Rockwell Automation Allen-Bradley MagneMotion QuickStick Series Guide

Design Guide Original Instructions
MagneMotion QuickStick and
QuickStick HT
Bulletin Number QuickStick 100, QuickStick 150, QuickStick HT

2Rockwell Automation Publication MMI-RM001A-EN-P - August 2023
MagneMotion QuickStick and QuickStick HT Design Guide
Important User Information
Read this document and the documents listed in the additional resources section about installation, configuration, and operation of this equipment before you
install, configure, operate, or maintain this product. Users are required to familiarize themselves with installation and wiring instructions in addition to
requirements of all applicable codes, laws, and standards.
Activities including installation, adjustments, putting into service, use, assembly, disassembly, and maintenance are required to be carried out by suitably trained
personnel in accordance with applicable code of practice.
If this equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
In no event will Rockwell Automation, Inc. be responsible or liable for indirect or consequential damages resulting from the use or application of this equipment.
The examples and diagrams in this manual are included solely for illustrative purposes. Because of the many variables and requirements associated with any
particular installation, Rockwell Automation, Inc. cannot assume responsibility or liability for actual use based on the examples and diagrams.
No patent liability is assumed by Rockwell Automation, Inc. with respect to use of information, circuits, equipment, or software described in this manual.
Reproduction of the contents of this manual, in whole or in part, without written permission of Rockwell Automation, Inc., is prohibited.
Additional Safety Information
Although every effort is made to keep this manual accurate and up-to-date, MagneMotion® and Rockwell Automation® assumes no
responsibility for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies. Information that is provided in this manual is subject to change without notice.
Any sample code that is referenced in this manual or included with MagneMotion software is included for illustration only and is,
therefore, unsupported.
Rockwell Automation recognizes that some of the terms that are currently used in our industry and in this publication are not
in alignment with the movement toward inclusive language in technology. We are proactively collaborating with industry
peers to find alternatives to such terms and making changes to our products and content. Please excuse the use of such
terms in our content while we implement these changes.
ATTENTION: For additional safety notices and definitions, see the Notes, Safety Notices, and Symbols section and/or the
Symbol Identification section.

Rockwell Automation Publication MMI-RM001A-EN-P - August 2023 3
Table of Contents
Preface
About This Publication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Summary of Changes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Prerequisites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Notes, Safety Notices, and Symbols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safety Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Personnel Safety Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Equipment Safety Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Shipping Magnet Arrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Symbol Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Mechanical Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Electrical Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Magnetic Hazards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Handling Magnet Arrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Separate Magnet Arrays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Additional Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Chapter 1
QuickStick Transport System
Overview
QuickStick Transport System Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Theory of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Transport System Components Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Transport System Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Transport System Software Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Determine What You Need. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Motor Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Electrical Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
QuickStick HT Optional Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Chapter 2
Design Guidelines Transport System Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Transport System Repeatability and Accuracy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
QuickStick Motor Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Track Hardware Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Transport System Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Transport System Layout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Vehicles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Magnet Arrays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Static Brushes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Paths. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Nodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Node Controllers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Additional Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Additional Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

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Transport System Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Transport System Design Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Magnet Arrays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Vehicles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Guideways. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Transport System Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Straight Track Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Curve Track Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Switch Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Moving Path Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Chapter 3
Electrostatic Discharge
Protection on QuickStick
Systems
Component ESD Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Component Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Discharge the Vehicle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Discharge Through Static Brushes - Preferred. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Discharge Through a Favorable Discharge Point – Acceptable Alternate . . . . . . . . . . 66
Discharge Through Conductive Wheels and Bearings - Acceptable Alternate . . . . . . 66
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Chapter 4
QuickStick Motors Power
Management and Cable Sizing
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Determine Vehicle Power Draw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Logic Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Propulsion Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Transfer of Propulsion Power within a System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Acceleration (Power Draw) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Soft Start not Complete Fault. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Undervoltage Fault. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Undervoltage Warning Limit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Deceleration (Regeneration) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Power Regenerated by a Vehicle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Overvoltage Maximum Limit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Overvoltage Warning Limit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Power Dissipation within MagneMotion Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Hardware Power Management for QS 100. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Power Cabinet Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Methods to Reduce Voltage Increase Through Hardware Changes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Chapter 5
QuickStick High Thrust (HT) 5700
Inverter Power Sizing Selection
Performance Estimate Sheet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Propulsion Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Power Consumption During Acceleration and Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Regenerative Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Available Blocks to Dissipate Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

