Application Notes
Basic I/O operation
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Description
This tutorial covers the basics of connecting and using the I/O points on your IMS motion control products.
This basic tutorial covers the following concepts as they apply to the Liberty* MDrive and MDrive/MForce.
- Sinking I/O
- Sourcing I/O
- I/O cabling best practices
Though the design of the I/O points differ between Liberty* MDrive and MDrive MForce products, these basic concepts are relevant to both product families.
Applicable
- Liberty* MDrive
- MDrive Linear Actuator
- MDrive Plus
- MForce
- Motion, Drives & Controllers
Requirements
Details
Design variations between products
Liberty* MDrive inputs:
- +5 to+24 VDC
- Isolated (optical)
- Fixed as inputs
Liberty* MDrive outputs:
- +5 to+24 VDC
- Isolated (optical)
- Fixed as outputs
- Dry-contact type
MDrive/MForce I/O
- +5 to +24 VDC
- Programmable as input or output
- No isolation
Sinking I/O
Sinking: A sinking device provides a path for the current to ground. Terms used to describe sinking devices include NPN, Open Collector, Normally High, and IEC Negative Logic.
Sinking input
Figure 1: Sinking inputSinking output
Figure 2: Sinking outputSourcing I/O
Sourcing :A sourcing device provides the power or a positive potential to an I/O point. Sourcing devices ‘push’ the current through the load. Other terms used to describe sourcing devices include PNP, Open Emitter, Normally Low, and IEC Positive Logic.
Sourcing input
Figure 1: Sourcing inputSourcing output
Figure 2: Sourcing outputCabling
The impact of electrical noise in a system is greatly reduced by following a few basic practices: Signal cabling should be 22 AWG, shielded twisted pairs.
- Provide adequate strain relief for all cables.
- Minimum cable bend radius = 4 x cable diameter.
- Cut the shield at the I/O device end, leave floating.
- Connect the shield at the Motion Control Device end earth.
- Ensure that all earth connections to the control cabinet are free of paint.
- Do not run power cabling alongside signal cabling.
- Keep grounds as short as possible.
- If a secondary shield is used over the primary, tie both ends of the secondary shield to earth.
Cabling best practices
Cabling best practices*Previously Lexium
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