Delta Tau Brick Controller Users Manual HRM

2015-07-14

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^1 USER MANUAL
^2 Brick Controller

^3 Programmable Multi-Axis Controller
^4 5XX-603869-XUXX
^5 February 14, 2015

DELTA TAU
Data Systems, Inc.
NEW IDEAS IN MOTION …

Single Source Machine Control ……………………………………………..…...………………. Power // Flexibility // Ease of Use
21314 Lassen St. Chatsworth, CA 91311 // Tel. (818) 998-2095 Fax. (818) 998-7807 // www.deltatau.com

Brick Controller User Manual

Copyright Information
© 2015 Delta Tau Data Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
This document is furnished for the customers of Delta Tau Data Systems, Inc. Other uses are
unauthorized without written permission of Delta Tau Data Systems, Inc. Information contained in this
manual may be updated from time-to-time due to product improvements, etc., and may not conform in
every respect to former issues.
To report errors or inconsistencies, call or email:
Delta Tau Data Systems, Inc. Technical Support
Phone: (818) 717-5656
Fax: (818) 998-7807
Email: support@deltatau.com
Web: www.deltatau.com

Operating Conditions
All Delta Tau Data Systems, Inc. motion controller, accessory, and amplifier products contain static
sensitive components that can be damaged by incorrect handling. When installing or handling Delta Tau
Data Systems, Inc. products, avoid contact with highly insulated materials. Only qualified personnel
should be allowed to handle this equipment.
In the case of industrial applications, we expect our products to be protected from hazardous or
conductive materials and/or environments that could cause harm to the controller by damaging
components or causing electrical shorts. When our products are used in an industrial environment, install
them into an industrial electrical cabinet to protect them from excessive or corrosive moisture, abnormal
ambient temperatures, and conductive materials. If Delta Tau Data Systems, Inc. products are directly
exposed to hazardous or conductive materials and/or environments, we cannot guarantee their operation.

Brick Controller User Manual

Safety Instructions
Qualified personnel must transport, assemble, install, and maintain this equipment. Properly qualified
personnel are persons who are familiar with the transport, assembly, installation, and operation of
equipment. The qualified personnel must know and observe the following standards and regulations:
IEC364resp.CENELEC HD 384 or DIN VDE 0100
IEC report 664 or DIN VDE 0110
National regulations for safety and accident prevention or VBG 4
Incorrect handling of products can result in injury and damage to persons and machinery. Strictly adhere
to the installation instructions. Electrical safety is provided through a low-resistance earth connection. It
is vital to ensure that all system components are connected to earth ground.
This product contains components that are sensitive to static electricity and can be damaged by incorrect
handling. Avoid contact with high insulating materials (artificial fabrics, plastic film, etc.). Place the
product on a conductive surface. Discharge any possible static electricity build-up by touching an
unpainted, metal, grounded surface before touching the equipment.
Keep all covers and cabinet doors shut during operation. Be aware that during operation, the product has
electrically charged components and hot surfaces. Control and power cables can carry a high voltage,
even when the motor is not rotating. Never disconnect or connect the product while the power source is
energized to avoid electric arcing.

A Warning identifies hazards that could result in personal injury
or death. It precedes the discussion of interest.

WARNING

A Caution identifies hazards that could result in equipment damage. It
precedes the discussion of interest.
Caution

A Note identifies information critical to the user’s understanding or
use of the equipment. It follows the discussion of interest.
Note

Brick Controller User Manual

REVISION HISTORY
REVISION DESCRIPTION

DATE

CHANGE APPROVED

1

MANUAL CREATION

05/02/07

C.P

S.M

2

X15 WATCHDOG DESCRIPTION, P. 10
TB1 CURRENT REQUIREMENTS, P. 11

10/31/08

C.P

S.M

3

ADDED AUXILIARY BOARD INFO IN APPENDIX A

07/24/09

C.P

S.S

4

CORRECTED M5061 ENTRY, P. 27

09/29/09

C.P

M.Y

5

MANUAL REFORMATTING. ADDED MORE TECHNICAL INFO.
E.G. WIRING DIAGRAMS, SPECIAL FEEDBACK ECT…

11/7/11

M.Y

R.N

6

AMPLIFIER CONNECTION WIRING

12/27/11

R.N

R.N

7

GENERAL UPFATES, CORRECTIONS

11/13/12

R.N

R.N

8

- UPDATED PART NUMBER TREE
- UPDATED X9-X12 SECTION
- UPDATED MACRO CONNECTIVITY SECTION
- ADDED SERIAL N0 AND BOARD IDENTIFICATION
- GENERAL FORMATTING, CORRECTIONS, AND UPDATES

12/14/12

R.N

R.N

9

MISCELLANEOUS CORRECTIONS.

02/24/14

R.N

R.N

10

- UPDATED LOGIC POWER SECTION/NEW CONNECTOR
- ADDED FLT RET JUMPERS DESCRIPTION
- ADDED NOTE ABOUT DIGITAL OUTPUTS
- FIXED EQU OUTPUT WIRING DIAGRAM

04/15/14

R.N

R.N

11

- CORRECTED ENCODER LOSS FOR SINUSOIDAL ENC.
- UPDATED GP IO, LIMITS EQU SECTIONS

02/04/15

R.N

R.N

Brick Controller User Manual

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 10
Documentation ..........................................................................................................................10
Downloadable Turbo PMAC Script ............................................................................................11

SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................. 12
Part Number .............................................................................................................................12
Options .....................................................................................................................................13
Environmental Specifications ....................................................................................................14

RECEIVING AND UNPACKING ......................................................................................... 15
Use of Equipment .....................................................................................................................15

MOUNTING ........................................................................................................................... 16
Connector Locations .................................................................................................................17
Mounting Dimensions................................................................................................................18

PINOUTS AND SOFTWARE SETUP ................................................................................... 19
TB1: 24 VDC Logic Power ........................................................................................................19
+5V ENC PWR (Alternate Encoder Power) ...............................................................................21
Wiring the Alternate (+5V) Encoder Power ...................................................................................... 22
Functionality, Safety Measures ......................................................................................................... 23
X1-X8: Encoder Feedback, Digital A Quad B ............................................................................24
Setting up Quadrature Encoders ....................................................................................................... 26
Encoder Count Error (Mxx18) .......................................................................................................... 26
Encoder Loss Detection, Quadrature ................................................................................................ 27
Step and Direction PFM Output (To External Stepper Amplifier) ...................................................... 29
X1-X8: Encoder Feedback, Sinusoidal ......................................................................................30
Setting up Sinusoidal Encoders ......................................................................................................... 31
Counts per User Units ...................................................................................................................... 32
Encoder Count Error (Mxx18) .......................................................................................................... 33
Encoder Loss Detection, Sinusoidal .................................................................................................. 34
X1-X8: Encoder Feedback, Resolver ........................................................................................35
Setting up Resolvers ......................................................................................................................... 35
Resolver Excitation Magnitude ......................................................................................................... 36
Resolver Excitation Frequency ......................................................................................................... 36
X1-X8: Encoder Feedback, HiperFace ......................................................................................41
Setting up HiperFace On-Going Position.......................................................................................... 42
Setting up HiperFace Absolute Power-On Position ........................................................................... 44
Setting up HiperFace Encoders Example .......................................................................................... 48
Encoder Count Error (Mxx18), HiperFace ....................................................................................... 53
Encoder Loss Detection, Hiperface................................................................................................... 54
X1-X8: Encoder Feedback, SSI ................................................................................................55
Configuring SSI ................................................................................................................................ 55
SSI Control Registers Setup Example................................................................................................ 59

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Brick Controller User Manual

X1-X8: Encoder Feedback, EnDat 2.1/2.2 .................................................................................61
Configuring EnDat ........................................................................................................................... 61
EnDat Control Registers Setup Example ........................................................................................... 65
X1-X8: Encoder Feedback, BiSS C/B .......................................................................................67
Configuring BiSS.............................................................................................................................. 67
BiSS Control Registers Setup Example.............................................................................................. 71
Setting up SSI | EnDat | BiSS....................................................................................................73
Setup Summary................................................................................................................................. 74
Technique 1 Example ....................................................................................................................... 75
Technique 2 Example ....................................................................................................................... 78
Technique 3 Example ....................................................................................................................... 82
X1-X8: Encoder Feedback, Yaskawa Sigma II & III ..................................................................86
Yaskawa Sigma II 16-Bit Absolute Encoder ...................................................................................... 91
Yaskawa Sigma II 17-Bit Absolute Encoder ...................................................................................... 94
Yaskawa Sigma III 20-Bit Absolute Encoder ..................................................................................... 97
Yaskawa Sigma II 13-Bit Incremental Encoder ............................................................................... 100
Yaskawa Sigma II 17-Bit Incremental Encoder ............................................................................... 102
Yaskawa Incremental Encoder Alarm Codes ................................................................................... 104
Homing with Yaskawa Incremental Encoders ................................................................................. 105
X9-X10: Analog Inputs/Outputs ............................................................................................... 106
X11-X12: Analog Inputs/Outputs ............................................................................................. 106
Setting up the Analog (ADC) Inputs ................................................................................................ 107
Setting up the DAC Outputs ............................................................................................................ 108
Setting up the General Purpose Relay, Brake .................................................................................. 110
Setting up the External Amplifier Fault Input .................................................................................. 112
X13: USB 2.0 Connector ........................................................................................................113
X14: RJ45, Ethernet Connector .............................................................................................. 113
X15: Watchdog & ABORT (TB2) ............................................................................................. 114
Wiring the Abort Input.................................................................................................................... 114
Wiring the WatchDog (WD) Output ................................................................................................ 115
J4: Limits, Flags, EQU [Axis 1- 4] ............................................................................................ 116
J5: Limits, Flags, EQU [Axis 5- 8] ............................................................................................ 117
Wiring the Limits and Flags ........................................................................................................... 118
Limits and Flags [Axis 1- 4] Suggested M-Variables ...................................................................... 119
Limits and Flags [Axis 5- 8] Suggested M-Variables ...................................................................... 119
J6: General Purpose Inputs/Outputs .......................................................................................120
J7: Additional General Purpose Inputs/Outputs .......................................................................121
J8: Additional General Purpose Inputs/Outputs .......................................................................122
About the Digital Inputs and Outputs .............................................................................................. 123
Wiring the Digital Inputs and Outputs ............................................................................................ 124
General Purpose I/Os (J6) Suggested M-Variables ......................................................................... 125
General Purpose I/Os Additional (J7) Suggested M-Variables ........................................................ 125
General Purpose I/Os Additional (J8) Suggested M-Variables ........................................................ 126
J9: Handwheel Analog I/O.......................................................................................................127
Setting up the Analog Inputs (J9) .................................................................................................... 128

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Brick Controller User Manual

Setting up the Analog Output (J9) ................................................................................................... 130
Setting up Pulse and Direction Output PFM (J9) ............................................................................ 132
Setting up the Handwheel Port (J9) ................................................................................................ 134
Serial Port (RS232) .................................................................................................................135
AMP1-AMP8: Amplifier Connection......................................................................................... 136
Wiring the DAC Output .................................................................................................................. 137
Wiring the Amplifier Enable and Fault Signals ............................................................................... 138

DRIVE-MOTOR SETUP ..................................................................................................... 141
Filtered PWM Output (Analog ±10V) .......................................................................................142
Clock Settings, Output Mode, Command Limit ................................................................................ 143
Flag Control, Ixx24 ........................................................................................................................ 143
I2T Protection: Ixx57, Ixx58 ........................................................................................................... 144
Open Loop Test: Encoder/Decode .................................................................................................. 144
Position-Loop PID Gains: Ixx30…Ixx39 ......................................................................................... 146
True DAC Output (±10V) .........................................................................................................147
Clock Settings, Output Mode .......................................................................................................... 147
Flag Control, Ixx24 ........................................................................................................................ 147
I2T Protection: Ixx57, Ixx58 ........................................................................................................... 148
Open Loop Test: Encoder/Decode .................................................................................................. 148
Position-Loop PID Gains: Ixx30…Ixx39 ......................................................................................... 150
Pulse and Direction Output (PFM)........................................................................................... 151
PFM Clock Settings Example ......................................................................................................... 151
PFM Setup Example ....................................................................................................................... 152
Writing directly to the PFM register ............................................................................................... 152
Issuing Open-Loop Commands ....................................................................................................... 153
Issuing Closed-Loop Commands ..................................................................................................... 153

MACRO CONNECTIVITY ................................................................................................. 155
Introduction to MACRO ...........................................................................................................155
MACRO Configuration Examples ............................................................................................ 156
Review: MACRO Nodes and Addressing ......................................................................................... 157
Review: MACRO Auxiliary Commands ........................................................................................... 158
Configuration Example 1: Brick - Brick ....................................................................................159
Setting up the Slave ........................................................................................................................ 159
Setting up the Master ...................................................................................................................... 162
Configuration Example 2: Brick - Geo MACRO Drive .............................................................. 165
Brick – Brick MACRO I/O Data Transfer..................................................................................173
Transferring the Digital (Discrete) Input and Outputs .................................................................... 174
Transferring the X9-X12 Analog Inputs/Outputs ............................................................................. 180
Transferring the J9 Analog Inputs .................................................................................................. 182
MACRO Limits and Flags, Homing .......................................................................................... 183
Limits and Flags ............................................................................................................................. 183
Homing from Master ...................................................................................................................... 183
Homing from Slave ......................................................................................................................... 183
MACRO Suggested M-Variables..................................................................................................... 184

Table of Contents

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Brick Controller User Manual

Absolute Position Reporting over MACRO ..............................................................................186
MACRO Configuration Power-Up Sequence ...........................................................................187

TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................................................ 188
Serial Number and Board Revisions Identification ...................................................................188
Boot Switch SW (Firmware Reload) – Write-Protect Disable ...................................................189
Reloading PMAC firmware............................................................................................................. 190
Changing IP Address, Gateway IP, Gateway Mask ......................................................................... 192
Enabling ModBus ........................................................................................................................... 193
Reloading Boot and Communication Firmware .............................................................................. 194
Reset Switch SW (Factory Reset) ........................................................................................... 195
Watchdog Timer......................................................................................................................195

APPENDIX A ........................................................................................................................ 196
DB- Connector Spacing Specifications ....................................................................................196
X1-8: DB-15 Connectors for encoder feedback ............................................................................... 196
X9-12: DB-9 Connectors for Analog I/O......................................................................................... 196
Screw Lock Size for all DB-connectors ........................................................................................... 196

APPENDIX B ........................................................................................................................ 197
Schematics ............................................................................................................................. 197
AMP1-AMP8: Amplifier Fault / Amplifier Enable diagrams ........................................................... 197
FLT RET Jumpers .......................................................................................................................... 197
J6 and J7: General Purpose I/O .................................................................................................... 198
J4: Limit Inputs for Axis 1-4 .......................................................................................................... 200
J5: Limit Inputs for Axis 5-8 .......................................................................................................... 201

APPENDIX C ........................................................................................................................ 202
Absolute Serial Encoders Limitation with Turbo PMAC ........................................................... 202

Table of Contents

ix

Brick Controller User Manual

INTRODUCTION
The Brick Motion Controller is a fully scalable automation controller utilizing
the intelligence and capability of its embedded Turbo PMAC2. With the ability
to store motion programs locally and built-in PLC execution, it is
programmable for virtually any kind of automation application. This allows for
complete machine motion and logic control.
The Brick Controller provides 4- or 8- axis of analog ±10V filtered-PWM (12bit), dual true-DAC (18-bit), or pulse and direction PFM outputs:




Analog ±10V (12-bit Filtered PWM)
Analog ±10V (18-bit True DAC)
PFM, Pulse and Direction Frequency Modulation

Documentation
In conjunction with this hardware reference manual, the Turbo Software Reference Manual and Turbo
PMAC User Manual are essential for proper use, motor setup, and configuration of the Brick Controller.
It is highly recommended to always refer to the latest revision of the manuals found on Delta Tau’s
website, under Support>documentation>Manuals: Delta Tau Manuals Link

Introduction

10

Brick Controller User Manual

Downloadable Turbo PMAC Script

Caution

Some code examples require the user to input specific information
pertaining to their system hardware. When user information is
required, a commentary ending with –User Input is inserted.

This manual contains downloadable code samples in Turbo PMAC script. These examples can be copied
and pasted into the editor area in the Pewin32pro2. Care must be taken when using pre-configured Turbo
PMAC code, some information may need to be updated to match hardware and system specific
configurations. Downloadable Turbo PMAC Scripts are enclosed in the following format:
// TURBO PMAC SCRIPT EXAMPLE
P1=0
Open PLC 1 Clear
CMDP"Brick controller Test PLC"
P1=P1+1
Disable PLC 1
Close

Caution

;
;
;
;
;
;

Set P1=0 at download
Open PLC Buffer 1, clear contents
Send unsolicited response to host port
Counter using variable P1
Disable plc 1
Close open buffer

All PLC examples are stated in PLC number 1. It is the user’s
responsibility to arrange their application PLCs’ properly and handle
power-on sequencing for various tasks.

It is the user’s responsibility to use the PLC examples presented in this manual properly. That is,
incorporating the statement code in the application configuration, and handling tasks in a sequential
manner. For example, with serial absolute encoders, setting up the global control registers should be
executed before trying to read absolute position, and absolute phase referencing. Furthermore, other PLC
programs (which would be trying to move motors) should be disabled until these functions are executed.

Caution

Introduction

Often times, downloadable example codes use suggested M-variables,
it is the user’s responsibility to make sure they are downloaded, or
perform necessary changes to use the intended registers.