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Table of Contents
Component Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Select a Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
System Drives per Bus Capacitance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
System Logic Control Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
System Ethernet Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Passive Shunt Resistor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Application Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Chapter 6
QuickStick Motors Magnetic Field
Measurements
Magnetic Field Measurement Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Magnetic Field Measurement Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Magnetic Field Shielding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Magnet Array Safety and Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Magnetic Field Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Chapter 7
QuickStick High Thrust Motors
Magnetic Field Measurements
Magnetic Field Measurement Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Magnetic Field Measurement Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Magnetic Field Shielding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Magnet Array Safety and Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Magnetic Field Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Chapter 8
QuickStick Motors Transport
System Installation
QuickStick System Installation and Commissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Required Tools and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Component Inspection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Shipping and Returns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Transport System Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Hardware Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
System Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Prepare Motor Connections and Electronic Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Vehicle Integration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Facilities Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Network Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Electrical Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Software Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
System Testing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Chapter 9
Transport System Simulation Transport System Simulation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Configuring a Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Running a Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Stopping a Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Return the System to Normal Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

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Appendix A
Force Calculations for System
Design
Data for Transport System Design Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Determine Thrust Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Determine Attractive Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Appendix B
QuickStick Motors Curve Design
and Validation
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Motor Sensor Engagement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Minimum Radius of Curvature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Data Assumptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Skew Angle, Lateral Offset, and Phase Offset Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Thrust Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Curve Correction Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Commission a Curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
How to Commission a Curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Collect Data for a Curve Correction Table (Optional). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Correct Downstream Gaps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Appendix C
QuickStick 150 Site
Requirements
Electrical Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Motor Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Power Wiring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Signal Wiring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Appendix D
MagneMotion Information and
Configuration Service (MICS) File
Generation
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
MICS File Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
File Naming Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Declaration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
File Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Element. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Tag Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Comments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
MICS File Protocol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
MICS File XML Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
MICS File Example. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177

Rockwell Automation Publication MMI-RM001A-EN-P - August 2023 7
Preface
About This Publication This manual explains how to design and configure the QuickStick® transport system. Use this
manual in combination with the other manuals and documentation that supports the transport
system to design, install, configure, and test a QuickStick (QS) transport system.
Summary of Changes This publication contains the following new or updated information. This list includes substantive
updates only and is not intended to reflect all changes.
Prerequisites
The information that is provided in this manual assumes the following:
• Basic familiarity with general-purpose computers and with the Windows® operating system,
web browsers, and terminal emulators.
• All personnel who configure, operate, or service the transport system are properly trained.
Read and understand the safety instructions in Notes, Safety Notices, and Symbols on page 7 and
Safety Considerations on page 9 to familiarize yourself with important precautions for QS transport
systems.
The examples in this manual are included solely for illustrative purposes. Because of the many
variables and requirements that are associated with any linear synchronous motor (LSM) system
installation, Rockwell Automation cannot assume responsibility or liability for actual use that is
based on these examples.
Notes, Safety Notices, and Symbols
Notes, safety notices, and symbols that are used in this manual have specific meanings and
formats. Examples of notes, the different types of safety notices and their general meanings are
provided in this section. Adhere to all safety notices provided throughout this manual to achieve
safe installation and use.
Notes
Notes are set apart from other text and provide additional or explanatory information. The text for
notes is in standard type as shown in the following example.
Topic Page
QuickStick repeatability analysis information from publication MMI-AT005 was added to this
publication. 28
Information on Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protection from publication MMI-AT023 was added to
this publication. 63
QuickStick power cable sizing information MMI-AT020 was added to this publication. 69
Information on QuickStick power management from MMI-AT021 was added to this publication. 69
QuickStick 100 and 150 magnetic field measurement information from MMI-AT034 was added to this
publication. 103
QuickStick HT™ magnetic field measurement information from MMI-UM034 was added to this
publication. 107
Identifies information that is useful and can help to make a process easier to do or
easier to understand.

