TAM API – Motion goes .NET

TAM API Logo

TAM API is an interface to create applications for a Triamec motion system. It is based on the powerful Microsoft .NET Framework and creates a hardware abstraction of the devices connected to the Tria-Link. This makes communication with the Tria-Link participants transparent and very easy.

The Microsoft .NET Framework is inherently not real-time capable. Nevertheless, various real-time applications can be realized without problems, thanks to two special features of the Triamec Advanced Motion (TAM) system: The Tria-Link Host Adapter Boards (TL) have real-time tables. Pre-calculated paths can be traced easily with these tables. Furthermore, the Triamec devices have a freely programmable real-time processor, which allows time-critical tasks such as monitoring, axis coupling (portals), special reactions (touch-downs), etc. to be realized.

Functions of the TAM API

The Microsoft .NET Framework-based TAM API (red) provides the protocol layer of the Tria-Link and above it the TAM system layer. A typical application (blue) is based on the TAM layer interface and also uses plug-in modules and graphic components for the user interface (TAM UI). The Tama compiler is used to compile real-time programs that are executed on the devices.
Triamec TAM API
Triamec TAM API

Overview

  • Transparent Tria-Link Communication
  • Applications in Microsoft®.NET Visual C#
  • Extensive help system and IntelliSense support
  • Cyclic data exchange with triggers
  • Condition monitoring and events
  • Persistence of configurations
  • Motion commands (based on PLCopen)
  • Operation of the real-time tables in the TL adapter boards
  • Control of the Tama programs
  • Data acquisition up to 100kHz
  • Plugin modules

Programming against the TAM API

Documentation

Access the TAM API Reference and the TAM API Developer Manual using TAM System Explorer menu Help > Documentation > Software menu, the latter also in the Manuals.

Examples

Triamec makes open source code available at GitHub GitHub. Repositories with sample applications using the TAM API wear the TAM API Tag tag.

Other examples with complete solutions are installed with the TAM Software and are found in the TAM System Explorer with the menu Help > Developer Samples.

Installation

The TAM API and some sample Visual Studio® solutions are installed on the PC with the TAM Software.