11

Brick Controller User Manual

SPECIFICATIONS
Part Number

Brick Controller Model Number Definition
A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

BC 4 - C 0 - F 0 0 - 0 0 0 - 0 0 0 0** 0
**

**

**

B

A

C

CPU Options - Turbo PMAC 2 Processor
Number of Axes

BCA-BB-CDD-EFG-HHHI0
4 : Four Axes (Default)
8 : Eight Axes

BCA-BB-CDD-EFG-HHHI0

BCA-BB-CDD-EFG-HHHI0

Axes 1 to 4 Options

C0: 80Mhz, 8Kx24 Internal, 256Kx24SRAM, 1MB Flash
(Default)
C3: 80Mhz, 8Kx24 Internal, 1Mx24SRAM, 4MB Flash
F3: 240Mhz, 192Kx24 Internal, 1Mx24SRAM, 4MB Flash

F: Filtered-PWM analog output on Channels 1-4, 12-bit resolution
(default)
D: Dual true-DAC analog outputs on Channels 1-4, 18-bit resolution

D

E

4 Axes (Apply only to BC4-BB-CDD-EFG-HHHI0 controller)
Axis 5-8 Feedback Options
Note: For Other Feedback Options See “Special Feedback Options”
12-24V 5V Flags
00
05 Four primary encoder inputs. No secondary encoders, 4-axis system
02
07 Four secondary encoders for a total of 8 encoder inputs

Digital I/O Option

BCA-BB-CDD-EFG-HHHI0
0: Digital I/O 16 inputs and 8 outputs, 0.5A, 24VDC (default)
1: Expanded digital I/O additional 16 inputs and 8 outputs, 0.5A, 24VDC
(Total of 32 IN / 16 OUT)

2: Expanded digital I/O additional 32 inputs and 16 outputs, 0.5A, 24VDC
(Total of 48 IN / 24 OUT)

8 Axes (Apply only to BC8-BB-CDD-EFG-HHHI0 controller)
Axis 5-8 Options
Note: Letter must be same as previous letter
12-24V 5V Flags
F2
D2

F7 Filtered-PWM analog output on Channels 5-8, 12-bit resolution
D7 Dual true-DAC analog outputs on Channels 5-8, 18-bit resolution

Note: For Other Feedback Options See “Special Feedback Options”

F
Analog I/O Options

BCA-BB-CDD-EFG-HHHI0

4
axes

0: No options (Default)
2: Four GPIO Relays (On connectors X9-X12)
3: Two Analog In, two analog Out (On conn. X11-X12) & 4 GPIO Relays (On connectors X9-X12)
4: Four Analog In, four analog Out (On conn. X9-X12) & 4 GPIO Relays (On connectors X9-X12)
7: Two Analog In, 2 analog Out (Conn.X9-X10) & 4 GPIO Relays (On connectors X9-X12)

8
axes

0: No Analog Options available, for this configurations
2: Four GPIO Relays (On connectors X9-X12)
3: Two analog Inputs (On conn. X11-X12) & 4 GPIO Relays (On connectors X9-X12)
4: Four analog Inputs (On conn. X9-X12) & 4 GPIO Relays (On connectors X9-X12)
7: Two analog Inputs (Conn.X9-X10) & Four GPIO Relays (On connectors X9-X12)
Note: Analog outputs are 12-bit filtered PWM and Analog Inputs are 16-bit.

G

H

Communication Options

BCA-BB-CDD-EFG-HHHI0
USB2 and Eth100 are included
Note: To use PMAC-NC software, DPRAM is required
0xxxxx: No Options, Default
Dxxxxx: DPRAM option, size 8K x 16-bit wide
Mxxxxx: ModBus Ethernet Communication Protocol (Software) option
Sxxxxx: DPRAM and Modbus Options Combined
R00000:
E00000:
N00000:
T00000:

RS232 port on 9-pin D-sub Connector*
DPRAM & RS232 Options Combined*
RS232 & ModBus Options Combined*
Modbus, DPRAM & RS232 Combined*

* If any of the “H” or “I” digits is non zero (BCA-BB-CDD-EFG-HHHI0)
then RS232 is included as default. Options R, E, N and T are Incompatible

MACRO and Special Feedback Options
I
MACRO Ring Interface and
8 Single or 4 Differential channel 12-bit
10v range MUXED ADC
BCA-BB-CDD-EFG-HHHI0
-xxx-xxx0x:
-xxx-xxx1x:
-xxx-xxx2x:
-xxx-xxx3x:
-xxx-xxx4x:
-xxx-xxx5x:

No MACRO or ADC
RJ45 MACRO
Fiber Optic MACRO
MUXED ADC
RJ45 MACRO and MUXED ADC
Fiber Optic MACRO and MUXED ADC

Special Feedback Number and Type of Channels

BCA-BB-CDD-EFG-HHHI0
000: No Special Feedback Channels
4A0: 4 Sinusoidal Encoder Feedback Channels
4B0: 4 Resolver Feedback Channels
4C1: 4 Serial Encoder Feedback Channels (SSI Protocol)
4C2: 4 Serial Encoder Feedback Channels (Yaskawa Sigma II & III Protocol)
4C3: 4 Serial Encoder Feedback Channels (EnDat 2.2 Protocol)
4C6: 4 Serial Encoder Feedback Channels (BISS-C Protocol)
4D1: 4 Sinusoidal Encoder and Serial Enc. (SSI Protocol)
4D2: 4 Sinusoidal Encoder and Serial Enc. (Yaskawa Sigma II & III Protocol)
4D3: 4 Sinusoidal Encoder and Serial Enc. (EnDat 2.1 / 2.2 Protocol)
4D4: 4 Sinusoidal Encoder and Serial Enc. (HiperFace Protocol)
4D6: 4 Sinusoidal Encoder and Serial Enc. (BISS-C Protocol)
4E1: 4 Resolver Feedback Channels and Serial Enc. (SSI Protocol)
4E2: 4 Resolver Feedback Ch. and Serial Enc. (Yaskawa Sigma II & III Prot.)
4E3: 4 Resolver Feedback Channels and Serial Enc. (EnDat 2.2 Protocol)
4E6: 4 Resolver Feedback Channels and Serial Enc. (BISS-C Protocol)
8A0: 8 Sinusoidal Encoder Feedback Channels
8B0: 8 Resolver Feedback Channels
8C1: 8 Serial Encoder Feedback Channels (SSI Protocol)
8C2: 8 Serial Encoder Feedback Channels (Yaskawa Sigma II & III Protocol)
8C3: 8 Serial Encoder Feedback Channels (EnDat 2.2 Protocol)
8C6: 8 Serial Encoder Feedback Channels (BISS-C Protocol)
8D1: 8 Sinusoidal Encoder and Serial Enc. (SSI Protocol)
8D2: 8 Sinusoidal Encoder and Serial Enc. (Yaskawa Sigma II & III Protocol)
8D3: 8 Sinusoidal Encoder and Serial Enc. (EnDat 2.1 / 2.2 Protocol)
8D4: 8 Sinusoidal Encoder and Serial Enc. (HiperFace Protocol)
8D6: 8 Sinusoidal Encoder and Serial Enc. (BISS-C Protocol)
8E1: 8 Resolver Feedback Channels and Serial Enc. (SSI Protocol)
8E2: 8 Resolver Feedback Ch. and Serial Enc. (Yaskawa Sigma II & III Prot.)
8E3: 8 Resolver Feedback Channels and Serial Enc. (EnDat 2.2 Protocol)
8E6: 8 Resolver Feedback Channels and Serial Enc. (BISS-C Protocol)

Note: If any of the “H” or “I” digits (BCA-BB-CDD-EFG-HHHI0) are ordered, you will also receive RS-232 comms port, 2 channel "handwheel" port.

SPECIFICATIONS

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Brick Controller User Manual

Options
CPU Options


C0:



C3:



F3:

80MHz Turbo PMAC2 CPU (standard)
8Kx24 internal memory, 256Kx24 SRAM , 1MB flash memory
80MHz Turbo PMAC2 CPU
8Kx24 internal memory, 1Mx24 SRAM, 4M flash memory
240MHz Turbo PMAC2 CPU
192Kx24 internal memory, 1Mx24 SRAM, 4M flash memory

Encoder Feedback
 Digital Quadrature
 Sinusoidal
 HiperFace
 Resolver

Note






SSI
EnDat 2.1 / 2.2
Yaskawa Sigma II / III
BiSS B / C




Panasonic
Tamagawa

Regardless of the encoder feedback option(s) fitted, digital quadrature
encoders can always be utilized. However, Hall sensors cannot be
used with a channel which has been programmed for serial encoding.

Axis Output



18-bit true DAC or 12-bit filtered PWM (default) ±10V analog output
Pulse And Direction (PFM)

Encoder Input



Up to eight encoder inputs, and one handwheel quadrature input
Additional encoder inputs can be obtained through MACRO connectivity

Digital Inputs/Outputs



Up to 48 inputs and 24 outputs (Sinking or Sourcing)
Additional digital I/Os can be obtained through Fieldbus connectivity

Analog Inputs, DAC Outputs, Brakes, and Relays


Up to 4 x 16-bit analog inputs, 8 x 12-bit analog inputs, 4 x brake/ relay outputs , and 5 x 12-bit
filtered PWM (±10V) outputs

Communication


USB 2.0, Ethernet 100 Base T, RS232, DPRAM (required for NC software/applications)

FieldBus Connectivity



MACRO
ModBus

SPECIFICATIONS

13

Brick Controller User Manual

Environmental Specifications
Description
Operating Temperature
Storage Temperature
Humidity
Operating Altitude
Air Flow Clearances
Operating Environment

SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications
0 to 45°C
-25°C to +70°C
10% to 90% non-condensing
~3300 Feet (1000 m)
~3 inches (76.2mm) above and below unit for air flow
Pollution Degree 2 or equivalent

14

Brick Controller User Manual

RECEIVING AND UNPACKING
Delta Tau products are thoroughly tested at the factory and carefully packaged for shipment. When the
Brick Controller is received, there are several things to be done immediately:
 Observe the condition of the shipping container and report any damage immediately to the
commercial carrier that delivered the drive.
 Remove the Brick Controller from the shipping container and remove all packing materials. Check
all shipping material for connector kits, documentation, or other small pieces of equipment. Be aware
that some connector kits and other equipment pieces may be quite small and can be accidentally
discarded if care is not used when unpacking the equipment. The container and packing materials
may be retained for future shipment.
 Verify that the part number of the Brick Controller received is the same as the part number listed on
the purchase order.
 Inspect for external physical damage that may have been sustained during shipment and report any
damage immediately to the commercial carrier that delivered the drive.
 Electronic components in this product are design-hardened to reduce static sensitivity. However, use
proper procedures when handling the equipment.
 If the Brick Controller is to be stored for several weeks before use, be sure that it is stored in a
location that conforms to published storage humidity and temperature specifications.

Use of Equipment
The following restrictions will ensure the proper use of the Brick Controller:
 The components built into electrical equipment or machines can be used only as integral components
of such equipment.
 The Brick Controller must not be operated on power supply networks without a ground or with an
asymmetrical ground.
 If the Brick Controller is used in residential areas, or in business or commercial premises, implement
additional filtering measures.
 The Brick Controller may be operated only in a closed switchgear cabinet, taking into account the
ambient conditions defined in the environmental specifications.
Delta Tau guarantees the conformance of the Brick Controllers with the standards for industrial areas
stated in this manual, only if Delta Tau components (cables, controllers, etc.) are used.

Receiving and Unpacking

15

Brick Controller User Manual

MOUNTING
The location of the Brick Controller is important. Installation should be in an area that is protected from
direct sunlight, corrosives, harmful gases or liquids, dust, metallic particles, and other contaminants.
Exposure to these can reduce the operating life and degrade performance of the drive.
Several other factors should be carefully evaluated when selecting a location for installation:
 For effective cooling and maintenance, the Brick Controller should be mounted on a smooth, nonflammable vertical surface.
 At least 76 mm (3 inches) top and bottom clearance must be provided for air flow. At least 10
mm (0.4 inches) clearance is required between units (each side).
 Temperature, humidity and Vibration specifications should also be taken in account.

Caution

Unit must be installed in an enclosure that meets the environmental IP
rating of the end product (ventilation or cooling may be necessary to
prevent enclosure ambient from exceeding 45° C [113° F]).

The Brick Controller can be mounted with a 3-hole panel mount, two U shape/notches on the bottom and
one pear shaped holes on top.
If multiple Brick Controllers are used, they can be mounted side-by-side, leaving at least a 10 – 20 mm
clearance between them. It is important that the airflow is not obstructed by the placement of conduit
tracks or other devices in the enclosure.
If the Brick Controller is mounted to a back panel, the back panel should be unpainted and electrically
conductive to allow for reduced electrical noise interference. The back panel should be machined to
accept the mounting bolt pattern.

Mounting

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Brick Controller User Manual

Connector Locations

Top View
Encoder #1
Encoder #5

AMP 1

Encoder #2
Encoder #6

General
Purpose I/O

AMP 2
Limits
& Flags

USB
MACRO
Ethernet
AMP 3

Abort & WD
RS232
Encoder #3
Encoder #7

AMP 4
AMP 7

Encoder #4
Encoder #8

AMP 5
AMP 8
24VDC
Logic Power

Analog I/O

Analog I/O

AMP 6

Alt. Enc. Pwr
Bottom View

Front View

Mounting

17

Brick Controller User Manual

Mounting Dimensions
For both BC4-xx-xxx-xxx-xxxxx and BC8-xx-xxx-xxx-xxxxx:
Width
Depth
3.50 inches (88.90 mm)
7.20 inches (182.88 mm)

14.65"
(372.11 mm)

Height
15.00 inches (381 mm)

15.00"
(381.00 mm)

2.50"
(63.50 mm)
3x M4

13.5"
(342.90 mm)

7.20"
(182.88 mm)
3.50"
(88.90 mm)

Mounting

18

Brick Controller User Manual

PINOUTS AND SOFTWARE SETUP
Installation of electrical control equipment is subject to many
regulations including national, state, local, and industry guidelines
and rules. General recommendations can be stated but it is
important that the installation be carried out in accordance with
all regulations pertaining to the installation.

WARNING

TB1: 24 VDC Logic Power
This 3-pin Phoenix Terminal Block is used to bring in the 24-Volt (±5%) DC supply to power up the
logic portion of the Brick Controller.
The 24Volts power supply must be capable of providing 4 amperes (RMS) per Brick Controller. If
multiple Brick Controllers are sharing the same 24-Volt power supply, it is highly recommended to wire
each one back to the power supply terminals separately.
This connection can be made using 22 AWG wire directly from a protected power supply.

In newer models of the Brick Controller (December 2013), this connector is a PCB
terminal type (picture to the right). In older models, it is a PCB edge type.

Newer Models

TB1: 3-pin Female
Mating: 3-pin Male

DC Power
Supply
3

2

COM
+24V

1

Pin #

Symbol

Function

Description

Notes

1

+24VDC

Input

Logic power input +

±5%

2

+24VDC RET

Common

Logic power return -

Connect to Power Supply Return

3

CHGND

Ground

Chassis ground

Connect to Protection Earth

Phoenix Contact mating connector part# 1792252
Delta Tau mating connector part# 016-090A03-08P

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Brick Controller User Manual

Older Models

TB1: 3-pin Female
Mating: 3-pin Male

Pin #

Symbol

Function

1

+24VDC

Input

2

CHGND

Ground

3

+24VDC RET

Common

DC Power
Supply
1

2

+24VDC
COM

3

Description

Notes

Logic power input +

±5%

Chassis ground

Machine Chassis

Logic power return -

Power Supply Return

Phoenix PCB Edge Connector
Phoenix part #: ZEC 1,5/ 3-ST-5,0 C2 R1,3 (18883051)
Delta Tau part #: 014-188305-001 (For Internal Use)

PinOuts and Software Setup

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Brick Controller User Manual

+5V ENC PWR (Alternate Encoder Power)
Typically, feedback devices are powered up through the X1-X8 connectors on the Brick Controller using
the internal +5VDC power supply. In some cases, feedback devices consume power excessively and risk
of surpassing the internal power supply limitation.
This connector provides an alternate mean to power-up the feedback devices (+5V only) if the total
encoder budget exceeds the specified thresholds.
Encoders requiring greater than +5VDC power must be supplied
externally, and NOT through the X1-X8 connectors NOR through this
connector.

Note

B C

x

-

x

x

-

x

x

x

-

x

x

x

-

x

x

x

x

x

Add-in Board Options
If the Brick Controller is equipped with the add-in board, meaning any of the highlighted part number
digits is a non-zero, then the total +5V encoder power available at X1-X8 is about 1.5 amperes.
If the Brick Controller is not equipped with the add-in board, meaning all the highlighted part number
digits are zeros, then the total +5V encoder power available at X1-X8 is about 2 amperes.
Brick Controller

Total Encoder Power
Available [amps]

Power Per Encoder
(4 Encoders) [mA]

Power Per Encoder
(8 Encoders) [mA]

Without add-in board

1.5

375

188

with add-in board

2

500

250

The maximum current draw out of a single encoder channel must not
exceed 750 mA.
Caution

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Brick Controller User Manual

Wiring the Alternate (+5V) Encoder Power
Pin#

Symbol

Description

Note

1

5VEXT

Input

5V from external power supply

2

5VINT

Output

Tie to pin#1 to use internal power supply

3

GND

Common

Mating Connector:
Adam-Tech part number 25CH-E-03
Pins part number 25CTE-R
Crimping tool: Molex EDP #11-01-0208

Only two of the three available pins should be used at one time. Do
not daisy-chain the internal 5V power supply with an external one.
Caution
By default, pins 1-2 are tied together to use the internal power supply. To wire an external power supply,
remove the jumper tying pins 1-2 and connect the external +5V to pin #1, and ground/common to pin#3:
Internal Power Supply
Wiring (Default)

Note

Note

External Power Supply
Wiring

1

1

2

2

3

3

+5V
External
Power
Supply
Gnd

A jumper tying pins 1 and 2 is the default configuration. This is the
configuration with which the Brick Controller is shipped to a
customer.

The controller (PMAC) 5V logic is independent of this scheme, so if
no encoder power is provided the PMAC will remain powered-up
(provided the standard 24 volts is brought in).

PinOuts and Software Setup

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Brick Controller User Manual

Functionality, Safety Measures
There are a couple of safety and functionality measures to take into account when an external encoder
power supply is utilized:


Power sequence: encoders versus controller/drive
It is highly recommended to power up the encoders before applying power to the Brick Controller



Encoder Power Loss (i.e. power supply failure, loose wire/connector)

The Brick Controller, with certain feedback devices, can be setup to read absolute position or perform
phasing on power-up (either automatic firmware functions, or user PLCs). If the encoder power is not
available, these functions will not be performed properly. Moreover, trying to close the loop on a motor
without encoder feedback can be dangerous.
Make sure that the encoders are powered-up before executing any
motor/motion commands.
Caution
Losing encoder power can lead to dangerous runaway conditions, setting the fatal following error limit
and I2T protection in PMAC is highly advised.
Make sure that the fatal following error limit and I2T protection are
configured properly in PMAC.
Caution
With Commutated motors (i.e. DC brushless), a loss of encoder generally breaks the commutation cycle
causing a fatal following error or I2T fault either in PMAC or Amplifier side. However, with noncommutated motors (i.e. DC brush), losing encoder signal can more likely cause dangerous runway
conditions.

Note

Setting up encoder loss detection for quadrature encoders is highly
recommended. Serial Encoders normally provide a flag or timeout
error bit that can be used for that function.