8Rockwell Automation Publication MMI-RM001A-EN-P - August 2023
Preface
Safety Notices
Safety Notices are set apart from other text. The color of the panel at the top of the notice and the
text in the panel indicates the severity of the hazard. The symbol on the left of the notice identifies
the type of hazard see Symbol Identification on page 10 for symbol descriptions. The text in the
message panel identifies the hazard, methods to avoid the hazard, and the consequences of not
avoiding the hazard.
Examples of the standard safety notices that are used in this manual are provided in this section.
Each example includes a description of the hazard level indicated.
DANGER
Danger indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, can result in
death or serious injury.
WARNING
Warning indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
Caution indicates a hazardous situation, which if not avoided, could result
in minor or moderate injury.
IMPORTANT Identifies information that is critical for successful application and
understanding of the product.

Rockwell Automation Publication MMI-RM001A-EN-P - August 2023 9
Preface
Safety Considerations
Personnel Safety Guidelines
QS components and transport systems can provide several direct safety hazards to personnel if
not properly installed or operated. General safety guidelines are provided in this section, specific
cautions are provided as needed. For additional information, see Mechanical Hazards on page 12,
Electrical Hazards on page 13, and Magnetic Hazards on page 14.
• Personnel operating or servicing the QS transport system must be properly trained.
• Be aware of the hazardous points of the QS transport system.
• High-strength neodymium iron boron magnet arrays are used on vehicles with the
QuickStick motors.
- To avoid severe injury, people with pacemakers and other medical electronic implants
must not handle or approach the magnet arrays. These individuals must consult their
physician to determine the susceptibility of their device to static magnetic fields and to
determine a safe distance between themselves and the magnet array.
- Handle only one vehicle/magnet array at a time. Do not place any body parts, such as
fingers, between a magnet array and any QS motors, ferrous material, or another magnet
array to avoid injury from strong magnetic attractive forces.
- Vehicles and magnet arrays not on the QS transport system must be secured individually
in isolated packaging.
• Moving mechanisms have no obstruction sensors and can cause personal injury.
• Whenever power is applied, the possibility of automatic motion of the vehicles or user-
supplied equipment in the QS transport system exists. It is the responsibility of the user to
provide appropriate safeguards.
• Make sure that propulsion power is disabled whenever maintenance is being performed on
the vehicles, track system, or motors.
• Make sure that the QS motors and related components are properly decontaminated before
performing any service. Follow the decontamination procedures at the facility.
• Follow all facility, local, and national procedures for the disposal of any hazardous materials
or waste.
Equipment Safety Guidelines
The following safety considerations are provided to aid in the placement and use of the
QS transport system.
• The QS components are not provided with an Emergency Off (EMO) circuit. The facility where
the system is installed is responsible for an EMO circuit. For information on E-stops and
interlocks, see Additional Functions on page 35.
• Do not place the power and communication cables for the QS transport system where they
can cause a trip hazard.
• Do not place the QS transport system in a location where it can be exposed to physical
damage.
• Make sure that all electrical connections to the QS components are made in accordance with
the appropriate facility, local, and national regulations.
• Make sure that the QS components receive proper airflow for cooling.
• Do not remove safety labels or equipment identification labels.
• Turn off the power before inserting or removing the power cables.
• Use of the QS components for any purpose other than as a linear transport system is not
recommended and can damage the QS components or the equipment they are connected
to.
These safety recommendations are basic guidelines. Any additional safety guidelines
and applicable local and national safety codes for the facility must be followed.

10 Rockwell Automation Publication MMI-RM001A-EN-P - August 2023
Preface
• Always operate the QS transport system with appropriate barriers in place to help prevent
contact with moving objects by personnel.
• Do not install or operate the QS transport system if any of the components have been
dropped, damaged, or are malfunctioning.
• Keep cables and connectors away from heated surfaces.
• Do not modify the connectors or ports.
Shipping Magnet Arrays
• Magnet arrays being shipped, for return or to another facility, must be shipped per U.S.
Department of Transportation and The International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Dangerous Goods Regulations.
Symbol Identification Symbols are used in this manual and on the products to identify hazards, mandatory actions, and
prohibited actions. The symbols that are used in this manual and their descriptions are provided in
the following tables.
Table 1 - Hazard Alert Symbol Identification
Symbol Description
General Hazard Alert – Indicates that failure to follow recommended procedures can result in unsafe conditions, which
could cause injury or equipment damage.
Lifting Hazard – Indicates that the specified object is heavy or awkward to handle. Personnel must use lifting aids and
proper techniques for lifting to avoid muscle strain or back injury.
Automatic Start Hazard – Indicates the possibility of machinery automatically starting or moving, which could cause
personal injury.
Hazardous Voltage – Indicates that a severe shock hazard is present that could cause personal injury.
Magnetic Field Hazard – Indicates that a strong magnetic field is present that could cause personal injury.
Pinch/Crush Hazard – Indicates that there are exposed parts that move, which could cause personal injury from the
squeezing or compression of fingers, hands, or other body parts between those parts.

