This tutorial covers the basic variables and instructions impacting motion. The motion commands are common between the Liberty* MDrive products and the MDrive/MForce products. The only variation is with the value scaling for encoder based move commands, as the Liberty* MDrive closed loop products have a 1000 line (4000 counts) encoder, where MDrive motion products with an encoder have a 512-line (2048 count) encoder.
This Application Note covers the connection of the I/O points for Liberty* MDrive and MDrive Plus, MDrive Linear Actuator and MForce products. The I/O differs in connection and application between the two product families in that the MDrive Plus I/O is non-isolated and programmable as an input or an output. The Liberty* MDrive I/O is fixed function is input or output.
When choosing a power supply for a stepper motor driver, there are performance and sizing issues that must be addressed. An undersized power supply can lead to poor performance and even possible damage to the stepper motor driver, which can be both times consuming and expensive. However, bipolar chopping stepper motor drivers are quite efficient and may not require as large a supply as you might suspect.
Electrical noise is the source of many issues in motion systems. Following best practices with wiring and cabling can prevent or eliminate the impact of electrical noise on a motion system.
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.
This guide will take you through the steps over troubleshooting RS-422/485 serial interface issues. Loopback tests for MDrive/MForce products only show the most commonly used connectors. Refer to the product manual for your specific connector style, if it is not shown.
This tutorial will guide you through the initial process of connecting to your IMS serial product using the Motion Control Programmer (MCP) application, part of the Software Suite.
This process is the same for any product communicating over a serial datalink, or using MCode over Ethernet.
IMS products with a serial interface may be connected to a system in either single or party (multidrop) configuration.
The key differences to note between Liberty* MDrive and MDrive/MForce products is that with Liberty* products the interface is galvanically isolated. MDrive/MForce products:
- are not isolated
- have a 100Ω resistor in series with communications ground
This variance necessitates a change when wiring multidrop systems to prevent recirculating currents: See this Application Note: Recirculating currents in RS-422 multi-drop systems
Multipoint communication using RS422/485 has always offered challenges. With MDrive Motion Control devices, when used in Party Mode (PY=1), the device may have unwanted recirculating currents in the common line of the communication port.
These currents may manifest themselves as communication errors or in some cases hardware failure. Careful wiring practices and a few tips can eliminate these currents.
Covers installation of the USB to serial communication converters offered by IMS, as well as tips for using third-party communications converters.
When it comes to your form, fit and function requirements, don’t settle. Get precisely what you need working with us. We know motion.
Contact us with any questions about how we can help you with your motion application or for assistance with your IMS products.