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Brick Controller User Manual

X1-X8: Encoder Feedback, Digital A Quad B
8

X1-X8: D-sub DA-15F
Mating: D-sub DA-15M

7
15

6
14

5
13

4
12

3
11

2
10

1
9

Pin#

Symbol

Function

Description

1

CHA+

Input

Encoder A+

2

CHB+

Input

Encoder B+

3

CHC+ / AENA+

Input

Encoder Index+ / Stepper amp enable +

4

ENCPWR

Output

Encoder Power 5V

5

CHU+ / DIR+

In/Out

Halls U+ / Direction Output + for Stepper

6

CHW+/ PUL+

In/Out

Halls W+ / Pulse Output + for Stepper

7

2.5V

Output

2.5V Reference power

8

Stepper Enable

Input

Tie to pin#4 (5V) to enable PFM output

9

CHA-

Input

Encoder A-

10

CHB-

Input

Encoder B-

11

CHC- / AENA-

Input

Encoder Index- / Stepper amp enable -

12

GND

Common

13

CHV+ / DIR-

In/Out

Halls V+ / Direction Output- for Stepper

14

CHT+ / PUL-

In/Out

Halls T+ / Pulse Output- for Stepper

15

-

-

Common ground

Unused

Use an encoder cable with high quality shield. Connect the shield to
connector shell, and use ferrite core in noise sensitive environments.
Note
The standard encoder inputs on the Brick Controller are designed for differential quadrature type signals.
Quadrature encoders provide two digital signals to determine the position of the motor. Each nominally
with 50% duty cycle, and nominally 1/4 cycle apart. This format provides four distinct states per cycle of
the signal, or per line of the encoder. The phase difference of the two signals permits the decoding
electronics to discern the direction of travel, which would not be possible with a single signal.

PinOuts and Software Setup

24

Brick Controller User Manual

Channel A

Channel B

Typically, these signals are 5V TTL/CMOS level whether they are single-ended or differential.
Differential signals can enhance noise immunity by providing common mode noise rejection. Modern
design standards virtually mandate their use in industrial systems.
Differential Quadrature Encoder Wiring

Single-Ended Quadrature Encoder Wiring

Encoder shield (solder to shell)

9
10
12
13

5

U+

6

W+

14

T+

15

Differential Quadrature Encoder
with hall sensors (optional)

C+
+ 5VDC
GND
U+
V+
W+
T+
Single-Ended Quadrature Encoder
with hall sensors (optional)

8

14

4

+ 5VDC

8

15

11

C-

12
5
6
7

3

C+

V+

B+

2

B-

13

4

11

3

10

2

B+

GND

A+

1

A-

7

9

1

A+

Encoder shield (solder to shell)

Note

For single-ended encoders, tie the negative pins to power reference
(Pin#7). Alternately, some open collector single ended encoders may
require tying the negative pins to ground in series with a 1-2 KOhm
resistors.

PinOuts and Software Setup

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Brick Controller User Manual

Setting up Quadrature Encoders
Digital Quadrature Encoders use the 1/T incremental entry in the encoder conversion table. Position and
velocity pointers should, by default, be valid and in most cases no software setup is required, activating
(Ixx00=1) the corresponding channel is sufficient to see encoder counts in the position window when the
motor/encoder shaft is moved by hand.
I100,8,100=1

; Channels 1-8 activated

Encoder Count Error (Mxx18)
The Brick Controller has an encoder count error detection feature. If both the A and B channels of the
quadrature encoder change state at the decode circuitry (post-filter) in the same hardware sampling clock
(SCLK) cycle, an unrecoverable error to the counter value will result (lost counts). Suggested M-Variable
Mxx18 for this channel is then set and latched to 1 (until reset or cleared). The three most common root
causes of this error:
- Real encoder hardware problem
- Trying to move the encoder (motor) faster than it’s specification
- Using an extremely high resolution/speed encoder. This may require increasing the SCLK
The default sampling clock in the Brick Controller is ~ 10MHz, which is acceptable for virtually all
applications. A setting of I7m03 of 2257 (from default of 2258) sets the sampling clock SCLK at about
~20MHz. It can be increased to up to ~40 MHz.

No automatic action is taken by the Brick Controller if the encoder
count error bit is set.
Note

PinOuts and Software Setup

26

Brick Controller User Manual

Encoder Loss Detection, Quadrature
Designed for use with differential line-driver outputs (encoders), the encoder loss circuitry monitors each
quadrature input pair with an exclusive-or XOR gate. In normal operation mode, the two quadrature
inputs should be in opposite logical states – that is one high and one low – yielding a true output from the
XOR gate.

Single-Ended Quadrature Encoders are not supported for encoder loss.
Note
Ch#
1
2
3
4

Address/Definition
Y:$78807,0,1
Y:$78807,1,1
Y:$78807,2,1
Y:$78807,3,1

Caution

Ch#
5
6
7
8

Address/Definition
Y:$78807,4,1
Y:$78807,5,1
Y:$78807,6,1
Y:$78807,7,1

Status Bit Definition
=0
Encoder lost, Fault
=1
Encoder present, no Fault

Appropriate action (user-written plc) needs to be implemented when
an encoder loss is encountered. To avoid a runaway, an immediate
Kill of the motor/encoder in question is strongly advised.

No automatic firmware action is taken by the Brick Controller upon detection of encoder(s) loss; it is the
user’s responsibility to perform the necessary action to make the application safe under these conditions,
see example PLC below. Killing the motor/encoder in question is the safest action possible, and strongly
recommended to avoid a runaway, and machine damage. Also, the user should decide the action to be
taken (if any) for the other motors in the system. The Encoder Loss Status bit is a low true logic. It is set
to 1 under normal conditions, and set to 0 when a fault (encoder loss) is encountered.

PinOuts and Software Setup

27

Brick Controller User Manual

Encoder Loss Example PLC:
A 4-axis Brick Controller is setup to kill all motors upon the detection of one or more encoder loss. In
addition, it does not allow enabling any of the motors when an encoder loss condition has been
encountered:
#define Mtr1AmpEna
Mtr1AmpEna->X:$B0,19
#define Mtr2AmpEna
Mtr2AmpEna->X:$130,19
#define Mtr3AmpEna
Mtr3AmpEna->X:$1B0,19
#define Mtr4AmpEna
Mtr4AmpEna->X:$230,19

M139

#define Mtr1EncLoss
Mtr1EncLoss->Y:$078807,0,1
#define Mtr2EncLoss
Mtr2EncLoss->Y:$078807,1,1
#define Mtr3EncLoss
Mtr3EncLoss->Y:$078807,2,1
#define Mtr4EncLoss
Mtr4EncLoss->Y:$078807,3,1

M180

#define SysEncLoss
SysEncLoss=0

P1080

M239
M339
M439

M280
M380
M480

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Motor#1 Amplifier Enable
Suggested M-Variable
Motor#2 Amplifier Enable
Suggested M-Variable
Motor#3 Amplifier Enable
Suggested M-Variable
Motor#4 Amplifier Enable
Suggested M-Variable

Status Bit

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Motor#1 Encoder Loss Status Bit

Status Bit
Status Bit
Status Bit

Motor#2 Encoder Loss Status Bit
Motor#3 Encoder Loss Status Bit
Motor#4 Encoder Loss Status Bit

; System Global Encoder Loss Status (user defined)
; Save and Set to 0 at download, normal operation
; =1 System Encoder Loss Occurred

OPEN PLC 1 CLEAR
If (SysEncLoss=0)
; No Loss yet, normal mode
If (Mtr1EncLoss=0 or Mtr2EncLoss=0 or Mtr4EncLoss=0 or Mtr4EncLoss=0)
CMD^K
; One or more Encoder Loss(es) detected, kill all motors
SysEncLoss=1
; Set Global Encoder Loss Status to Fault
EndIf
EndIF
If (SysEncLoss=1)
; Global Encoder Loss Status At Fault?
If (Mtr1AmpEna=1 or Mtr2AmpEna=1 or Mtr4AmpEna=1 or Mtr4AmpEna=1) ; Trying to Enable Motors?
CMD^K
; Do not allow Enabling Motors, Kill all
EndIF
EndIF
CLOSE

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Brick Controller User Manual

Step and Direction PFM Output (To External Stepper Amplifier)
The Brick Controller has the capability of generating step and direction (Pulse Frequency Modulation)
output signals to external stepper amplifiers. These signals are accessible at the encoder connectors. The
step and direction outputs are RS422 compatible and could be connected in either differential or singleended configuration for 5V (input signal) amplifiers.
Tying pin #8 to pin #4 (+5V) enables the PFM signal output.
Digital A quad B encoders can still be used alongside PFM output, but hall sensors can NOT be brought
into this connector, they conflict with the PFM circuitry.
The PFM amplifier enable output signal is not available by default. Jumpers E25, E26, E27, and E28
should be installed to activate the amp enable functions of channels 1 through 4 respectively. Similarly
jumpers E35, E36, E37, and E38 should be installed to activate the amp enable functions of channels 5
through 8 respectively.

We strongly recommend requesting that these jumpers be installed
upon shipping to avoid opening the unit and losing warranty.
Note
The index channel (C-channel) can NOT be wired into this connector when the amplifier enable output
signal is configured.
PFM output
with encoder feedback

PFM output without
encoder feedback

Encoder shield (solder to shell)

1
9
2
10

PUL-

12
13

PULSE-

14

PUL+

DIRPULSE+

15

DIR-

DIR+

5

DIR+

DIGITAL GND

6

GND

8

8

+5V

PFM enable

AENA-

11

AENA-

3

AENA+

4

AENA+

15

External Stepper
Amplifier

11
12

PULSE-

7

PUL-

GND

PFM enable

PUL+

DIRPULSE+

13

DIR-

DIR+

14

DIR+

DIGITAL GND

+ 5VDC

5

GND

B-

3
4

AENA-

AENA-

10

2

B+

6

External Stepper
Amplifier

AENA+

AENA+

A-

7

9

1

A+

Software setup for PFM output can be found in the Drive-Motor setup
section.
Note

PinOuts and Software Setup

29

Brick Controller User Manual

X1-X8: Encoder Feedback, Sinusoidal
8

X1-X8: D-sub DA-15F
Mating: D-sub DA-15M

7
15

6
14

5
13

Pin #

Symbol

Function

Notes

1

Sin+

Input

Sine+

2

Cos+

Input

Cosine+

3

CHC+

Input

Index+

4

EncPwr

Output

Encoder Power 5 Volts

5

CHU+

In/Out

U Hall

6

CHW+

In/Out

W Hall

7

2.5 Volts

Output

Reference Power 2.5 volts

8

4
12

3
11

2
10

1
9

Unused

9

Sin-

Input

Sine-

10

Cos-

Input

Cosine-

11

CHC-

Input

Index-

12

GND

Common

13

CHV+

In/Out

V Hall

14

CHT+

In/Out

T Hall

15

Common Ground

Unused

This option allows the Brick Controller to interface directly to up to eight sinusoidal feedback devices.
The high resolution interpolator circuitry accepts inputs from sinusoidal or quasi-sinusoidal encoders (1Volt peak to peak) and provides encoder position data. It creates 4,096 steps per sine-wave cycle.

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Brick Controller User Manual

Setting up Sinusoidal Encoders
The Sinusoidal position feedback is set up through the Encoder Conversion Table (ECT) as a high
resolution interpolation entry.
Encoder Conversion Table Setup Example, Channel 1

1.
2.
3.
4.
Channel #
1
2
3
4

Conversion Type: High res. interpolator, PMAC2 Style
Enter Source Address (see table below)
Enter A/D Converter Address (see table below)
A/D Bias: always zero

Source
Address
$78000
$78008
$78010
$78018

A/D converter
Address
$78B00
$78B02
$78B04
$78B06

Channel #
5
6
7
8

Source A/D converter
Address
Address
$78100
$78B08
$78108
$78B0A
$78110
$78B0C
$78118
$78B0E

Results are found in the processed data address, which the position
and velocity feedback pointers (Ixx03, Ixx04) are usually assigned to.
Note

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31

Brick Controller User Manual

The equivalent Turbo PMAC script code for 8-channel entries
// Channel 1
I8000=$FF8000
I8001=$078B00
I8002=$000000
// Channel 2
I8003=$FF8008
I8004=$078B02
I8005=$000000
// Channel 3
I8006=$FF8010
I8007=$078B04
I8008=$000000
// Channel 4
I8009=$FF8018
I8010=$078B06
I8011=$000000
// Channel 5
I8012=$FF8100
I8013=$078B08
I8014=$000000
// Channel 6
I8015=$FF8108
I8016=$078B0A
I8017=$000000
// Channel 7
I8018=$FF8110
I8019=$078B0C
I8020=$000000
// Channel 8
I8021=$FF8118
I8022=$078B0E
I8023=$000000

; High resolution interpolator
; A/D converter address
; Bias Term and Entry result
; High resolution interpolator
; A/D converter address
; Bias Term and Entry result
; High resolution interpolator
; A/D converter address
; Bias Term and Entry result
; High resolution interpolator
; A/D converter address
; Bias Term and Entry result
; High resolution interpolator
; A/D converter address
; Bias Term and Entry result
; High resolution interpolator
; A/D converter address
; Bias Term and Entry result
; High resolution interpolator
; A/D converter address
; Bias Term and Entry result
; High resolution interpolator
; A/D converter address
; Bias Term and Entry result

Position and Velocity feedback pointers should now be set to the corresponding ECT result:
I103=$3503
I203=$3506
I303=$3509
I403=$350C
I503=$350F
I603=$3512
I703=$3515
I803=$3518

I104=$3503
I204=$3506
I304=$3509
I404=$350C
I504=$350F
I604=$3512
I704=$3515
I804=$3518

Note

At this point of the setup, you should be able to move the
motor/encoder shaft by hand and see ‘motor’ counts in the position
window.

Counts per User Units
With the interpolation of x 4096 in Turbo PMAC, there are 128 (4096/32) motor counts per sine/cosine
cycles. Motor counts can be monitored in the motor position window upon moving the motor by hand.
Examples:
A 1024 Sine/Cosine periods per revolution of a rotary encoder produces 1024 x 128 = 131,072 cts/rev.
A 20 μm linear encoder resolution produces 128/0.02 = 6400 cts/mm.

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32

Brick Controller User Manual

Encoder Count Error (Mxx18)
The Brick Controller has an encoder count error detection feature. If both the A and B channels of the
quadrature encoder change state at the decode circuitry (post-filter) in the same hardware sampling clock
(SCLK) cycle, an unrecoverable error to the counter value will result (lost counts). Suggested M-Variable
Mxx18 for this channel is then set and latched to 1 (until reset or cleared). The three most common root
causes of this error:
- Real encoder hardware problem
- Trying to move the encoder (motor) faster than it’s specification
- Using an extremely high resolution/speed encoder. This may require increasing the SCLK
The default sampling clock in the Brick Controller is ~ 10MHz, which is acceptable for virtually all
applications. A setting of I7m03 of 2257 (from default of 2258) sets the sampling clock SCLK at about
~20MHz. It can be increased to up to ~40 MHz.

No automatic action is taken by the Brick Controller if the encoder
count error bit is set.
Note

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Brick Controller User Manual

Encoder Loss Detection, Sinusoidal
Encoder loss detection with Sinusoidal encoders can be performed using the encoder conversion table.
The ECT can be set up to compute the sum of the squares of the sine and cosine terms (including user
introduced biases). Using channel #1, the encoder conversion table (5-line entry) for computing the sum
of the squares would look like:
I8024
I8025
I8026
I8027
I8028

=
=
=
=
=

$F78B00
$100000
$0
$0
$0

;
;
;
;
;

Diagnostic entry for sinusoidal encoder(s)
Bit 0 is 0 to compute sum of the squares
Active Sine/Cosine Bias Corrections
Sum of the squares result

The result (@ $351D for example) corresponds to:
(SineADC + SineBias)2 + (CosineADC + CosineBias)2
This term can be monitored to check for loss of the encoder. If the inputs are no longer driven externally,
for example because the cable has come undone, the positive and negative input pair to the ADC will pull
to substantially the same voltage, and the output of the ADC will be a very small number, resulting in a
small magnitude of the sum of squares in at least part of the cycle. (If both signals cease to be driven
externally, the sum of squares will be small over the entire cycle). The high four bits (bits 20 – 23) of the
sum-of-squares result can be monitored, and if the four-bit value goes to 0, it can be concluded that the
encoder has been “lost”, and the motor should be “killed”.
The 4-bit value can be obtained as follows:
#define Mtr1EncLoss
M180
Mtr1EncLoss->X:$351D,20,4

Caution

; Motor#1 Encoder Loss Status
; Upper 4 bits of the sum of the squares

Appropriate action (user-written plc) needs to be implemented when
an encoder loss is encountered. To avoid a runaway, an immediate
Kill of the motor/encoder in question is strongly advised.

No automatic firmware (Geo Brick) action is taken upon detection of encoder(s) loss; it is the user’s
responsibility to perform the necessary action to make the application safe under these conditions. Killing
the motor/encoder in question is the safest action possible, and strongly recommended to avoid a
runaway, and machine damage. Also, the user should decide the action to be taken (if any) for the other
motors in the system.

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X1-X8: Encoder Feedback, Resolver
8

X1-X8: D-sub DA-15F
Mating: D-sub DA-15M

7
15

6
14

5
13

Pin #

Symbol

Function

Notes

1

Sin+

Input

Sine+

2

Cos+

Input

Cosine+

3

CHC+

Input

Index+

4

EncPwr

Output

Encoder Power 5 Volts

2.5 Volts

Output

Reference Power 2.5 volts

9

Sin-

Input

Sine-

10

Cos-

Input

Cosine-

11

CHC-

Input

Index-

12

GND

Common

ResOut

Output

4
12

3
11

2
10

1
9

5
6
7
8

Common Ground

13
14
15

Resolver Excitation Output

This option allows the Brick to connect to up to eight Resolver feedback devices.

Setting up Resolvers
The Resolver data sampling is done at phase rate, and processed in the encoder conversion table. The
commutation (occurring at phase rate) position is retrieved from the Encoder Conversion Table which is
normally read at Servo rate. Thus, the Servo and Phase cycles have to be at the same rate.


Note

PinOuts and Software Setup



Use an encoder cable with high quality shield. Connect the
shield to chassis ground, and use ferrite core in noise sensitive
environment if deemed necessary.
It is essential to set the Servo clock the same as the Phase
Clock in Resolver applications. This will greatly reduce noise.
The Servo Cycle Extension Period (Ixx60) can be used to
lower the CPU load and avoid quantization errors through the
PID loop at high Servo rates.