Rockwell Automation Publication MMI-RM001A-EN-P - August 2023 11
Preface
Table 2 - Mandatory Action Symbol Identification
Symbol Description
Eye Protection Required – Indicates that appropriate eyewear must be worn to help prevent injury to eyes from flying
shards.
Foot Protection Required – Indicates that appropriate footwear must be worn to help prevent injury to feet from
falling objects.
Lockout Required – Indicates that all power must be disconnected using a method that helps prevent accidental
reconnection.
Table 3 - Prohibited Action Symbol Identification
Symbol Description
Magnetic or Electronic Media Prohibited – Indicates that magnetic media (memory disks/chips, credit cards, tapes,
and so on) is not allowed in the specified area due to the possibility of damage to the media.
Metal Parts or Watches Prohibited – Indicates that watches, instruments, electronics, metal tools, and metal objects
are not allowed in the specified area due to the possibility of damage.
Pacemakers or Medical Implants Prohibited – Indicates that persons with medical implants are not allowed in the
specified area due to the possibility of personal injury.

12 Rockwell Automation Publication MMI-RM001A-EN-P - August 2023
Preface
Mechanical Hazards The QS transport system is a complex electromechanical system. Only personnel with the proper
training should install, operate, or service the QS transport system. Figure 1 shows examples of
possible hazardous points on the QS transport system.
Figure 1 - Locations of Hazardous Points on the QS Transport System
All facilities to the QS transport system must be disconnected as outlined in the lockout/tagout
procedure for the facility before servicing to help prevent injury from the automatic operation of
the equipment. The proper precautions for operating and servicing remotely controlled
electromechanical equipment must be observed. These precautions include wearing safety
glasses, safety shoes, and any other precautions that are specified within the facility where the
QS components are being used.
Guideway (typical, user-defined)
Mechanical Hazard - Pinch Point
Switch (typical, user-defined)
Mechanical Hazard - Pinch Point
Vehicle (typical, user-defined)
Mechanical Hazard - Pinch Point
Magnetic Field Hazard
WARNING
Crush Hazard
Moving mechanisms have no obstruction sensors.
Do not operate the QS components without barriers in place or personal
injury could result in the squeezing or compression of fingers, hands, or
other body parts between moving mechanisms.
WARNING
Automatic Movement Hazard
Whenever power is applied, the possibility of automatic movement of the
vehicles on the QS transport system exists, which could result in personal
injury.

Rockwell Automation Publication MMI-RM001A-EN-P - August 2023 13
Preface
Electrical Hazards The user-supplied power supplies, node controllers, network switches, and power modules are
connected to the AC mains of the facility and can generate hazardous energy. The proper
precautions for operating and servicing electrical equipment must be observed. These precautions
include following facility lockout/tagout procedures, and any other specified action within the
facility where the QS components are being used.
CAUTION
Loose Material Hazard
Payloads are susceptible to vector motion forces.
Always account for the effects of acceleration, deceleration, and
directional changes upon the payload. Control forces to avoid projectile
motion of the payload, limit move profiles and/or provide tooling to
secure the payload to the vehicle.
CAUTION
Lift Hazard
The QS motors can weigh as much as 37.6 kg (83 lb). Failure to take the
proper precautions before moving them could result in personal injury.
Use proper techniques for lifting and wear safety toe shoes when moving
any QS components.
WARNING
Electrical Hazard
All electrical power to the QS transport system must be disconnected per
the facility lockout/tagout procedure before servicing to help prevent the
risk of electrical shock.
CAUTION
Electrical Hazard
To avoid electric shock, do not open any QS component. Motors,
controllers, and other components do not contain any user-serviceable
parts.
Do not turn on electrical power to the power supplies, motors, and node
controllers until after connecting all other transport system components.
To avoid equipment damage:
• Make sure that the transport system is properly grounded.
• Make sure that all vehicles are grounded to the guideway through conductive wheels
or static brushes.
• Do not connect or disconnect any components while the transport system has power.

