complete Machine Controller with SPiiPlus + GSP

In many manufacturing environments, a machine controller does much more than move axes. It coordinates vacuum systems, process equipment, sensors, and safety interlocks. Traditionally, that orchestration has fallen to PLCs or specialized control PCs, often with separate “recipe databases” to manage production parameters.

But with an ACS Motion Control EC-series controller, SPiiPlus programming, and the GSP (G-Code extension), you can turn your motion controller into a complete system controller—one that handles sequential logic, process control, and motion in one coherent environment.

Why SPiiPlus + GSP Is a Game-Changer for Sequential Programming

SPiiPlus is ACS Motion Control’s high-level programming language (ACSPL+) that combines motion control, I/O, communications, and real-time control tasks in a single environment. The GSP extension adds RS-274D/ISO-6983 style G-code capabilities, which makes it easy to write clear, step-by-step programs with motions and processes integrated.

Benefits for sequential manufacturing processes:

1. All-in-one control – Motion, process I/O, EtherCAT devices, serial/Ethernet instruments, and PLC links are all controlled directly.
2. Precise process sequencing – GSP lets you write steps in the order they occur, making programs easy to read and debug.
3. Direct integration with equipment – EtherCAT-connected drives, vacuum gauges, and IO modules; serial connections to deposition controllers or other instruments; Ethernet/IP to PLCs.
4. Real-time determinism – Unlike PC-based scripts, ACSPL+ runs in the controller with millisecond-level determinism.
5. Fewer external dependencies – No need for a separate PLC program or an HMI to execute a recipe.

No More Database Recipes – Use Text-Based Part Programs

In traditional systems, recipes are stored in databases or proprietary formats. This adds:

• Maintenance overhead
• Synchronization problems between revisions
• Difficulty tracking changes over time

With SPiiPlus + GSP, the entire “recipe” is in the part program itself—a simple text file. This means:

• All process parameters live right next to the sequence logic.
• You can store these text files in Git, SVN, or any source control system.
• Changes are fully version-tracked, so you know who changed what and when.
• Programs are human-readable and editable without special database tools.

Example: Optical Coating System Control

Below is a condensed example based on a real-world optical coating process using an ACS EC controller with:

• EtherCAT-connected substrate rotation drive, pocket indexer, and vacuum gauges
• Serial-connected Inficon IC6 deposition controller
• PLC over Ethernet/IP for valves and heaters

We use modular ACSPL+ functions to handle each process stage—making it easy to adapt or reorder steps for different products.

// Main Program simplified version

IF NOT CheckSafety() THEN STOP ENDIF // call check safety function

    PumpDown() //call pumpdown function

    Bake() // call bake function

    IonClean() // call ion clean function

    Deposition() // call deposition function

    CoolDown() // call cooldown function

    VentChamber() // call vent function

    DISP(, "Process complete")

STOP // end of program

Why Engineers and Managers Should Care

• Lower Integration Costs – You can eliminate (or greatly simplify) a separate PLC layer.
• Faster Development – One language, one environment, and fewer points of failure.
• Maintainable & Auditable – Part programs are text, making them easy to share, track, and document.
• Scalable – From R&D benches to production lines, the same ACS controller and code structure can scale up.
• Future-proof – With source control and text-based recipes, long-term maintainability improves dramatically.

Bottom Line

An ACS motion controller running SPiiPlus with GSP isn’t just a motion box—it’s a complete system controller. It gives you:

• The clarity of sequential G-code programming
• The power of ACSPL+ for process logic
• The portability of plain-text recipes in Git

This approach streamlines both development and operations, freeing your engineering team to focus on making great products instead of wrangling multiple control layers.

If you’d like to see how this approach could simplify your system architecture—or want a deeper dive into SPiiPlus + GSP for your application—feel free to reach out.

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