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Resolver Excitation Magnitude
Revolvers’ excitation magnitude is a global setting used for all available Resolver channels. It has 15
possible settings:
#define ResExcMag M8000
ResExcMag->Y:$78B11,0,4

; Resolver Excitation Magnitude MACRO definition
; Resolver Excitation Magnitude register

Excitation Peak-Peak
Magnitude
[Volts]
1
1.6
2
2.5
3
3.3
4
4.2
5
5.0
6
6.0
7
6.9
8
7.7

Excitation Peak-Peak
Magnitude
[Volts]
9
8.5
10
9.5
11
10.4
12
11.3
13
12
14
13
15
14

Resolver Excitation Frequency
The Resolvers’ excitation frequency is divided from the Phase clock and is setup to be the same as but not
greater than the Resolvers’ excitation frequency specification. The Resolver excitation frequency is a
global setting used for all available Resolver channels, it has 4 possible settings:
#define ResExcFreq M8001
ResExcFreq->Y:$78B13,0,4

; Resolver Excitation Frequency MACRO definition
; Resolver Excitation Frequency register

Setting
0
1
2
3

Excitation Frequency
Phase Clock/1
Phase Clock/2
Phase Clock/4
Phase Clock/6

The Resolver Excitation Magnitude and Frequency need to be
executed once on power-up.
Note

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Resolver Data Registers
The Resolver raw data is found in the Resolver Data registers
Channel
1
2
3
4

Register
Y:$78B00
Y:$78B02
Y:$78B04
Y:$78B06

Channel
5
6
7
8

Register
Y:$78B08
Y:$78B0A
Y:$78B0C
Y:$78B0E

Encoder Conversion Table Processing
A dedicated 3-line Encoder Conversion Table entry is used for Resolver feedback.
Due to the noisy nature of Resolvers, implementing a tracking filter to the result is highly recommended.
The Pewin32Pro2 software provides with an automatic encoder conversion table utility that can be used
to implement both the Resolver entry and Tracking Filter. Under Configure>Encoder Conversion Table:
Channel 1 Resolver Setup Example
Resolver Entry

Steps:
1. Choose Resolver from Conversion
Type pull-down menu.
2. Enter Source Address. See Resolver Data
Registers table above.
3. Enter Excitation Address
$4 Source address+$10
4. Download Entry.
5. Record
Processed
Data
Address
$3503 for channel 1.

PinOuts and Software Setup

Tracking Filter

6. Move up to the next Entry
7. Choose Tracking from Conversion Type
pull-down menu.
8. Enter Source address. This is the result
recorded in step5.
9. Download Entry
10. Record Processed Data Address. This is the
source for position Ixx03 and velocity
Ixx04 feedback pointers.

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Calculating The Tracking Filter Gains
The tracking filter gains are system dependent, and need to be fine-tuned. This can be done by gathering
and plotting filtered versus unfiltered data while moving the motor shaft manually. Best case scenario is
super-imposing the filtered data on top of the unfiltered with minimum ripple and overshoot.
The empirical equations for the filter’s proportional and integral gains (usually acceptable most
applications) present a good starting point:
Ff: Filter Frequency (Hz)
Sf: Servo Frequency (Hz)
( )
( )

Motors 1-8 Resolver Encoder Conversion Table Setup Example
// Channel 1
I8000= $F78B00
I8001= $478B10
I8002= $000000
I8003=$D83503
I8004=$400
I8005=$80000
I8006=$0
I8007=$1
// Channel 2
I8008=$F78B02
I8009=$478B10
I8010=$000000
I8011=$D8350B
I8012=$400
I8013=$80000
I8014=$0
I8015=$1
// Channel 3
I8016=$F78B04
I8017=$478B10
I8018=$000000
I8019=$D83513
I8020=$400
I8021=$80000
I8022=$0
I8023=$1
// Channel 4
I8024=$F78B06
I8025=$478B10
I8026=$000000
I8027=$D8351B
I8028=$400
I8029=$80000
I8030=$0
I8031=$1
// Channel 5
I8032=$F78B08
I8033=$478B10
I8034=$000000
I8035=$D83523
I8036=$400
I8037=$80000
I8038=$0
I8039=$1
// Channel 6
I8040=$F78B0A
I8041=$478B10

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Resolver Counter Clockwise
Excitation address
SIN/COS Bias word
Tracking filter from conversion location $3503
Maximum change in counts/cycle
Proportional gain
Reserved setup word
Integral gain

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Resolver Counter Clockwise
Excitation address
SIN/COS Bias word
Tracking filter from conversion location $350B
Maximum change in counts/cycle
Proportional gain
Reserved setup word
Integral gain

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Resolver Counter Clockwise
Excitation address
SIN/COS Bias word
Tracking filter from conversion location $3513
Maximum change in counts/cycle
Proportional gain
Reserved setup word
Integral gain

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Resolver Counter Clockwise
Excitation address
SIN/COS Bias word
Tracking filter from conversion location $351B
Maximum change in counts/cycle
Proportional gain
Reserved setup word
Integral gain

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Resolver Counter Clockwise
Excitation address
SIN/COS Bias word
Tracking filter from conversion location $3523
Maximum change in counts/cycle
Proportional gain
Reserved setup word
Integral gain

; Resolver Counter Clockwise
; Excitation address

PinOuts and Software Setup

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Brick Controller User Manual

I8042=$000000 ;
I8043=$D8352B ;
I8044=$400
;
I8045=$80000
;
I8046=$0
;
I8047=$1
;
// Channel 7
I8048=$F78B0C ;
I8049=$478B10 ;
I8050=$000000 ;
I8051=$D83533 ;
I8052=$400
;
I8053=$80000
;
I8054=$0
;
I8055=$1
;
// Channel 8
I8056=$F78B0E ;
I8057=$478B10 ;
I8058=$000000 ;
I8059=$D8353B ;
I8060=$400
;
I8061=$80000
;
I8062=$0
;
I8063=$1
;
// End Of Table
I8064=$000000 ;

SIN/COS Bias word
Tracking filter from conversion location $352B
Maximum change in counts/cycle
Proportional gain
Reserved setup word
Integral gain
Resolver Counter Clockwise
Excitation address
SIN/COS Bias word
Tracking filter from conversion location $3533
Maximum change in counts/cycle
Proportional gain
Reserved setup word
Integral gain
Resolver Counter Clockwise
Excitation address
SIN/COS Bias word
Tracking filter from conversion location $353B
Maximum change in counts/cycle
Proportional gain
Reserved setup word
Integral gain
End Of Table

Position, Velocity Feedback Pointers
I103=$3508
I203=$3510
I303=$3518
I403=$3520
I503=$3528
I603=$3530
I703=$3538
I803=$3540

I104=$3508
I204=$3510
I304=$3518
I404=$3520
I504=$3528
I604=$3530
I704=$3538
I804=$3540

Note

At this point of the setup process, you should be able to move the
motor/encoder shaft by hand and see encoder counts in the position
window.

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Brick Controller User Manual

Resolver Power-On PLC Example
Setting up a resolver with 10V excitation magnitude and 10 KHz excitation frequency:
// Clock Settings: 10KHz Phase & Servo
I7100=5895
; Servo IC1
I7101=0
I7102=0
I6800=5895
; MACRO IC0
I6801=0
I6802=0
I7000=5895
; Servo IC0
I7001=0
I7002=0
I10=838613
; Servo Time Interrupt
#define ResExcMag M8000
#define ResExcFreq M8001
ResExcMag->Y:$78B11,0,4
ResExcFreq->Y:$78B13,0,4
ResExcMag=11
ResExcFreq=0

; Excitation Magnitude
; Excitation Frequency
; Excitation Magnitude register
; Excitation Frequency register
;~10 Volts –User Input
; = Phase Clock/1 =10 KHz –User Input

// PLC to establish Resolver Magnitude & Frequency on power-up
Open plc 1 clear
ResExcMag=11
ResExcFreq=0
Disable plc 1
Close

PinOuts and Software Setup

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Brick Controller User Manual

X1-X8: Encoder Feedback, HiperFace

Caution

The majority of HiperFace devices requires 7-12VDC power. This has
to be supplied externally and NOT wired into the brick unit. Pins#4
and #12 are unused in this case, leave floating.

8

X1-X8: D-sub DA-15F
Mating: D-Sub DA-15M

7
15

6
14

Pin #

Symbol

Function

1

Sin+

Input

Sine+ signal input

2

Cos+

Input

Cosine+ signal input

4

EncPwr

Output

+5V encoder power

5

RS485-

Input

5
13

4
12

3
11

2
10

1
9

Notes

3
Data- Packet

6
7
8
9

SIN-

Sine- signal input

10

COS-

Cosine- signal input

11
12

GND

Common

RS485+

Input

Common ground

13
14

Data+ Packet

15
This option allows the Brick to connect to up to eight HiperFace type feedback devices.
The HiperFace on-going position (sinusoidal data) is processed by the x 4096 interpolator. The encoder
conversion table is setup as a high resolution interpolator 3-line entry similarly to setting up a sinusoidal
encoder. The absolute power-on position (serial data) is computed directly from the raw HiperFace serial
data registers.

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Setting up HiperFace On-Going Position
The HiperFace on-going position is set up through the Encoder Conversion Table as a high resolution
interpolation entry
Encoder Conversion Table Setup Example, Channel 1

1.
2.
3.
4.
Channel #
1
2
3
4

Conversion Type: High res. interpolator, PMAC2 Style
Enter Source Address (see table below)
Enter A/D Converter Address (see table below)
A/D Bias: typically =0

Source
Address
$78000
$78008
$78010
$78018

A/D converter
Address
$78B00
$78B02
$78B04
$78B06

Channel #
5
6
7
8

Source A/D converter
Address
Address
$78100
$78B08
$78108
$78B0A
$78110
$78B0C
$78118
$78B0E

Results are found in the processed data address, which the position
and velocity feedback pointers (Ixx03, Ixx04) are usually pointed to.
Note

PinOuts and Software Setup

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Brick Controller User Manual

And the equivalent Turbo PMAC code for setting up all 8 channels:
// Channel 1
I8000=$FF8000
I8001=$078B00
I8002=$000000
// Channel 2
I8003=$FF8008
I8004=$078B02
I8005=$000000
// Channel 3
I8006=$FF8010
I8007=$078B04
I8008=$000000
// Channel 4
I8009=$FF8018
I8010=$078B06
I8011=$000000
// Channel 5
I8012=$FF8100
I8013=$078B08
I8014=$000000
// Channel 6
I8015=$FF8108
I8016=$078B0A
I8017=$000000
// Channel 7
I8018=$FF8110
I8019=$078B0C
I8020=$000000
// Channel 8
I8021=$FF8118
I8022=$078B0E
I8023=$000000

; High resolution interpolator entry, $78000
; A/D converter address, $78B00
; Bias Term and Entry result at $3503
; High resolution interpolator entry, $78008
; A/D converter address, $78B02
; Bias Term and Entry result at $3506
; High resolution interpolator entry, $78010
; A/D converter address, $78B04
; Bias Term and Entry result at $3509
; High resolution interpolator entry, $78018
; A/D converter address, $78B06
; Bias Term and Entry result at $350C
; High resolution interpolator entry, $78100
; A/D converter address, $78B08
; Bias Term and Entry result at $350F
; High resolution interpolator entry, $78108
; A/D converter address, $78B0A
; Bias Term and Entry result at $3512
; High resolution interpolator entry, $78110
; A/D converter address, $78B0C
; Bias Term and Entry result at $3515
; High resolution interpolator entry, $78118
; A/D converter address, $78B0E
; Bias Term and Entry result at $3518

Now, the position and velocity pointers are assigned to the corresponding processed data register:
I103=$3503
I203=$3506
I303=$3509
I403=$350C
I503=$350F
I603=$3512
I703=$3515
I803=$3518

I104=$3503
I204=$3506
I304=$3509
I404=$350C
I504=$350F
I604=$3512
I704=$3515
I804=$3518

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor

#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#8

Position
Position
Position
Position
Position
Position
Position
Position

and
and
and
and
and
and
and
and

Velocity
Velocity
Velocity
Velocity
Velocity
Velocity
Velocity
Velocity

feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback

address
address
address
address
address
address
address
address

Channel Activation
I100,8,100=1

; Motors 1-8 activated

Note

At this point of the setup process, you should be able to move the
motor/encoder shaft by hand and see encoder counts in the position
window.

Counts Per Revolution:
With the interpolation of x 4096 in Turbo PMAC, there are 128 (4096/32) motor counts per sine/cosine
cycles. Motor counts can be monitored in the motor position window upon moving the motor by hand.
Examples:
A 1024 Sine/Cosine periods per revolution rotary encoder produces 1024 x 128 = 131,072 cts/rev.
A 20 μm resolution linear encoder produces 128/0.02 = 6400 cts/mm.

PinOuts and Software Setup

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Brick Controller User Manual

Setting up HiperFace Absolute Power-On Position
Setting up the absolute position read with HiperFace requires the programming of two essential control
registers:



Global Control Registers
Channel Control Registers

The resulting data is found in:


HiperFace Data Registers

PinOuts and Software Setup

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Brick Controller User Manual

Global Control Registers
X:$78BnF (default value: $812004)

where n=2 for axes 1-4
n=3 for axes 5-8

Axes 1-4
Axes 5-8

Global Control Register
X:$78B2F
X:$78B3F

The Global Control register is used to program the serial encoder interface clock frequency SER_Clock
and configure the serial encoder interface trigger clock. SER_Clock is generated from a two-stage divider
clocked at 100 MHz as follows:

M N SER_Clock [KHz] Baud Rate Global Register Setting
129 2
192.30
9600
$812004
129 3
96.15
4800
$813004
129 1
394.61
19200
$812004
Default Settings: M=129, N=2
There are two external trigger sources; phase and servo. Bits [9:8] in the Global Control register are used
to select the source and active edge to use as the internal serial encoder trigger. The internal trigger is
used by all four channels to initiate communication with the encoder. To compensate for external system
delays, this trigger has a programmable 4-bit delay setting in 20 μsec increments.
23--16

15--12

M_Divisor

N_Divisor

Bit

11

Type Default

10

9

8

Trigger Clock

Trigger Edge

Name

7

6

5

4

Trigger Delay

3

2

1

0

Protocol Code

Description
Intermediate clock frequency for SER_Clock. The
intermediate clock is generated from a (M+1) divider clocked
at 100 MHz.
Final clock frequency for SER_Clock. The final clock is
generated from a 2 N divider clocked by the intermediate
clock.
Reserved and always reads zero.
= 0 Phase Clock
Trigger clock select
= 1 Servo Clock
= 0 Rising edge
Active clock edge select
= 1 Falling edge
Trigger delay program relative to the active edge of the
trigger clock. Units are in increments of 20 usec.

[23:16]

R/W

0x81

M_Divisor

[15:12]

R/W

0x2

N_Divisor

[11:10]

R

00

Reserved

[09]

R/W

0

TriggerClock

[08]

R/W

0

TriggerEdge

[07:04]

R/W

0x0

TriggerDelay

[03:00]

R

0x4

ProtocolCode protocol supported by the FPGA. A value of $4 defines this

This read-only bit field is used to read the serial encoder interface
protocol as HiperFace.

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Brick Controller User Manual

Channel Control Registers
X:$78Bn0, X:$78Bn4, X:$78Bn8, X:$78BnC
Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4

where: n=2 for axes 1-4
n=3 for axes 5-8

X:$78B20
X:$78B24
X:$78B28
X:$78B2C

Channel 5
Channel 6
Channel 7
Channel 8

X:$78B30
X:$78B34
X:$78B38
X:$78B3C

Each channel has its own Serial Encoder Command Control Register defining functionality parameters.
Parameters such as setting the number of position bits in the serial bit stream, enabling/disabling channels
through the SENC_MODE (when this bit is cleared, the serial encoder pins of that channel are tri-stated),
enabling/disabling communication with the encoder using the trigger control bit. An 8-bit mode command
is required for encoder communication. Currently, three HiperFace commands are supported; read
encoder position ($42), read encoder status ($50) and Reset encoder($53).
[23:16]
[15:14]
13
12
11
10
[9:8]
[7:0]
Command
Trigger
Trigger
Rxdataready
Encoder
Code
Mode
Enable
SencMode
Address
Bit
[23:16]

Type Default
W

[15:14]

Name

0x42

Command
Code

0

Reserved

[13]

R/W

0

Trigger Mode

[12]

R/W

1

Trigger Enable

0

Reserved

R

0

RxData Ready

W

1

SENC_MODE

0x00

Reserved

0xFF

Encoder
address

[11]

[10]

[09:08]
[07:00]

R/W

PinOuts and Software Setup

Description
$42 – Read Encoder Position
$50 – Read Encoder Status
$53 – Reset Encoder

Reserved and always reads zero.
Trigger Mode to initiate communication:
0= continuous trigger
1= one-shot trigger - for HiperFace
All triggers occur at the defined Phase/Servo clock edge and
delay setting. Due to HiperFace protocol speed limitation,
only one-shot trigger mode is used.
0= disabled
1= enabled
This bit must be set for either trigger mode. If the Trigger
Mode bit is set for one-shot mode, the hardware will
automatically clear this bit after the trigger occurs.
Reserved and always reads zero.
This read-only bit provides the received data status. It is low
while the interface logic is communicating (busy) with the
serial encoder. It is high when all the data has been received
and processed.
This write-only bit is used to enable the output drivers for
the SENC_SDO, SENC_CLK, SENC_ENA pins for each
respective channel.
Reserved and always reads zero.
This bit field is normally used to define the encoder address
transmitted with each command. Delta Tau does not support
multiple encoders per channel; a value of $FF sends a
general broadcast.

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Brick Controller User Manual

HiperFace Data Registers
The HiperFace absolute power-on data is conveyed into 4 memory locations; Serial Encoder Data A, B,
C, and D.
The Serial Encoder Data A register holds the 24 bits of the encoder position data. If the data exceeds the
24 available bits in this register, the upper overflow bits are LSB justified and readable in the Serial
Encoder Data B, which also holds status and error bits. Serial Encoder Data C, and D registers are
reserved and always read zero.

23
TimeOut
Error

22
CheckSum
Error

HiperFace Data B
21
20
[19:16]
Parity Error
Error
Bit

Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4
Channel 5
Channel 6
Channel 7
Channel 8

[07:0]

HiperFace Data A
[23:0]

Position Data [31:24]

Position Data [23:0]

HiperFace Serial Data A
Y:$78B20
Y:$78B24
Y:$78B28
Y:$78B2C
Y:$78B30
Y:$78B34
Y:$78B38
Y:$78B3C

HiperFace Serial Data B
Y:$78B21
Y:$78B25
Y:$78B29
Y:$78B2D
Y:$78B31
Y:$78B35
Y:$78B39
Y:$78B3D

Data Registers C and D are listed here for future use and documentation purposes only. They do not
pertain to the HiperFace setup and always read zero.

Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4
Channel 5
Channel 6
Channel 7
Channel 8

PinOuts and Software Setup

HiperFace Serial Data C
Y:$78B22
Y:$78B26
Y:$78B2A
Y:$78B2E
Y:$78B32
Y:$78B36
Y:$78B3A
Y:$78B3E

HiperFace Serial Data D
Y:$78B23
Y:$78B27
Y:$78B28
Y:$78B2F
Y:$78B33
Y:$78B37
Y:$78B38
Y:$78B3F

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Brick Controller User Manual

Setting up HiperFace Encoders Example
An 8-axis Brick Controller is connected to eight HiperFace encoders, serial data is programmed to 9600
(M=129, N=2) baud rate for all eight channels:
=0 Rising Edge
=1 Falling Edge

=0 Trigger on Phase
=1 Trigger on Servo

0

clock

Edge

23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

Description:
Bit #:
Binary:

$4 for
HiperFace

Typically =0

M Divisor

0

Hex ($):

0

0

0

N Divisor

0

8

0

1

0

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

2

Trigger Delay

0

Protocol

0

4

The only user configurable HiperFace Global Control field is the baud
rate (M and N divisors).
Note
The channel control registers are programmed to read position ($42):
=0 Disabled
=1 Enabled

Bit #:
Binary:

Command code

23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

0

0

0

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Hex ($):

0

4

Note

0

0

1
2

0

0

0

1
3

1

0

Always $FF for
General Broadcast

0

0

0

=0 Disabled
=1 Enabled

0

1

0

Trigger
Mode
Trigger
Enable

Description:

=0 Continuous
=1 One shot

Senc
Mode

= $42 Read position
= $50 Encoder Status
= $53 Reset Encoder

0

1
4

Encoder Address

F

F

The only user configurable HiperFace Channel Control field is
the command code:
$42 to read position
$50 to read encoder status
$53 to reset encoder

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The Global and Channel Control registers have to be initialized on power-up. Following, is an example
PLC showing the initialization of all eight channels:
//=========================== NOTES ABOUT THIS PLC EXAMPLE ================================//
// This PLC example utilizes: - M5990 through M5999
//
- Coordinate system 1 Timer 1
// Make sure that current and/or future configurations do not create conflicts with
// these parameters.
//=========================================================================================//
M5990..5999->* ; Self-referenced M-Variables
M5990..5999=0 ; Reset at download
//========================= GLOBAL CONTROL REGISTERS
#define HFGlobalCtrl1_4
M5990
; Channels 1-4
#define HFGlobalCtrl5_8
M5991
; Channels 5-8
HFGlobalCtrl1_4->X:$78B2F,0,24,U
; Channels 1-4
HFGlobalCtrl5_8->X:$78B3F,0,24,U
; Channels 5-8

======================================//
HiperFace global control register
HiperFace global control register
HiperFace global control register address
HiperFace global control register address

//======================== CHANNEL CONTROL REGISTERS ======================================//
#define Ch1HFCtrl
M5992
; Channel 1 HiperFace control register
#define Ch2HFCtrl
M5993
; Channel 2 HiperFace control register
#define Ch3HFCtrl
M5994
; Channel 3 HiperFace control register
#define Ch4HFCtrl
M5995
; Channel 4 HiperFace control register
#define Ch5HFCtrl
M5996
; Channel 5 HiperFace control register
#define Ch6HFCtrl
M5997
; Channel 6 HiperFace control register
#define Ch7HFCtrl
M5998
; Channel 7 HiperFace control register
#define Ch8HFCtrl
M5999
; Channel 8 HiperFace control register
Ch1HFCtrl->X:$78B20,0,24,U
Ch2HFCtrl->X:$78B24,0,24,U
Ch3HFCtrl->X:$78B28,0,24,U
Ch4HFCtrl->X:$78B2C,0,24,U
Ch5HFCtrl->X:$78B30,0,24,U
Ch6HFCtrl->X:$78B34,0,24,U
Ch7HFCtrl->X:$78B38,0,24,U
Ch8HFCtrl->X:$78B3C,0,24,U

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Channel
Channel
Channel
Channel
Channel
Channel
Channel
Channel

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

HiperFace
HiperFace
HiperFace
HiperFace
HiperFace
HiperFace
HiperFace
HiperFace

control
control
control
control
control
control
control
control

register
register
register
register
register
register
register
register

Address
Address
Address
Address
Address
Address
Address
Address

//========= POWER-ON PLC EXAMPLE, GLOBAL & CHANNEL CONTROL REGISTERS ======================//
Open PLC 1 Clear
HFGlobalCtrl1_4=$812004
; Channels 1-4 HiperFace, 9600 baud rate (M=129 N=2) –User Input
HFGlobalCtrl5_8=$812004
; Channels 5-8 HiperFace, 9600 baud rate (M=129 N=2) –User Input
Ch1HFCtrl=$4234FF
; Channel 1 HiperFace control register (read position) –User Input
Ch2HFCtrl=$4234FF
; Channel 2 HiperFace control register (read position) –User Input
Ch3HFCtrl=$4234FF
; Channel 3 HiperFace control register (read position) –User Input
Ch4HFCtrl=$4234FF
; Channel 4 HiperFace control register (read position) –User Input
Ch5HFCtrl=$4234FF
; Channel 5 HiperFace control register (read position) –User Input
Ch6HFCtrl=$4234FF
; Channel 6 HiperFace control register (read position) –User Input
Ch7HFCtrl=$4234FF
; Channel 7 HiperFace control register (read position) –User Input
Ch8HFCtrl=$4234FF
; Channel 8 HiperFace control register (read position) –User Input
I5111=500*8388608/I10 while(I5111>0) endw
; ½ sec delay
Dis plc 1
; Execute once on power-up or reset
Close
//=========================================================================================//

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Brick Controller User Manual

Channels 1 through 4 are driving HiperFace encoders with 12-bit (4096) single-turn resolution and 12bit (4096) multi-turn resolution for a total number of data bits of 24 (12+12). The entire data stream is
held in the HiperFace serial data A register:
HiperFace Data A Register
[23:0]

HiperFace Data A Register
[23:0]
[11:0]
Multi-Turn Data Single-Turn Data

Channels 5 through 8 are driving HiperFace encoders with 16-bit (65536) single-turn resolution and 12bit (4096) multi-turn resolution for a total number of data bits of 28 (16+12). The HiperFace serial Data
A register holds the 16-bit single-turn data and the first 8 bits of multi-turn data. The Hiperface serial
Data B register holds the 4 bits overflow of multi-turn data:
HiperFace Data B Register
HiperFace Data A Register
[23:4]
[3:0]
[23:15]
[15:0]
Multi-Turn Data1 Multi-Turn Data Single-Turn Data
The automatic absolute position read in PMAC, using Ixx10 and Ixx95, expects the data to be left shifted
(5-bits) in the Encoder Conversion Table. Reading raw data and constructing position directly out of the
serial encoder registers requires a custom procedure.
The following example PLC reads and constructs the absolute position for channels 1 through 8. It is preconfigured for the user to input their encoder information, and specify which channels are being used.
Using The Absolute Position Read Example PLC

Under User Input section:
1. Enter single turn (ChxSTRes) and multi turn (ChxMTRes) resolutions in bits for each encoder.
For strictly absolute single turn encoders, multi turn resolution is set to zero.
2. In ChAbsSel, specify which channels are desired to perform an absolute position read. This value
is in hexadecimal. A value of 1 specifies that this channel is connected, 0 specifies that it is not
connected and should not perform and absolute read. Examples:
Channel#
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Reading Absolute
Position, channels ChAbsSel (Binary) 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 => ChAbsSel=$0F
1 through 4
ChAbsSel (Hex)
0
F
Reading Absolute
Position, channels
1,3,5,7

Channel#
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
ChAbsSel (Binary) 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 => ChAbsSel=$55
ChAbsSel (Hex)
5
5

//=========================== NOTES ABOUT THIS PLC EXAMPLE ================================//
// This PLC example utilizes: - M6000 through M6035
//
- P7000 through P7032
// Make sure that current and/or future configurations do not create conflicts with
// these parameters.
//=========================================================================================//
M6000..6035->*
; Self-referenced M-Variables
M6000..6035=0
; Reset M-Variables at download
P7000..7032=0
; Reset P-Variables at download
//==================================== USER INPUT =========================================//
#define Ch1STRes P7000
#define Ch1MTRes P7001
#define Ch2STRes P7002
#define Ch2MTRes P7003
#define Ch3STRes P7004
#define Ch3MTRes P7005

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Brick Controller User Manual

#define
#define
#define
#define
#define

Ch4STRes
Ch5STRes
Ch6STRes
Ch7STRes
Ch8STRes

Ch1STRes=12
Ch2STRes=12
Ch3STRes=12
Ch4STRes=12
Ch5STRes=16
Ch6STRes=16
Ch7STRes=16
Ch8STRes=16

P7006
P7008
P7010
P7012
P7014

#define
#define
#define
#define
#define

Ch1MTRes=12
Ch2MTRes=12
Ch3MTRes=12
Ch4MTRes=12
Ch5MTRes=12
Ch6MTRes=12
Ch7MTRes=12
Ch8MTRes=12

#define ChAbsSel
ChAbsSel=$FF

P7016

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Ch1
Ch2
Ch3
Ch4
Ch5
Ch6
Ch7
Ch8

Ch4MTRes
Ch5MTRes
Ch6MTRes
Ch7MTRes
Ch8MTRes

Multi
Multi
Multi
Multi
Multi
Multi
Multi
Multi

Turn
Turn
Turn
Turn
Turn
Turn
Turn
Turn

P7007
P7009
P7011
P7013
P7015
and
and
and
and
and
and
and
and

Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single

Turn
Turn
Turn
Turn
Turn
Turn
Turn
Turn

Resolutions
Resolutions
Resolutions
Resolutions
Resolutions
Resolutions
Resolutions
Resolutions

--User
--User
--User
--User
--User
--User
--User
--User

Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input

; Select Channels using absolute read (in Hexadecimal)
; Channels selected for absolute position read –User Input

//=============================== DEFINITIONS & SUBSTITUTIONS =============================//
#define SerialRegA
M6000
; HiperFace Serial Data Register A
#define SerialRegB
M6001
; HiperFace Serial Data Register B
#define Two2STDec
M6002
; 2^STRes in decimal, for shifting operations
#define Two2STHex
M6003
; 2^STRes in Hexadecimal, for bitwise operations
#define Two2MTDec
M6004
; 2^MTRes in decimal, for shifting operations
#define Two2MTHex
M6005
; 2^MTRes in Hexadecimal, for bitwise operations
#define MTTemp1
M6006
; Multi Turn Data temporary holding register 1
#define MTTemp2
M6007
; Multi Turn Data temporary holding register 2
#define STTemp1
M6008
; Single Turn Data temporary holding register 1
#define STTemp2
M6009
; Single Turn Data temporary holding register 2
#define ChNoHex
M6010
; Channel Number in Hex
#define ChAbsCalc
M6011
; Abs. calc. flag (=1 true do read, =0 false do not do read)
#define LowerSTBits
P7017
; Lower Single Turn Bits, RegA
#define UpperSTBits
P7018
; Upper Single Turn Bits, RegB (where applicable)
#define LowerMTBits
P7019
; Lower Multi Turn Bits, RegA (where applicable)
#define UpperMTBits
P7020
; Upper Multi Turn Bits, RegB (where applicable)
#define STData
P7021
; Single Turn Data Word
#define MTData
P7022
; Multi Turn Data Word
#define NegTh
P7023
; Negative Threshold
#define Temp1
P7024
; General Temporary holding register 1
#define Temp2
P7025
; General Temporary holding register 2
#define SerialBase
P7026
; Indirect addressing index for serial registers, 6020
#define ChBase
P7027
; Indirect addressing index for channel No, 162
#define ChNo
P7028
; Current Channel Number
#define ResBase
P7029
; Indirect Addressing index for resolution input, 6000
#define STRes
P7030
; Single Turn Resolution of currently addressed channel
#define MTRes
P7031
; Multi Turn Resoltuion of currently addressed channel
#define PsfBase
P7032
; Indirect addressing for position scale factor Ixx08, 108
// HiperFace Serial Data Registers A and B
M6020->Y:$78B20,0,24,U
M6021->Y:$78B21,0,24,U
; Channel 1
M6022->Y:$78B24,0,24,U
M6023->Y:$78B25,0,24,U
; Channel 2
M6024->Y:$78B28,0,24,U
M6025->Y:$78B29,0,24,U
; Channel 3
M6026->Y:$78B2C,0,24,U
M6027->Y:$78B2D,0,24,U
; Channel 4
M6028->Y:$78B30,0,24,U
M6029->Y:$78B31,0,24,U
; Channel 5
M6030->Y:$78B34,0,24,U
M6031->Y:$78B35,0,24,U
; Channel 6
M6032->Y:$78B38,0,24,U
M6033->Y:$78B39,0,24,U
; Channel 7
M6034->Y:$78B3C,0,24,U
M6035->Y:$78B3D,0,24,U
; Channel 8
//===================================== PLC SCRIPT ========================================//
Open PLC 1 Clear
ChNo=0
While(ChNo!>7) ; Loop for 8 Channels
ChNo=ChNo+1
ChNoHex=exp((ChNo-1)*ln(2))
ChAbsCalc=(ChAbsSel&ChNoHex)/ChNoHex
If (ChAbsCalc!=0)
; Absolute read on this channel?
SerialBase=6020+(ChNo-1)*2
SerialRegA=M(SerialBase)
SerialRegB=M(SerialBase+1)
ResBase=7000+(ChNo-1)*2
STRes=P(ResBase)
MTRes=P(ResBase+1)

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Brick Controller User Manual

STData=0
MTData=0
If (STRes!>24) ; Single Turn Res<=24
//===========SINGLE TURN DATA===========//
Two2STDec=exp(STRes*ln(2))
Two2STHex=Two2STDec-1
STData=SerialRegA&Two2STHex
//===========MULTI TURN DATA============//
Two2MTDec=exp(MTRes*ln(2))
Two2MTHex=Two2MTDec-1
If (MTRes=0)
LowerMTBits=0
UpperMTBits=0
Two2MTDec=0
Two2MTHex=0
MTData=0
Else
LowerMTBits=24-STRes
STTemp1=exp(LowerMTBits*ln(2))
STTemp2=0
UpperMTBits=MTRes-LowerMTBits
MTTemp1=exp(LowerMTBits*ln(2))
MTTemp2=exp(UpperMTBits*ln(2))
Temp1=(SerialRegA/Two2STDec)&(MTTemp1-1)
Temp2=SerialRegB&(MTTemp2-1)
MTData=Temp2*STTemp1+Temp1
EndIf
Else ; Single Turn Res>24
//===========SINGLE TURN DATA===========//
LowerSTBits=24
UpperSTBits=STRes-24
STTemp1=exp(UpperSTBits*ln(2))
STTemp2=STTemp1-1
Two2STDec=16777216*STTemp1
Two2STHex=Two2STDec-1
STData=(SerialRegB&STTemp2)*16777216+SerialRegA
//===========MULTI TURN DATA============//
If (MTRes=0)
LowerMTBits=0
UpperMTBits=0
Two2MTDec=0
Two2MTHex=0
MTData=0
Else
Two2MTDec=exp(MTRes*ln(2))
Two2MTHex=Two2MTDec-1
LowerMTBits=0
UpperMTBits=MTRes
MTTemp1=exp(UpperMTBits*ln(2))
MTTemp2=MTTemp1-1
MTData=(SerialRegB/STTemp1)&MTTemp2
EndIf
EndIf
//======ASSEMBLING ACTUAL POSITION======//
ChBase=162+(ChNo-1)*100
PsfBase=108+(ChNo-1)*100
NegTh=Two2MTDec/2
If (MTData!>NegTh)
M(ChBase)=(MTData*Two2STDec+STData)*32*I(PsfBase)
Else
M(ChBase)=-(((Two2MTHex-MTData)*Two2STDec)+(Two2STDec-STData))*32*I(PsfBase)
EndIf
EndIf
EndW
ChNo=0
Dis plc 1
Close

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Brick Controller User Manual

Encoder Count Error (Mxx18), HiperFace
The Brick Controller has an encoder count error detection feature. If both the A and B channels of the
quadrature encoder change state at the decode circuitry (post-filter) in the same hardware sampling clock
(SCLK) cycle, an unrecoverable error to the counter value will result (lost counts). Suggested M-Variable
Mxx18 for this channel is then set and latched to 1 (until reset or cleared). The three most common root
causes of this error:
- Real encoder hardware problem
- Trying to move the encoder (motor) faster than it’s specification
- Using an extremely high resolution/speed encoder. This may require increasing the SCLK
The default sampling clock in the Brick Controller is ~ 10MHz, which is acceptable for virtually all
applications. A setting of I7m03 of 2257 (from default of 2258) sets the sampling clock SCLK at about
~20MHz. It can be increased to up to ~40 MHz.

No automatic action is taken by the Brick Controller if the encoder
count error bit is set.
Note

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Brick Controller User Manual

Encoder Loss Detection, Hiperface
Encoder loss detection with HiperFace encoders can be performed using the encoder conversion table.
The ECT can be set up to compute the sum of the squares of the sine and cosine terms (including user
introduced biases). Using channel #1, the encoder conversion table (5-line entry) for computing the sum
of the squares would look like:
I8024
I8025
I8026
I8027
I8028

=
=
=
=
=

$F78B00
$100000
$0
$0
$0

;
;
;
;
;

Diagnostic entry for sinusoidal encoder(s)
Bit 0 is 0 to compute sum of the squares
Active Sine/Cosine Bias Corrections
Sum of the squares result

The result (@ $351D for example) corresponds to:
(SineADC + SineBias)2 + (CosineADC + CosineBias)2
This term can be monitored to check for loss of the encoder. If the inputs are no longer driven externally,
for example because the cable has come undone, the positive and negative input pair to the ADC will pull
to substantially the same voltage, and the output of the ADC will be a very small number, resulting in a
small magnitude of the sum of squares in at least part of the cycle. (If both signals cease to be driven
externally, the sum of squares will be small over the entire cycle). The high four bits (bits 20 – 23) of the
sum-of-squares result can be monitored, and if the four-bit value goes to 0, it can be concluded that the
encoder has been “lost”, and the motor should be “killed”.
The 4-bit value can be obtained as follows:
#define Mtr1EncLoss
M180
Mtr1EncLoss->X:$351D,20,4

Caution

; Motor#1 Encoder Loss Status
; Upper 4 bits of the sum of the squares

Appropriate action (user-written plc) needs to be implemented when
an encoder loss is encountered. To avoid a runaway, an immediate
Kill of the motor/encoder in question is strongly advised.