14 Rockwell Automation Publication MMI-RM001A-EN-P - August 2023
Preface
Magnetic Hazards The QS transport system uses high-strength neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnets in the
magnet arrays that get attached to the vehicles. The proper precautions for using high strength
magnets must be observed.
Handling Magnet Arrays
• The neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnets that are used in the QS 100 magnet arrays
require special handling. General handling guidelines and cautions are provided in this
section. It is the responsibility of the user to define and implement their own handling
guidelines in accordance with the applicable facility, local, and national safety codes for the
installation site.
• Pacemakers and other medical implants – Individuals with pacemakers and other medical
electronic implants must not handle or approach the magnet arrays. These individuals must
consult their physician to determine the susceptibility of their device to static magnetic
fields and to determine a safe distance between themselves and the magnet array.
• Electronic Equipment Damage – Do not allow any magnet arrays near sensitive electronics,
equipment with cathode ray tubes (CRTs) or other displays, or magnetic storage media (for
example, disks, credit cards, cell phones).
WARNING
Magnetic Field Hazard
The mover uses strong magnets.
There is a risk of health hazard for persons with heart pacemakers, metal
implants, hearing aids, and other medical electronic implants while in
proximity of magnetic and magnetic-field producing components. The
magnetic field that is generated can disrupt the functionality of automatic
implantable cardioverter defibrillators (AICD). People with cardiac
pacemakers must stay away from the magnet arrays.
WARNING
Crush Hazard
Strong magnets in use.
To avoid severe injury:
• Handle only one vehicle or magnet array at a time.
• Do not place any body parts (for example, fingers) between a magnet
array and any QS motors, ferrous material, or another magnet array to
avoid injury from strong magnetic attractive forces.
• Vehicles and magnet arrays not being used must be secured individually
in isolated packaging.
CAUTION
Magnetic Fields
Strong magnets in use.
To avoid damage to watches, electronic instruments, and magnetic
media (for example, cell phones, memory disks/chips, credit cards, and
tapes) keep these items away from the magnet arrays.

Rockwell Automation Publication MMI-RM001A-EN-P - August 2023 15
Preface
• Pinch/Crush – The magnet arrays have a high attractive force to each other, the QS motors,
and ferromagnetic materials like steel, iron, some stainless steels, and nickel. Pinching
happens if the magnet arrays are allowed to come together against a body part – usually
fingers. Do not try to stop moving objects or magnet arrays that have been attracted to each
other.
• Impact – Do not strike the magnet arrays as the magnets within them can shatter and
break. The magnets within the magnet arrays can spark on impact. Handle carefully in
explosive atmospheres.
• Sharp Fragments – The magnet arrays are strong and unsecured magnet arrays can
accelerate toward other magnets, magnet arrays, or ferromagnetic materials. The magnets
in the arrays are brittle, and if allowed to collide, the magnets in the arrays can shatter and
break, possibly sending particles flying at high speed.
• Debris Accumulation – Protect all magnet arrays in a transport system to help prevent the
accumulation of debris. If debris is accumulated, it can get caught between the magnet
array and the motor, which affects system performance and can damage the cover of the
motor.
• Corrosion – The magnets in all magnet arrays are protected against corrosion. However,
damage (for example, scratches, chips) to the magnet array or the magnets creates the
potential for corrosion. NdFeB rare-earth magnets that have corroded have changed their
physical properties. The Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for the component materials (iron,
neodymium, boron, nickel, and copper) must be consulted before the use, handling, or
transportation of corroded magnets.
• Machining – Do not drill, grind, machine, or sand the magnets or the magnet arrays. The
magnets can shatter or break when drilled or machined. The magnet dust that machining
creates is hazardous and can be harmful if inhaled or allowed to get into eyes. Drilling,
grinding, and machining can produce metal powder, which is flammable and can ignite and
burn at high-intensity, which creates toxic fumes. Additionally, machining can cause high
heat to develop resulting in demagnetization.
• Use – The magnet arrays must never be used to lift any objects. The magnet arrays must
only be used for propulsion with a QuickStick motor by attaching the array to a vehicle.
• Storage – Store magnet arrays in appropriate storage or shipping containers (shielded with
steel or isolated). Never leave magnet arrays unattended outside the storage containers. If
unshielded magnet arrays must be left unattended, the area must be marked with a
Magnetic Hazard sign in accordance with the applicable facility, local, and national safety
codes for the installation site.
• Handling – Appropriate handling is required. Handle only one magnet array at a time. If an
array is attracted to another object, do NOT attempt to stop it. Wearing gloves and safety
glasses when handling the magnet arrays is recommended. Inspect the area before
handling the magnet arrays and make sure it is free of other magnet arrays or
ferromagnetic materials.
• Temperature – If the temperature of the magnet arrays gets over approximately 80 °C
(176 °F), the magnets begin to lose field strength irreversibly. A maximum operating
temperature of 50 °C (122 °F) and maximum storage and shipping temperatures of 60 °C
(140 °F) is recommended.
• Signage – Make sure that appropriate cautionary signage is in place in all locations where
the magnet arrays are located. Signage must be in accordance with the applicable facility,
local, and national safety codes for the installation site.

16 Rockwell Automation Publication MMI-RM001A-EN-P - August 2023
Preface
Separate Magnet Arrays
Magnet arrays can become stuck to each other or to any ferrous materials through improper
handling. The end user is responsible to define and implement magnet array separation
procedures. It can be impossible to separate large magnet arrays.
• If a magnet array is stuck to a surface, slide the magnet array to the edge, so it is in minimal
contact with the surface. At the free end of the magnet array, lift the magnet array away
and off the surface.
Additional Resources These documents contain additional information concerning related products from Rockwell
Automation. You can view or download publications at rok.auto/literature.
Resource Description
MagneMotion System Configurator User Manual,
publication MMI-UM046 This manual explains how to use the MagneMotion Configurator to create and modify the Node Controller
Configuration File (Configuration File) for the MagneMotion® transport systems.
QuickStick Motors Technical Data, publication MMI-TD051 This manual includes technical specifications for the QuickStick 100 and QuickStick 150 motors.
MagneMotion Node Controller Interface User Manual, publication
MMI-UM001 This manual explains how to use the supplied interfaces to configure and administer node controllers that are
used with transport systems. This manual also provides basic troubleshooting information.
MagneMotion LSM Synchronization Option User Manual,
publication MMI-UM005 This manual explains how to install, operate, and maintain the LSM Synchronization Option for use with transport
systems.
MagneMotion NCHost TCP/IP Interface Utility User Manual,
publication MMI-UM010 This manual explains how to use the NCHost TCP/IP Interface Utility to run a transport system for testing and
debugging. This manual also explains how to develop Demo Scripts to automate vehicle motion for that testing.
MagneMotion Virtual Scope Utility User Manual,
publication MMI-UM011 This manual explains how to install and use the MagneMotion Virtual Scope utility. This utility provides real-time
feedback of the change in Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) performance parameters.
MagneMotion Node Controller Hardware User Manual, publication
MMI-UM013 This manual explains how to install and maintain the node controllers that are used with transport systems.
MagneMover LITE Ethernet Motor Configuration and
Communication User Manual, publication MMI-UM031 This manual describes the network topologies for wiring MagneMover® LITE™ Ethernet motors and for combining
both RS-422 and Ethernet motors in the same transport system.
MagneMotion Host Controller TCP/IP Communication Protocol
User Manual, publication MMI-UM003 These manuals describe the communication protocols between the high-level controller and a host controller.
These manuals also provide basic troubleshooting information.
MagneMotion Host Controller EtherNet/IP™ Communication
Protocol User Manual, publication MMI-UM004
Power Supply Reference Manual 1606-XLS960F-3,
publication 1606-RM032 This manual provides the specifications for the 1606 power supplies.
MagneMover LITE User Manual, publication MMI-UM002 This manual explains how to install, operate, and maintain the MagneMover LITE transport system. This manual
also provides information about basic troubleshooting.
QuickStick 100 User Manual, publication MMI-UM006 This manual explains how to install, operate, and maintain the QuickStick 100 transport system. This manual also
provides information about basic troubleshooting.
QuickStick 150 User Manual, publication MMI-UM047 This manual explains how to install, operate, and maintain the QuickStick 150 motors and magnet arrays. This
manual also provides information about basic troubleshooting.
QuickStick HT User Manual, publication MMI-UM007 This manual explains how to install, operate, and maintain the QuickStick High Thrust (QSHT) transport system.
This manual also provides information about basic troubleshooting.
Kinetix 5700, 5500, 5300, 5100 Servo Drives Specifications,
publication KNX-TD003 Provides catalog numbers and product specifications, including power, performance, environmental,
certifications, dimension drawings, and accessories for Allen-Bradley® servo drives.
EtherNet/IP Network Devices User Manual,
publication ENET-UM006 Describes how to configure and use EtherNet/IP™ devices to communicate on the EtherNet/IP network.
Ethernet Reference Manual, publication ENET-RM002 Describes basic Ethernet concepts, infrastructure components, and infrastructure features.
System Security Design Guidelines Reference Manual, publication
SECURE-RM001 Provides guidance on how to conduct security assessments, implement Rockwell Automation products in a
secure system, harden the control system, manage user access, and dispose of equipment.
UL Standards Listing for Industrial Control Products, publication
CMPNTS-SR002 Assists original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with construction of panels, to help ensure that they conform
to the requirements of Underwriters Laboratories.
Safety Guidelines for the Application, Installation, and
Maintenance of Solid-state Control, publication SGI-1.1
Designed to harmonize with NEMA Standards Publication No. ICS 1.1-1987 and provides general guidelines for the
application, installation, and maintenance of solid-state control in the form of individual devices or packaged
assemblies incorporating solid-state components.
Industrial Automation Wiring and Grounding Guidelines,
publication 1770-4.1 Provides general guidelines for installing a Rockwell Automation industrial system.
Product Certifications website, rok.auto/certifications. Provides declarations of conformity, certificates, and other certification details.
Product Compatibility and Download Center (PCDC) website,
rok.auto/pcdc Get help determining how products interact, check features and capabilities, and find associated firmware
updates to download.