No automatic firmware (Geo Brick) action is taken upon detection of encoder(s) loss; it is the user’s
responsibility to perform the necessary action to make the application safe under these conditions. Killing
the motor/encoder in question is the safest action possible, and strongly recommended to avoid a
runaway, and machine damage. Also, the user should decide the action to be taken (if any) for the other
motors in the system.

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Brick Controller User Manual

X1-X8: Encoder Feedback, SSI
8

X1-X8: D-sub DA-15F
Mating: D-sub DA-15M
Pin #

Symbol

Function

4

EncPwr

Output

5

Data-

Input

6

Clock-

Output

12

GND

Common

13

Clock+

Output

14

Data+

Input

7
15

6
14

5
13

4
12

3
11

2
10

1
9

Notes

1
2
3
Encoder Power 5 Volts only
Data- packet
Serial Encoder Clock-

7
8
9
10
11
Common Ground
Serial Encoder Clock+
Data+ Packet

15

Note

 Some SSI devices require 24V power which has to be brought in
externally. Pins #4, and #12 are unused in this case, leave floating.
 Hardware capture is not available with Serial Data encoders

Configuring SSI
Configuring the SSI protocol requires the programming of two essential control registers:



Global Control Registers
Channel Control Registers

The resulting data is found in:


SSI Data Registers

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55

Brick Controller User Manual

Global Control Registers
X:$78BnF (Default value: $630002)

where: n=2 for axes 1-4
n=3 for axes 5-8
Global Control Register
X:$78B2F
X:$78B3F

Axes 1-4
Axes 5-8

The Global Control register is used to program the serial encoder interface clock frequency SER_Clock
and configure the serial encoder interface trigger clock. SER_Clock is generated from a two-stage divider
clocked at 100 MHz:

M

N

Clock Frequency

49 0 2.0 MHz
99 0 1.0 MHz
99 1 500.0 KHz
99 2 250.0 KHz
… …
Default Settings: M=99, N=0 => 1 MHz transfer rates
There are two external trigger sources; phase and servo. Bits [9:8] in the Global Control register are used
to select the source and active edge to use as the internal serial encoder trigger. The internal trigger is
used by all four channels to initiate communication with the encoder. To compensate for external system
delays, this trigger has a programmable 4-bit delay setting in 20 μsec increments.
23--16

15--12

M_Divisor

N_Divisor

Bit

Type Default

[23:16]

R/W

0x63

[15:12]

R/W

0x0

[11:10]

R

00

[09]

R/W

0

[08]

R/W

0

[07:04]

R/W

0x0

[03:00]

R

0x2

11

10

9

8

Trigger Clock

Trigger Edge

7

6

5

4

Trigger Delay

3

2

1

0

Protocol Code

Description
Intermediate clock frequency for SER_Clock. The
M_Divisor
intermediate clock is generated from a (M+1) divider clocked
at 100 MHz.
Final clock frequency for SER_Clock. The final clock is
N
N_Divisor
generated from a 2 divider clocked by the intermediate
clock.
Reserved
Reserved and always reads zero.
=0, trigger on Phase Clock
TriggerClock Trigger clock select:
=1, trigger on Servo Clock
=0, select rising edge
TriggerEdge Active clock edge select:
=1, select falling edge
Trigger delay program relative to the active edge of the
TriggerDelay
trigger clock. Units are in increments of 20 usec.
This read-only bit field is used to read the serial encoder
ProtocolCode interface protocol supported by the FPGA. A value of $2
defines this as SSI protocol.

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Name

56

Brick Controller User Manual

Channel Control Registers
X:$78Bn0, X:$78Bn4, X:$78Bn8, X:$78BnC
Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4

where: n=2 for axes 1-4
n=3 for axes 5-8

X:$78B20
X:$78B24
X:$78B28
X:$78B2C

Channel 5
Channel 6
Channel 7
Channel 8

X:$78B30
X:$78B34
X:$78B38
X:$78B3C

Each channel has its own Serial Encoder Command Control Register defining functionality parameters.
Parameters such as setting the number of position bits in the serial bit stream, enabling/disabling channels
through the SENC_MODE (when this bit is cleared, the serial encoder pins of that channel are tri-stated),
enabling/disabling communication with the encoder using the trigger control bit.
[23:16]

Bit

15
14
Parity
Type

13
Trigger
Mode

Type Default

[23:16]

R

0x00

[15:14]

R/W

0x00

R/W

0

[12]

R/W

0

[11]

R/W

0

R

0

W

0

[09:06]

R

0x0

[05:00]

W

0x00

[13]

[10]

Name

12
Trigger
Enable

11
GtoB

10
Rx data ready
/Senc Mode

[9:6]

[5:0]
PositionBits/
Resolution

Description

Reserved and always reads zero.
Parity Type of the received data:
Parity Type
00=None
10=Even
01=Odd
11=Reserved
Trigger Mode to initiate communication:
0= continuous trigger
Trigger Mode 1= one-shot trigger
All triggers occur at the defined Phase/Servo clock edge and
delay setting.
0= disabled
1= enabled
Trigger Enable This bit must be set for either trigger mode. If the Trigger
Mode bit is set for one-shot mode, the hardware will
automatically clear this bit after the trigger occurs.
Convert G to Gray code to Binary conversion: 0=Binary
B
1=Gray
This read-only bit provides the received data status. It is low
while the interface logic is communicating (busy) with the
RxData Ready
serial encoder. It is high when all the data has been received
and processed.
This write-only bit is used to enable the output drivers for
SENC_MODE the SENC_SDO, SENC_CLK, SENC_ENA pins for each
respective channel.
Reserved
Reserved and always reads zero.
This bit field is used to define the number of position data
Position Bits bits or encoder resolution:
Range is 12 – 32 (001100 –100000)

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57

Brick Controller User Manual

SSI Data Registers
The SSI data is conveyed into 4 memory locations; Serial Encoder Data A, B, C, and D.
The Serial Encoder Data A register holds the 24 bits of the encoder position data. If the data exceeds the
24 available bits in this register, the upper overflow bits are LSB justified and readable in the Serial
Encoder Data B, which also holds the parity error flag.
Serial Encoder Data C, and D registers are reserved and always read zero.

23
Parity Err

Serial Encoder Data B
[22:08]
[07:0]
Position Data [31:24]

Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4
Channel 5
Channel 6
Channel 7
Channel 8

SSI Encoder Data A
Y:$78B20
Y:$78B24
Y:$78B28
Y:$78B2C
Y:$78B30
Y:$78B34
Y:$78B38
Y:$78B3C

Serial Encoder Data A
[23:0]
Position Data [23:0]

SSI Encoder Data B
Y:$78B21
Y:$78B25
Y:$78B29
Y:$78B2D
Y:$78B31
Y:$78B35
Y:$78B39
Y:$78B3D

Data Registers C and D are listed here for future use and documentation purposes only. They do not
pertain to the SSI setup and always read zero.

Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4
Channel 5
Channel 6
Channel 7
Channel 8

PinOuts and Software Setup

SSI Encoder Data C
Y:$78B22
Y:$78B26
Y:$78B2A
Y:$78B2E
Y:$78B32
Y:$78B36
Y:$78B3A
Y:$78B3E

SSI Encoder Data D
Y:$78B23
Y:$78B27
Y:$78B28
Y:$78B2F
Y:$78B33
Y:$78B37
Y:$78B38
Y:$78B3F

58

Brick Controller User Manual

SSI Control Registers Setup Example
Channel 1 is driving a 25-bit (13-bit Singleturn, 12-bit Multiturn) SSI encoder. The encoder outputs
binary data with no parity, and requires a 1 MHz serial clock.

Global Control Register
The Global Control register is a 24-bit hexadecimal word which is set up as follows:
=0 Rising Edge
=1 Falling Edge

=0 Trigger on Phase
=1 Trigger on Servo

0

clock

Edge

23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

Description:
Bit #:
Binary:

$2 for
SSI

Typically =0

M Divisor

1

Hex ($):

1

0

0

N Divisor

0

6

1

1

0

0

3

Field
M divisor
N divisor
Trigger clock
Trigger Edge
Trigger Delay
Protocol Code

Value
=99
=0
=0
=0
=0
=2

0

0

0

0

0

0

Trigger Delay

0

Protocol

0

2

Notes

Global Control Word

Hex 0x63
Hex 0x0
Trigger on Phase (recommended)
Rising edge (recommended)
No delay (typical)
Hex 0x2, SSI protocol

$630002

Channel Control Register
The Channel Control register is a 24-bit hexadecimal word which is set up as follows:
=0 Disabled
=1 Enabled

Bit #:
Binary:
Hex ($):

Parity
Type

Trigger
Mode
Trigger
Enable

Reserved
(always 0)

Description:

=0 Continuous
=1 One shot

=0 Disabled
=1 Enabled

0

Senc
Mode

=00 None
=01 Odd
=10 Even

Encoder Resolution
(ST+MT)

Reserved
(always 0)

Bit Length

23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

PinOuts and Software Setup

0

0

0
0

0

0

0

0
1

1

0

1
4

1

9

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Field
Parity Type
Trigger Mode
Trigger Enable
Gray / Binary
Data Ready / Senc Mode
Protocol Bits

Value
=0
=0
=1
=0
=1
=25

Notes

Channel Control Word

Hex 0x00
Continuous trigger (typical)
Enable
Binary
Enable serial driver
Hex 0x19

$001419

Control Registers Power-On PLC
The global and channel control words have to be executed once on power-up:
//=========================== NOTES ABOUT THIS PLC EXAMPLE ================================//
// This PLC example utilizes: - M5990 through M5991
//
- Coordinate system 1 Timer 1
// Make sure that current and/or future configurations do not create conflicts with
// these parameters.
//=========================================================================================//
M5990..5991->* ; Self-referenced M-Variables
M5990..5991=0 ; Reset at download
//========================= GLOBAL CONTROL REGISTERS ======================================//
#define SSIGlobalCtrl1_4
M5990
; Channels 1-4 SSI global control register
SSIGlobalCtrl1_4->X:$78B2F,0,24,U
; Channels 1-4 SSI global control register address
//======================== CHANNEL CONTROL REGISTERS ======================================//
#define Ch1SSICtrl
M5991
; Channel 1 SSI control register
Ch1SSICtrl->X:$78B20,0,24,U ; Channel 1 SSI control register Address
//========= POWER-ON PLC EXAMPLE, GLOBAL & CHANNEL CONTROL REGISTERS ======================//
Open PLC 1 Clear
SSIGlobalCtrl1_4=$630002
; Trigger at Phase, 1 MHz serial Clock (M=99, N=0)–User Input
Ch1SSICtrl=$001419
; Channel 1 SSI control register –User Input
I5111=500*8388608/I10 while(I5111>0) endw
; ½ sec delay
Dis plc 1
; Execute once on power-up or reset
Close
//=========================================================================================//

PinOuts and Software Setup

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Brick Controller User Manual

X1-X8: Encoder Feedback, EnDat 2.1/2.2
8

X1-X8: D-sub DA-15F
Mating: D-Sub DA-15M
Pin #

Symbol

Function

4

EncPwr

Output

5

Data-

Input

6

Clock-

Output

12

GND

Common

13

Clock+

Output

14

Data+

Input

7
15

6
14

5
13

4
12

3
11

2
10

1
9

Notes

1
2
3
Encoder Power 5 Volts
Data- packet
Serial Encoder Clock-

7
8
9
10
11
Common Ground
Serial Encoder Clock+
Data+ Packet

15

Note

 Some EnDat devices require 24V power which has to be brought
in externally. Pins 4, and 12 are unused in this case, leave floating.
 Hardware capture is not available with Serial encoders

Configuring EnDat
Configuring the EnDat protocol requires the programming of two essential control registers:



Global Control Registers
Channel Control Registers

The resulting data is found in:


EnDat Data Registers

PinOuts and Software Setup

61

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Global Control Registers
X:$78BnF (default value: $002003)

where n=2 for axes 1-4
n=3 for axes 5-8

Axes 1-4
Axes 5-8

Global Control Register
X:$78B2F
X:$78B3F

The Global Control register is used to program the serial encoder interface clock frequency. SENC_CLK
is the serial data clock transmitted from the Brick to the encoder. It is used by the encoder to clock in data
transmitted from the Brick, and clock out data from the encoder:

M

N

Serial Clock Frequency

0 0
4.0 MHz
0 2
1.0 MHz
0 3
500 KHz
0 4
250 KHz
… …
…
Default Settings M=0, N=2 => 1 MHz transfer rate
There are two external trigger sources; phase and servo. Bits [9:8] in the Global Control register are used
to select the source and active edge to use as the internal serial encoder trigger. The internal trigger is
used by all four channels to initiate communication with the encoder. To compensate for external system
delays, this trigger has a programmable 4-bit delay setting in 20 μsec increments.
23--16

15--12

M_Divisor

N_Divisor

Bit

Type Default

[23:16]

R/W

0x00

[15:12]

R/W

0x2

[11:10]

R

00

[09]

R/W

0

[08]

R/W

0

[07:04]

R/W

0x0

[03:00]

R

0x3

11

10

9

8

Trigger Clock

Trigger Edge

7

6

5

4

Trigger Delay

3

2

1

0

Protocol Code

Description
Intermediate clock frequency for SER_Clock. The
M_Divisor
intermediate clock is generated from a (M+1) divider clocked
at 100 MHz.
Final clock frequency for SER_Clock. The final clock is
N
N_Divisor
generated from a 2 divider clocked by the intermediate
clock.
Reserved
Reserved and always reads zero.
Trigger clock select: 0= PhaseClock
TriggerClock
1= ServoClock
Active clock edge select: 0= rising edge
TriggerEdge
1= falling edge
Trigger delay program relative to the active edge of the
TriggerDelay
trigger clock. Units are in increments of 20 usec.
This read-only bit field is used to read the serial encoder
ProtocolCode interface protocol supported by the FPGA. A value of 0x3
defines this protocol as EnDat.

PinOuts and Software Setup

Name

62

Brick Controller User Manual

Channel Control Registers
X:$78Bn0, X:$78Bn4, X:$78Bn8, X:$78BnC
Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4

where: n=2 for axes 1-4
n=3 for axes 5-8

X:$78B20
X:$78B24
X:$78B28
X:$78B2C

Channel 5
Channel 6
Channel 7
Channel 8

X:$78B30
X:$78B34
X:$78B38
X:$78B3C

Each channel has its own Serial Encoder Command Control Register defining functionality parameters.
Parameters such as setting the number of position bits in the serial bit stream, enabling/disabling channels
through the SENC_MODE (when this bit is cleared, the serial encoder pins of that channel are tri-stated),
enabling/disabling communication with the encoder using the trigger control bit.
23 22

Bit

[21:16]
15 14
Command
Code
Type Default

13
Trigger
Mode
Name

[23:22]

R

0x000

Reserved

[21:16]

R

0x00

Command
Code

[15:14]

R

00

Reserved

R/W

0

Trigger Mode

[12]

R/W

0

Trigger Enable

[11]

R/W

0

Reserved

R

0

RxData Ready

W

0

SENC_MODE

[09:06]

R

0x0

Reserved

[05:00]

W

0x00

Position Bits

[13]

[10]

PinOuts and Software Setup

12
Trigger
Enable

11

10
Rxdata ready
/Senc Mode

[9:6]

[5:0]
PositionBits/
Resolution

Description
Reserved and always reads zero.
($38) 111000 – Encoder to Send Position (EnDat2.2 only)
($15) 010101 – Encoder to Receive Reset (EnDat2.2 only)
($07) 000111 – Encoder to Send Position (EnDat 2.1 & 2.2)
($2A)101010 – Encoder to Receive Reset (EnDat 2.1 & 2.2)
Reserved and always reads zero.
Trigger Mode: 0= continuous trigger
1= one-shot trigger
All triggers occur at the defined Phase/Servo clock edge and
delay setting. See Global Control register for these
settings.
Enable trigger: 0= disabled
1= enabled
This bit must be set for either trigger mode. If the Trigger
Mode bit is set for one-shot mode, the hardware will
automatically clear this bit after the trigger occurs.
Reserved and always reads zero.
This read-only bit provides the received data status. It is low
while the interface logic is communicating (busy) with the
serial encoder. It is high when all the data has been received
and processed.
This write-only bit is used to enable the output drivers for
the SENC_SDO, SENC_CLK, SENC_ENA pins for each
respective channel.
Reserved and always reads zero.
This bit field is used to define the number of position data
bits or encoder resolution:
Range is 12 – 40 (001100 –101000)

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Brick Controller User Manual

EnDat Data Registers
The EnDat data is conveyed into 4 memory locations; EnDat Data A, B, C, and D.
The EnDat Data A register holds the 24 bits of the encoder position data. If the data exceeds the 24
available bits in this register, the upper overflow bits are LSB justified and readable in the EnDat Data B
register, which also holds error flags. The error bit flag is always returned by the encoder, except for a
Reset command. The CRC error bit is set if the return data fails the CRC verification. The timeout error
flag is set if the SEIGATE3 does not receive a response from the encoder.
EnDat Data C, and D registers are reserved and always read zero.

23
TimeOut Err

22
CRC Err

EnDat Data B
21
[20:16]
Err flag

Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4
Channel 5
Channel 6
Channel 7
Channel 8

[15:0]
Position Data [39:24]

EnDat Data A
Y:$78B20
Y:$78B24
Y:$78B28
Y:$78B2C
Y:$78B30
Y:$78B34
Y:$78B38
Y:$78B3C

EnDat Data A
[23:0]
Position Data [23:0]

EnDat Data B
Y:$78B21
Y:$78B25
Y:$78B29
Y:$78B2D
Y:$78B31
Y:$78B35
Y:$78B39
Y:$78B3D

EnDat Registers C and D are listed here for future use and documentation purposes only. They do not
pertain to the EnDat setup and always read zero.

Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4
Channel 5
Channel 6
Channel 7
Channel 8

PinOuts and Software Setup

EnDat Data C
Y:$78B22
Y:$78B26
Y:$78B2A
Y:$78B2E
Y:$78B32
Y:$78B36
Y:$78B3A
Y:$78B3E

EnDat Data D
Y:$78B23
Y:$78B27
Y:$78B28
Y:$78B2F
Y:$78B33
Y:$78B37
Y:$78B38
Y:$78B3F

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Brick Controller User Manual

EnDat Control Registers Setup Example
Channel 1 is driving a 37-bit (25-bit Singleturn, 12-bit Multiturn) EnDat 2.2 encoder. The encoder
requires a 4 MHz serial clock.

Global Control Register
The Global Control register is a 24-bit hexadecimal word which is set up as follows:
=0 Rising Edge
=1 Falling Edge

=0 Trigger on Phase
=1 Trigger on Servo

0

clock

Edge

23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

Description:
Bit #:
Binary:

$3 for
EnDat

Typically =0

M Divisor

0

Hex ($):

0

0

0

N Divisor

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Field
M divisor
N divisor
Trigger clock
Trigger Edge
Trigger Delay
Protocol Code

Value
=0
=0
=0
=0
=0
=3

0

0

0

0

0

0

Trigger Delay

0

Protocol

0

3

Notes

Global Control Word

Hex 0x00
Hex 0x0
Trigger on Phase (recommended)
Rising edge (recommended)
No delay (typical)
Hex 0x3, EnDat

$000003

Channel Control Register
The Channel Control register is a 24-bit hexadecimal word which is set up as follows:
=0 Disabled
=1 Enabled

Description:
Bit #:
Binary:
Hex ($):

0

0

Command Code

0

0

Trigger
Mode
Trigger
Enable

=0 Continuous
=1 One shot

=000111 ($07) Send Position (EnDat 2.1 / 2.2)
=101010 ($2A) Reset (EnDat 2.1 / 2.2)

=0 Disabled
=1 Enabled

0

Senc
Mode

=111000 ($38) Send Position (EnDat 2.2 only)
=010101 ($15) Reset (EnDat 2.2 only)

Encoder Resolution
(ST+MT)

Reserved
(always 0)

Bit Length
(Resolution)

23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

1

0

1

0

1

1

3

PinOuts and Software Setup

1

0

0
8

0

0

0

0
1

1

0

1
4

2

5

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Brick Controller User Manual

Field

Value

Notes

Command code

=$38

Hex 0x38 for EnDat 2.2 only

Trigger Mode

=0

Continuous trigger (typical)

Trigger Enable

=1

Enable

Data Ready / Senc Mode =1

Enable serial driver

Protocol Bits

Hex 0x25

=37

Channel Control Word

$381425

Control Registers Power-On PLC
The Global and Channel Control words have to be executed once on power-up
//=========================== NOTES ABOUT THIS PLC EXAMPLE ================================//
// This PLC example utilizes: - M5990 through M5991
//
- Coordinate system 1 Timer 1
// Make sure that current and/or future configurations do not create conflicts with
// these parameters.
//=========================================================================================//
M5990..5991->* ; Self-referenced M-Variables
M5990..5991=0 ; Reset at download
//========================= GLOBAL CONTROL REGISTERS ======================================//
#define EnDatGlobalCtrl1_4
M5990
; Channels 1-4 EnDat global control register
EnDatGlobalCtrl1_4->X:$78B2F,0,24,U
; Channels 1-4 EnDat global control register address
//======================== CHANNEL CONTROL REGISTERS ======================================//
#define Ch1EnDatCtrl
M5991
; Channel 1 EnDat control register
Ch1EnDatCtrl->X:$78B20,0,24,U ; Channel 1 EnDat control register Address
//========= POWER-ON PLC EXAMPLE, GLOBAL & CHANNEL CONTROL REGISTERS ======================//
Open PLC 1 Clear
EnDatGlobalCtrl1_4=$3 ; Trigger at Phase, 4MHz serial Clock –User Input
Ch1EnDatCtrl=$381425
; Channel 1 EnDat control register –User Input
I5111=500*8388608/I10 while(I5111>0) endw
; ½ sec delay
Dis plc 1
; Execute once on power-up or reset
Close
//=========================================================================================//

Note

Some EnDat2.2 Encoders do not support additional information with
the $38 (111000) command code. Try using $07 (000111) command
code if you cannot see data in the Serial Data Register A, or in the
position window (after setting up the Encoder Conversion Table).

PinOuts and Software Setup

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X1-X8: Encoder Feedback, BiSS C/B
8

X1-X8: D-sub DA-15F
Mating: D-Sub DA-15M
Pin #

Symbol

Function

4

EncPwr

Output

5

Data-

Input/Output

6

Clock-

Output

12

GND

Common

13

Clock+

Output

14

Data+

Input/Output

7
15

6
14

5
13

4
12

3
11

2
10

1
9

Notes

1
2
3
Encoder Power 5 Volts
Data- packet, SLOSerial Encoder Clock-, MO-

7
8
9
10
11
Common Ground
Serial Encoder Clock+ , MO+
Data+ Packet, SLO+

15

Note

 Some BiSS devices require 24V power which has to be brought in
externally. Pins 4, and 12 are unused in this case, leave floating.
 Hardware capture is not available with Serial encoders

Configuring BiSS
Configuring the BiSS protocol requires the programming of two essential control registers:



Global Control Registers
Channel Control Registers

The resulting data is found in:


BiSS-C/BiSS-B Data Registers

PinOuts and Software Setup

67

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Global Control Registers
X:$78BnF (default value: $18000B)

where n=2 for axes 1-4
n=3 for axes 5-8
Global Control Register
X:$78B2F
X:$78B3F

Axes 1-4
Axes 5-8

The Global Control register is used to program the serial encoder interface clock frequency SER_Clock
and configure the serial encoder interface trigger clock. SER_Clock is generated from a two-stage divider
clocked at 100 MHz as follows:

M

N

Clock Frequency

49 0 2.0 MHz
99 0 1.0 MHz
99 1 500.0 KHz
99 2 250.0 KHz
… …
Default Settings: M=24, N=0 => 4 MHz transfer rates
There are two external trigger sources; phase and servo. Bits [9:8] in the Global Control register are used
to select the source and active edge to use as the internal serial encoder trigger. The internal trigger is
used by all four channels to initiate communication with the encoder. To compensate for external system
delays, this trigger has a programmable 4-bit delay setting in 20 μsec increments.
23--16

15--12

M_Divisor

N_Divisor

Bit

11

Type Default

10

9

8

Trigger Clock

Trigger Edge

Name

7

6

5

4

Trigger Delay

3

2

1

0

Protocol Code

Description
Intermediate clock frequency for SER_Clock. The
intermediate clock is generated from a (M+1) divider clocked
at 100 MHz.
Final clock frequency for SER_Clock. The final clock is
generated from a 2 N divider clocked by the intermediate
clock.
Reserved and always reads zero.
Trigger clock select: 0= PhaseClock
1= ServoClock
Active clock edge select: 0= rising edge
1= falling edge
Trigger delay program relative to the active edge of the
trigger clock. Units are in increments of 20 usec.

[23:16]

R/W

0x18

M_Divisor

[15:12]

R/W

0x0

N_Divisor

[11:10]

R

00

Reserved

[09]

R/W

0

TriggerClock

[08]

R/W

0

TriggerEdge

[07:04]

R/W

0x0

TriggerDelay

[03:00]

R

0xB

ProtocolCode protocol supported by the FPGA. A value of $B defines this

This read-only bit field is used to read the serial encoder interface
protocol as BiSS.

PinOuts and Software Setup

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Channel Control Registers
X:$78Bn0, X:$78Bn4, X:$78Bn8, X:$78BnC
Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4

where: n=2 for axes 1-4
n=3 for axes 5-8

X:$78B20
X:$78B24
X:$78B28
X:$78B2C

Channel 5
Channel 6
Channel 7
Channel 8

X:$78B30
X:$78B34
X:$78B38
X:$78B3C

Each channel has its own Serial Encoder Command Control Register defining functionality parameters.
Parameters such as setting the number of position bits in the serial bit stream, enabling/disabling channels
through the SENC_MODE (when this bit is cleared, the serial encoder pins of that channel are tri-stated),
enabling/disabling communication with the encoder using the trigger control bit.
[23:16]
CRC
Mask

15
=0 BiSS-C
=1 BiSS-B

Bit

Type Default

14
MCD

13
Trigger
Mode

Name

[23:16]

R/W

0x21

CRC_Mask

[15]

R/W

0

BiSS B/C

[14]

R/W

0

MCD

[13]

R/W

0

Trigger Mode

[12]

R/W

0

Trigger
Enable

0

Reserved

0

RxData Ready

[11]
[10]

R

PinOuts and Software Setup

12
Trigger
Enable

11

10
Rxdataready
SencMode

9

[8:6]
Status
Bits

[5:0]
PositionBits/
Resolution

Description
This bit field is used to define the CRC polynomial used for the
position and status data. The 8-bit mask is to define any 4-bit to 8bit CRC polynomial. The mask bits M[7:0] represent the
coefficients [8:1], respectively, in the polynomial: M7x8 +M6x7 +
M5x6 + M4x5 + M3x4 + M2x3 + M1x2 + M0x1 + 1. The coefficient for
x0 is always 1 and therefore not included in the mask. An all zero
mask indicates no CRC bits in the encoder data. Most common
setting:
($21) 00100001 = x6 + x1 + 1 (typical for Renishaw)
($09) 00001001 = x4 + x1 + 1

This bit is used to select the BiSS protocol mode
(=0 BiSS-C, =1 BiSS-B)
This bit is used to enable support for the optional MCD bit
in BiSS-B mode. Setting this bit has no effect if the BiSS-B
mode is not selected.
Trigger Mode to initiate communication:
0= continuous trigger
1= one-shot trigger
All triggers occur at the defined Phase/Servo clock edge and
delay setting.
0= disabled
1= enabled
This bit must be set for either trigger mode. If the Trigger
Mode bit is set for one-shot mode, the hardware will
automatically clear this bit after the trigger occurs.
Reserved and always reads zero.
This read-only bit provides the received data status. It is low
while the interface logic is communicating (busy) with the
serial encoder. It is high when all the data has been received
and processed.

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Brick Controller User Manual

W
[09]
[08:06]

[05:00]

0
0x0

R/W

W

This write-only bit is used to enable the output drivers for
SENC_MODE the SENC_SDO, SENC_CLK, SENC_ENA pins for each
respective channel.
Reserved
Reserved and always reads zero.
Status
Bits

000

0x00

Position Bits

This bit field is used to define the number of status bits in the
encoder data. The valid range of settings is 0 – 6 (000 – 110). The
status bits are assumed to always follow after the position data and
before the CRC.

This bit field is used to define the number of position data
bits or encoder resolution:
Range is 12 – 40 (001100 –101000)
The position bits are assumed to be in binary MSB-first format:
$12 for 18-bit | $1A for 26-bit | $20 for 32-bit

BiSS Data Registers
The BiSS data is conveyed into 4 memory locations; Serial Encoder Data A, B, C, and D.
The Serial Encoder Data A register holds the 24 bits of the encoder position data. If the data exceeds the
24 available bits in this register, the upper overflow bits are LSB justified and readable in the Serial
Encoder Data B, which also holds status and error bits. Serial Encoder Data C, and D registers are
reserved and always read zero.

23
TimeOut Err

22
CRC Err

BiSS Data B
[21:16]
Status Data

Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4
Channel 5
Channel 6
Channel 7
Channel 8

[15:0]
Position Data [39:24]

BiSS Encoder Data A
Y:$78B20
Y:$78B24
Y:$78B28
Y:$78B2C
Y:$78B30
Y:$78B34
Y:$78B38
Y:$78B3C

BiSS Data A
[23:0]
Position Data [23:0]

BiSS Encoder Data B
Y:$78B21
Y:$78B25
Y:$78B29
Y:$78B2D
Y:$78B31
Y:$78B35
Y:$78B39
Y:$78B3D

Data Registers C and D are listed here for future use and documentation purposes only. They do not
pertain to the BiSS setup and always read zero.

Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4
Channel 5
Channel 6
Channel 7
Channel 8

PinOuts and Software Setup

BiSS Encoder Data C BiSS Encoder Data D
Y:$78B22
Y:$78B23
Y:$78B26
Y:$78B27
Y:$78B2A
Y:$78B28
Y:$78B2E
Y:$78B2F
Y:$78B32
Y:$78B33
Y:$78B36
Y:$78B37
Y:$78B3A
Y:$78B38
Y:$78B3E
Y:$78B3F

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BiSS Control Registers Setup Example
Channel 1 is driving an 18-bit Renishaw resolute BiSS-C encoder. The encoder requires a 1 MHz serial
clock, and has 2 status bits.

Global Control Register
The Global Control register is a 24-bit hexadecimal word which is set up as follows:
=0 Rising Edge
=1 Falling Edge

=0 Trigger on Phase
=1 Trigger on Servo

0

clock

Edge

23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

1

1

Description:
Bit #:

$B for
BiSS

Typically =0

M Divisor

Binary:

1

Hex:

1

0

0

N Divisor

0

6

1

0

0

0

3

Field
M divisor
N divisor
Trigger clock
Trigger Edge
Trigger Delay
Protocol Code

Value
=99
=0
=0
=0
=0
=11

0

0

0

0

0

0

Trigger Delay

0

Protocol

0

B

Notes

Global Control Word

Hex 0x63
Hex 0x0
Trigger on Phase (recommended)
Rising edge (recommended)
No delay (typical)
Hex 0xB, BiSS protocol

$63000B

Channel Control Register
The Channel Control register is a 24-bit hexadecimal word set up as follows:
Number Of
Status Bits

MCD
=0 Disabled
(BiSS-B only) =1 Enabled

Bit #:
Binary:
Hex ($):

0

Senc
Mode

MCD

CRC Mask

Trigger
Mode
Trigger
Enable

Description:

=0 Continuous =0 Disabled
=1 One shot
=1 Enabled

BiSS
Type

=0 BiSS-C
=1 BiSS-B

Encoder Resolution
(ST+MT)

0

Bit Length
(Resolution)

Status

23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

1

0

0

1

0

0

1

0

2

PinOuts and Software Setup

0

0

0
1

1

0

0

0
1

1

0

1
4

9

2

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Field
CRC Mask
BiSS Type
Trigger Mode
Trigger Enable
Data Ready / Senc Mode
Status Bits
Protocol Bits

Value
=33
=0
=0
=1
=1
=2
=18

Notes
Channel Control Word
Hex 0x21 typical for Renishaw
for BiSS-C
Continuous trigger (typical)
Enable
$211492
Enable serial driver
Binary 010
Binary 010010

Control Registers Power-On PLC
The Global and Channel Control words have to be executed once on power-up
//=========================== NOTES ABOUT THIS PLC EXAMPLE ================================//
// This PLC example utilizes: - M5990 through M5991
//
- Coordinate system 1 Timer 1
// Make sure that current and/or future configurations do not create conflicts with
// these parameters.
//=========================================================================================//
M5990..5991->* ; Self-referenced M-Variables
M5990..5991=0 ; Reset at download
//========================= GLOBAL CONTROL REGISTERS ======================================//
#define SSIGlobalCtrl1_4
M5990
; Channels 1-4 BiSS global control register
SSIGlobalCtrl1_4->X:$78B2F,0,24,U
; Channels 1-4 BiSS global control register address
//======================== CHANNEL CONTROL REGISTERS ======================================//
#define Ch1SSICtrl
M5991
; Channel 1 BiSS control register
Ch1SSICtrl->X:$78B20,0,24,U
; Channel 1 BiSS control register Address
//========= POWER-ON PLC EXAMPLE, GLOBAL & CHANNEL CONTROL REGISTERS ======================//
Open PLC 1 Clear
SSIGlobalCtrl1_4=$63000B
; Trigger at Phase, 1 MHz serial Clock (M=99, N=0) –User Input
Ch1SSICtrl=$211492
; Channel 1, BiSS-C protocol, 18-bit resolution
–User Input
I5111=500*8388608/I10 while(I5111>0) endw
; ½ sec delay
Dis plc 1
; Execute once on power-up or reset
Close
//=========================================================================================//

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Setting up SSI | EnDat | BiSS
With the Brick Controller, the absolute serial encoder data is brought in as an unfiltered parallel Y-word
into the Encoder Conversion Table (ECT) where it is processed for the PMAC to use for on-going
position in the motor servo-loop, and power-on absolute position.
In general, encoder data is left-shifted 5 bits in the ECT to provide fractional data. This process can cause
saturation of certain registers with higher resolution absolute serial encoders, thus for this type of
encoders, it is recommended to process the data as unshifted.
Details about registers’ overflow and examples can be found in the
appendix section.
Note
The following flowchart summarizes the recommended method to use, regardless of the Multiturn (MT)
data specification. It is only dependent on the Singleturn (ST) resolution (for rotary encoders) or protocol
resolution (for linear scales).
Technique 1

NO
Start Here
ST
Encoder Resolution
≥ 19 bits

NO

ST
Encoder Resolution
≥ 24 bits

YES

Technique 2

YES

Technique 3

Technique 1
This technique places the Least Significant Bit (LSB) of the serial data in bit 5 of the result register
providing the 5 bits of “non-existent” fraction.

Technique 2
This technique places the LSB of the serial data in bit 0 of the result register, creating no fractional bits.

Technique 3
This technique processes the data for position similarly to Technique 1.

Note

Some applications may require deviating from the suggested setup
methods (e.g. extremely high resolution and speed requirements).
Contact Delta Tau for assistance with these special cases.

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Setup Summary
Encoder Conversion Table Processing:
Process

Technique 1

Technique 2

Technique 3

ECT for
Position

From serial register A,
5-bit shift

From serial register A,
no shift

From serial register A,
5-bit shift

ST is the Singleturn resolution (in bits) for rotary encoders. Similarly,
this would be the protocol resolution (in bits) for linear scales.
Note
The position and velocity pointers are then assigned to the “ECT for position” result:
Parameter
Technique 1/2/3
Position (Ixx03)

@ ECT position result

Velocity (Ixx04)

@ ECT position result (typically, with single source feedback)

Resolution Scale Factor (SF)
Parameter
Resolution
Scale Factor SF
Where ST:
RES:

Encoder Type

Technique 1/3

Technique 2

Rotary
[counts/rev]

= 2ST

= 2ST-5 = 2ST/32

Linear
[counts/user units]

= 1/RES

= 1/(32*RES)

is the rotary encoder Singleturn resolution in bits
is the linear scale resolution, in user units (e.g. mm)

Position And Velocity Scale Factors, Position Error Limit
With technique 2, and technique 3 (encoder resolutions greater than 20 bits), it is recommended to set the
position and velocity scale factors to equal 1 and increase the position error limit. Otherwise, default
values should be ok for all other cases. This alleviates register saturation(s), allows for higher commanded
speed settings and easier PID (position-loop) tuning:
Parameter(s)

Technique 1

Technique 2

Ixx08, Ixx09

= 96

=1

Ixx67

Default

= 8388607

Technique 3
= 96
for ST < 20
=1
for ST ≥ 20
= Default
for ST < 20
= 8388607
for ST ≥ 20

Absolute Power-On Position
Process

Technique 1

Technique 2

Technique 3

Absolute Position Read

From serial register A,
automatic settings

From serial register A,
scaling required

From serial register A,
automatic settings

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Technique 1 Example
Channel 1 is driving a 25-bit (13-bit Singleturn, 12-bit Multiturn) rotary serial encoder, or a linear scale
with similar protocol resolution (13 bits, 1 micron).