Rockwell Automation Publication MMI-RM001A-EN-P - August 2023 17
Chapter 1
QuickStick Transport System Overview
This chapter provides an overview of the QuickStick® transport system features and provides
information on required and customer-supplied components.
QuickStick Transport
System Features
QuickStick is an intelligent transport system that provides fast, precise motion, and the positioning
and tracking of medium loads in a transport system. The transport system is a configuration of
linear synchronous motors (LSM) and related control electronics that move independently
commanded material carriers (vehicles) in a controlled manner at various acceleration/
deceleration and velocity profiles while carrying a wide range of payloads with high precision.
The QuickStick (QS) transport system consists of the following components:
•QSmotors
• User-designed and -supplied vehicles with QS magnet arrays
• Node controllers
• User-supplied power supplies
• User-supplied host controller
• User-designed and supplied guideway and track system
QS motors provide repeatable positioning with no hard stops required, bidirectional travel, smooth
motion, and continuous vehicle tracking and reporting.
• Motor, drive, controller, positioning, and guidance are built into the motor.
• Servo repeatability at any position (dependent on the size of the gap between the motor and
the vehicle-mounted magnet array):
• QS 100 ±0.5 mm (0.02 in.)
• QS 150 ±0.05 mm (0.002 in.)
• QSHT ± 1.0 mm (0.04 in)
Repeatability can vary based on the PID settings that are used, and the track and vehicle
design/structure, but the repeatability is not applicable over the gaps between motors.
• Vehicles are controlled individually allowing the host controller to prioritize the routing of
individual vehicles over different paths.
Motion is provided by using user-designed vehicles with magnet arrays that are attached to the
surface closest to the motor.
Observe these requirements for QS 100 and QS 150 user-defined vehicles:
• Up to five vehicles in queue or in motion per meter [150 mm (5.9 in.) vehicle length].
• Motors can move payloads in excess of 100 kg (220 lb) (the vehicle and track system must
be designed to support the load).
• Minimum magnet array length is 3 cycles (~150 mm).
The maximum number of vehicles per meter is determined using the shortest
magnet array that is allowed on a straight guideway. Using a longer magnet
array or a curved guideway decreases the number of vehicles that fit per
meter.

18 Rockwell Automation Publication MMI-RM001A-EN-P - August 2023
Chapter 1 QuickStick Transport System Overview
• For the QS 100: Speeds up to 2.5 m/s (5.6 mph) and acceleration up to 24 m/s2(2.45 g),
payload dependent.
• For the QS 150: Speeds up to 4.0 m/s (8.95 mph) and acceleration up to 24 m/s2(2.45 g),
payload dependent.
Observe these requirements for QSHT user-defined vehicles:
• Up to two vehicles in queue or in motion per meter [238 mm (9.4 in.) vehicle length].
• Motors can move payloads in excess of 4,500 kg (9,900 lb). The vehicle and track system
must be designed to support the load.
• Minimum magnet array length is 238 mm (9.4 in.).
• Speeds up to 5.0 m/s (11.2 mph) and acceleration up to 60 m/s2(6.1 g).
Additional QS motor and system design features include:
• QS motors and magnet arrays are designed for use in cleanrooms and specific
environments.
• Less wear and tear – no belts, chains, gears, or external sensors required – fewer moving
parts means less maintenance.
• Standard industrial communication protocols, PC or programmable logic controller (PLC)
controlled, and software configured move profiles (PID control loop) for fast and easy
changeovers to new configurations.
• Standard motor and configuration elements provide plug-and-play capability and make it
easy to implement layout changes.
• Configuration and simulation software tools simplify transport system design and
optimization.
For additional features for the QSHT, see the QuickStick HT User Manual, publication MMI-UM007.
The maximum number of vehicles per meter is determined using the shortest
magnet array that is allowed on a straight guideway. Using a longer magnet
array or a curved guideway decreases the number of vehicles that fit per
meter.

Rockwell Automation Publication MMI-RM001A-EN-P - August 2023 19
Chapter 1 QuickStick Transport System Overview
Theory of Operation The QuickStick (QS) is a new approach to LSM technology, which provides a faster, cleaner, and
more advanced alternative to conventional propulsion and conveyor methods. With a scalable,
adaptable, and innovative design, the QS transport system can achieve various acceleration and
velocity profiles while moving a wide range of payloads with high precision.
The QS motors are similar in operation to a brushless DC rotary motor, with its stator (motor
primary) and rotor or armature (motor secondary) ‘unrolled’ to allow linear motion as shown in
Figure 2. The motor primary is a series of coils that generate a magnetic field within the QS motor.
The motor secondary is an array of magnets that is attached to the object to move, referred to as a
vehicle. The motor primary generates a magnetic field to move the motor secondary (vehicle) in a
controlled manner. The QS motors also use the magnets to track the position of the vehicle over the
motor.
Figure 2 - Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) Derived From Rotary Motor
Motor Secondary
Motion
Motor Secondary
(Perm Magnets)
Motor Primary
(Coils)
Motor Secondary
Motor Primary ‘Unrolling’ a Rotary Motor
Vehicle/Magnet Array
Motor Secondary
(Perm Magnets)
Motor Primary
(Coils) QS Linear Synchronous Motor
Rotary Motor
Motor Secondary Motion

20 Rockwell Automation Publication MMI-RM001A-EN-P - August 2023
Chapter 1 QuickStick Transport System Overview
Transport System
Components Overview
This section identifies the system-level components of a QS transport system as shown in Figure 3
and described after the figure.
Figure 3 - QuickStick Transport System Example
•DC Power Cables – Distributes DC power to the motors.
•Communication Cables – Provides communication between the components of the
transport system.
•High-level Controller (HLC) – A software application that is enabled on one node controller.
This application handles all communication with the user-supplied host controller and
directs communication to the individual node controllers.
•Host Controller – Provides user control and monitoring of the QS transport system. User-
supplied, it can be either PC-based or a programmable logic controller (PLC).
•Motor – The linear synchronous motor (LSM).
•Network – Ethernet network providing communication (TCP/IP or EtherNet/IP™) between
the host controller and the HLC (TCP/IP is used between node controllers).
•Node Controller (NC) – Coordinates motor operations and communicates with the HLC.
Provides an active network port, digital inputs, and digital outputs.
•Power Supply – Provides DC power to the motors.
Motor
DC Power Cables Power Supply
Node Controller
(and High-Level Controller)
Host Controller (PLC or PC)
Network (Ethernet) Cable
Communication Cable
Ethernet Switch
Upstream
Upstream
Downstream
Downstream
Motor
Communication Cable