Encoder Conversion Table - for position (Technique 1)







Conversion Type: Parallel pos from Y word with no filtering
Width in Bits: Singleturn/absolute resolution in bits (e.g. 13 bits)
Offset Location of LSB: leave at zero
Normal Shift (5 bits to the left)
Source Address: serial data register A (see table below)
Remember to click on Download Entry for the changes to take effect.
Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4

Source Address ( Serial Data Register A)
Y:$78B20
Channel 5
Y:$78B30
Y:$78B24
Channel 6
Y:$78B34
Y:$78B28
Channel 7
Y:$78B38
Y:$78B2C
Channel 8
Y:$78B3C

This is a 2-line ECT entry, its equivalent script code:
I8000=$278B20
I8001=$00D000

; Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B20
; Width and Offset. Processed result at $3502

Typically, the position and velocity pointers are set to the processed data address (e.g. $3502):
I100=1
I103=$3502
I104=$3502

; Mtr#1 Active. Remember to activate the channel to see feedback
; Mtr#1 position loop feedback address
; Mtr#1 velocity loop feedback address

At this point, you should be able to move the motor/encoder shaft by
hand and see ‘motor’ counts in the position window.
Note

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Counts Per User Units (Technique 1)
With technique 1, the user should expect to see 2ST counts per revolution for rotary encoders, and
1/Resolution counts per user unit for linear scales in the motor position window.
25-bit rotary encoder (13-bit Singleturn): 213= 8,192 cts/rev
1-micron linear scale: 1/0.001= 1,000 cts/mm

Examples:

Absolute Power-On Position Read (Technique 1)
With Technique 1, the absolute power-on read can be performed using PMAC’s automatic settings
(Ixx80, Ixx10 and Ixx95).
Example 1: Channel 1 driving a 25-bit (13-bit single turn, 12-bit multi-turn) rotary serial encoder:
I180=2
I110=$78B20
I195=$990000

; Absolute power-on read enabled
; Absolute power-on position address (ch1 serial data register A)
; Parallel Read, 25 bits, Signed, from Y-Register –User Input

Bit 22: =1 X-Register
=0 Y-Register
Bit 23: =1 Signed
=0 Unsigned
Ixx95

Binary: 1
Hex($):

Bits16-21: Number of Bits to read
(Resolution 25 bits or 011001 )
0

0

1

1

0

9

0

1

0

0

9

0

0

Bits 0-15: reserved
(always 0)
0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

In this mode, PMAC reads and reports 25 bits from the consecutive serial data registers:
Serial Register B
(Ch1 Y:$78B21)

Serial Register A
(Ch1 Y:$78B20)
25 bits

47

23

0

With the setting of Ixx80=2, the actual position is reported automatically on Power-up. Otherwise, a #1$*
command is necessary to read and report the absolute position.
Example 2: Channel 1 driving an 18-bit (18-bit Singleturn, No Multiturn) absolute rotary serial encoder,
or a similar protocol resolution (18 bits) linear scale:
I180=2
I110=$78B20
I195=$120000

; Absolute power-on read enabled
; Absolute power-on position address (ch1 serial data register A)
; Parallel Read, 18 bits, Unsigned, from Y-Register –User Input

Bit 22: =1 X-Register
=0 Y-Register
Bit 23: =1 Signed
=0 Unsigned
Ixx95

Binary: 0
Hex($):

Bits16-21: Number of Bits to read
(Resolution 18 bits or 010010 )
0

0
1

PinOuts and Software Setup

1

0

0

1
2

0

0

0

0
0

0

Bits 0-15: reserved
(always 0)
0

0

0
0

0

0

0

0
0

0

0

0

0

0

0

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In this mode, PMAC reads and reports 18 bits from the first serial data register:
Serial Data Register B
(Ch1 Y:$78B21)
47

Serial Data Register A
(Ch1 Y:$78B20)
18 bits
23

0

With this setting of Ixx80=2, the actual position is reported automatically on Power-up. Otherwise, a
#1$* command is necessary to read and report the absolute position.

With absolute serial encoders (no multi-turn data), the power-on
position format is set up for unsigned operation.
Note

The upper two fields in Ixx95 are the only relevant ones. Bits 0
through 15 are reserved and should always be set to 0.
Note

Note

Some serial encoders use an external (not from the Brick) source for
power. Make sure that this power is applied prior to performing an
absolute read on power-up.

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Technique 2 Example
Channel 1 is driving a 37-bit (25-bit Singleturn, 12-bit Multiturn) rotary serial encoder, or a linear scale
with similar protocol resolution (25 bits, 10 nanometer).

Encoder Conversion Table – for position (Technique 2)







Conversion Type: Parallel pos from Y word with no filtering
Width in Bits: Singleturn/absolute resolution in bits (e.g. 25 bits)
Offset Location of LSB: leave at zero
No shifting
Source Address: serial data register A (see table below)
Remember to click on Download Entry for the changes to take effect.
Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4

Source Address (serial data register A)
Y:$78B20
Y:$78B30
Channel 5
Y:$78B24
Y:$78B34
Channel 6
Y:$78B28
Y:$78B38
Channel 7
Y:$78B2C
Y:$78B3C
Channel 8

This is a 2-line ECT entry, its equivalent script code:
I8000=$2F8B20
I8001=$19000

; Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B20
; Width and Offset. Processed result at $3502

Typically, the position and velocity pointers are set to the processed data address (e.g. $3502). Also, with
technique 2, it is recommended to set the position and velocity scale factors to 1 and the position error
limit to its maximum value:
I100=1
I103=$3502
I104=$3502
I108=1
I109=1
I167=8388607

;
;
;
;
;
;

Mtr#1
Mtr#1
Mtr#1
Mtr#1
Mtr#1
Mtr#1

PinOuts and Software Setup

Active. Remember to activate the channel to see feedback
position loop feedback address
velocity loop feedback address
position-loop scale factor
velocity-loop scale factor
Position Error Limit

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At this point, you should be able to move the motor/encoder shaft by
hand and see ‘motor’ counts in the position window
Note

Counts Per User Units (Technique 2)
With technique 2, the user should expect to see 2ST-5= 2ST/32 counts per revolution for rotary encoders,
and 1/(32*Resolution) counts per user unit for linear scales in the motor position window.
Examples:

37-bit rotary encoder (25-bit Singleturn): 225/32= 1,048,576 cts/rev
10-nanometer linear scale: 1/(32*0.000010)= 3,125 cts/mm

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Absolute Power-On Position Read (Technique 2)
With technique 2, the absolute power-on position can be read directly from the serial data registers. But,
proper scaling (5-bit right shift, in a PLC) is required to conform to the unshifted on-going position.
Example 1: Channel 1 driving a 37-bit (25-bit single turn, 12-bit multi-turn) rotary serial encoder:
I180=0
I110=$78B20
I195=$A50000

; Absolute power-on read disabled
; Absolute power-on position address (ch1 serial data register A)
; Parallel Read, 37 bits, Signed, from Y-Register –User Input

Bit 22: =1 X-Register
=0 Y-Register
Bit 23: =1 Signed
=0 Unsigned
Ixx95

Binary: 1
Hex($):

Bits16-21: Number of Bits to read
(Resolution 37 bits or 100101 )
0

1

0

0

1

A

0

1

0

0

5

0

0

Bits 0-15: reserved
(always 0)
0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

In this mode, PMAC reads 37 bits from the consecutive serial data registers:
Serial Register B
(Ch1 Y:$78B21)

Serial Register A
(Ch1 Y:$78B20)
37 bits

47

23

0

With the setting of Ixx80=0, the actual position is not reported automatically on power-up. It will be
reported after scaling (i.e. in PLC, below).
Example 2: Channel 1 driving a 25-bit (25-bit Singleturn, No Multiturn) absolute rotary serial encoder,
or a similar protocol resolution (25 bits) linear scale:
I180=0
I110=$78B20
I195=$190000

; Absolute power-on read disabled
; Absolute power-on position address (ch1 serial data register A)
; Parallel Read, 25 bits, Unsigned, from Y-Register –User Input

Bit 22: =1 X-Register
=0 Y-Register
Bit 23: =1 Signed
=0 Unsigned
Ixx95

Binary: 0
Hex($):

Bits16-21: Number of Bits to read
(Resolution 25 bits or 011001 )
0

0
1

1

1

0

0

1

0

0

9

0

0

Bits 0-15: reserved
(always 0)
0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

In this mode, PMAC reads 25 bits from the first serial data register:
Serial Data Register B
(Ch1 Y:$78B21)
47

Serial Data Register A
(Ch1 Y:$78B20)
25 bits
23

0

With the setting of Ixx80=0, the actual position is not reported automatically on power-up. It will be
reported after scaling (i.e. in PLC, below).

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With absolute serial encoders (no multi-turn data), the power-on
position format is set up for unsigned operation.
Note

The upper two fields in Ixx95 are the only relevant ones. Bits 0
through 15 are reserved and should always be set to 0.
Note
Power-On Position scaling PLC example (for technique 2)
M162->D:$00008B
Open PLC 1 clear
I5111=100*8388608/I10
CMD“#1K“
I5111=100*8388608/I10
CMD“#1$*“
I5111=100*8388608/I10
M162=M162/32
I5111=100*8388608/I10
Dis PLC 1
Close

Note

; #1 Actual position (Suggested M-Variable)
while(I5111>0) endw
while(I5111>0) endw
while(I5111>0) endw
while(I5111>0) endw

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

100 msec delay
Make sure motor(s) killed
100 msec delay
Read un-scaled absolute position
100 msec delay
Scale absolute position (shift right 5 bits)
100 msec delay
Run once on power-up or reset

Some serial encoders use an external (not from the Brick) source for
power. Make sure that this power is applied prior to performing an
absolute read on power-up.

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Technique 3 Example
Channel 1 is driving a 32-bit (20-bit Singleturn, 12-bit Multiturn) rotary serial encoder, or a linear scale
with similar protocol resolution (20 bits, 0.1 micron).

Encoder Conversion Table - for position (Technique 3)







Conversion Type: Parallel pos from Y word with no filtering
Width in Bits: Singleturn/absolute resolution in bits (e.g. 20 bits)
Offset Location of LSB: leave at zero
Normal Shift (5 bits to the left)
Source Address : serial data register A (see table below)
Remember to click on Download Entry for the changes to take effect.
Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4

Source Address ( serial data register A)
Y:$78B20
Y:$78B30
Channel 5
Y:$78B24
Y:$78B34
Channel 6
Y:$78B28
Y:$78B38
Channel 7
Y:$78B2C
Y:$78B3C
Channel 8

This is a 2-line ECT entry, its equivalent script code:
I8000=$278B20
I8001=$014000

; Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B20
; Width and Offset. Processed result at $3502

Typically, the position and velocity pointers are set to the processed data address (e.g. $3502). With
Singleturn or linear resolutions less than 20 bits, the position/velocity scale factors, and position error
limit can be left at default values. But with resolutions of 20 bits or greater, it is recommended to set the
scale factors to 1 and the position error limit to its maximum value:
I100=1
I103=$3502
I104=$3502
I108=1
I109=1
I167=8388607

;
;
;
;
;
;

Mtr#1
Mtr#1
Mtr#1
Mtr#1
Mtr#1
Mtr#1

PinOuts and Software Setup

Active. Remember to activate the channel to see feedback
position loop feedback address
velocity loop feedback address
position-loop scale factor
velocity-loop scale factor
Position Error Limit

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At this point, you should be able to move the motor/encoder shaft by
hand and see ‘motor’ counts in the position window.
Note

Counts Per User Units (Technique 3)
With technique 3, the user should expect to see 2ST counts per revolution for rotary encoders, and
1/Resolution counts per user unit for linear scales in the motor position window.
Examples:

32-bit rotary encoder (20-bit Singleturn): 220= 1,048,576 cts/rev
0.1-micron linear scale: 1/0.0001= 10,000 cts/mm

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Absolute Power-On Position Read (Technique 3)
With Technique 3, the absolute power-on read can be performed using PMAC’s automatic settings
(Ixx80, Ixx10 and Ixx95).
Example 1: Channel 1 driving a 32-bit (20-bit single turn, 12-bit multi-turn) rotary serial encoder:
I180=2
I110=$78B20
I195=$A00000

; Absolute power-on read enabled
; Absolute power-on position address (ch1 serial data register A)
; Parallel Read, 32 bits, Signed, from Y-Register –User Input

Bit 22: =1 X-Register
=0 Y-Register
Bit 23: =1 Signed
=0 Unsigned
Ixx95

Binary: 1
Hex($):

Bits16-21: Number of Bits to read
(Resolution 32 bits or 100000 )
0

1

0

0

0

A

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Bits 0-15: reserved
(always 0)
0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

In this mode, PMAC reads and reports 32 bits from the consecutive serial data registers:
Serial Data Register B
(Ch1 Y:$78B21)

Serial Data Register A
(Ch1 Y:$78B20)
32 bits

47

23

0

With the setting of Ixx80=2, the actual position is reported automatically on Power-up. Otherwise, a #1$*
command is necessary to read and report the absolute position.
Example 2: Channel 1 driving a 20-bit (20-bit Singleturn, No Multiturn) absolute rotary serial encoder,
or a similar protocol resolution (20 bits) linear scale:
I180=2
I110=$78B20
I195=$140000

; Absolute power-on read enabled
; Absolute power-on position address (ch1 serial data register A)
; Parallel Read, 20 bits, Unsigned, from Y-Register –User Input

Bit 22: =1 X-Register
=0 Y-Register
Bit 23: =1 Signed
=0 Unsigned
Ixx95

Binary: 0
Hex($):

Bits16-21: Number of Bits to read
(Resolution 20 bits or 010100 )
0

0
1

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

4

0
0

0

Bits 0-15: reserved
(always 0)
0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

In this mode, PMAC reads and reports 20 bits from the first serial data register:
Serial Data Register B
(Ch1 Y:$78B21)
47

Serial Data Register A
(Ch1 Y:$78B20)
20 bits
23

0

With the setting of Ixx80=2, the actual position is reported automatically on Power-up. Otherwise, a #1$*
command is necessary to read and report the absolute position.

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With absolute serial encoders (no multi-turn data), the power-on
position format is set up for unsigned operation.
Note

The upper two fields in Ixx95 are the only relevant ones. Bits 0
through 15 are reserved and should always be set to 0.
Note

Note

Some serial encoders use an external (not from the Brick) source for
power. Make sure that this power is applied prior to performing an
absolute read on power-up.

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X1-X8: Encoder Feedback, Yaskawa Sigma II & III
X1-X8: D-sub DA-15F
Mating: D-sub DA-15M
Pin #

Symbol

Function

4

EncPwr

Output

5

SDI

Input

GND

Common

SDO

Output

8

7
15

6
14

5
13

4
12

3
11

2
10

1
9

Notes

1
2
3
Encoder Power 5 Volts
Serial Data In

6
7
8
9
10
11
12

Common Ground

13
14

Serial Data Out

15

Note

Use an encoder cable with high quality shield. Connect the shield
to chassis ground, and use ferrite core in noise sensitive
environment.

2
10
6
8

15

7

14

2 4 6

13

5

12

4

11

3

1 3 5

9

1

If you prefer to keep the original Molex connector on the Yaskawa encoder cable, the following converter
can be used to attach to the Brick D-sub DA-15F:

Yaskawa Encoder Cable has FEMALE Connector by defalut

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Molex 2.00 mm (.079") Pitch Serial I/O Connector, Receptacle Kit, Wire-to-Wire.
Part Number: 0542800609

Pin # Function Wire Color code
1
+5VDC RED
2
GND
BLACK
3
BAT+
Orange
4
BATOrange/Black (Orange/White)
5
SDO
Blue
6
SDI
Blue/Black (Blue/White)

All Yaskawa Sigma II & Sigma III protocols, whether incremental or
absolute and regardless of the resolution, are supported.
Note
This option allows the Brick to connect to up to eight Yaskawa devices. Setting up the Yaskawa Sigma
interface correctly requires the programming of two essential control registers:



Global Control Registers
Channel Control Registers

The resulting data is found in:


Yaskawa Data Registers

PinOuts and Software Setup

87

Brick Controller User Manual

Global Control Registers
X:$78BnF (default value: $002003)

where n=2 for axes 1-4
n=3 for axes 5-8

Global Control Register
X:$78B2F
X:$78B3F

Axes 1-4
Axes 5-8

With the Yaskawa option, the Global Control Register is pre-set and
need not be changed.
Note

0

0

0

[23-16]

[15-12]

M Divisor

N Divisor

0

0
Bit

0

0

0

0

0

R/W

0x00

[15:12]

R/W

0x0

[11:10]

R

00

[09]

R/W

0

[08]

R/W

0

[07:04]

R/W

0x0

[03:00]

R

0

0
0

Type Default

[23:16]

0

Name
M_Divisor

11

10

Reserved
0

0

0

9
Trig.
Clock
0
0

8
Trig.
Edge
0

7

6 5 4
Trigger
Delay
0 0 0 0
0

3

2 1 0
Protocol
Code
0 1 1 0
6

Description
Intermediate clock frequency for SER_Clock. The
intermediate clock is generated from a (M+1) divider clocked
at 100 MHz.
Final clock frequency for SER_Clock. The final clock is
N

generated from a 2 divider clocked by the intermediate
clock.
Reserved
Reserved and always reads zero.
Trigger clock select for initiating serial encoder
communications:
TriggerClock
0= PhaseClock
1= ServoClock
Active clock edge select for the trigger clock:
TriggerEdge 0= rising edge
1= falling edge
Trigger delay program relative to the active edge of the
TriggerDelay
trigger clock. Units are in increments of 20 usec.
This read-only bit field is used to read the serial interface
protocol supported by the FPGA.
ProtocolCode
A value of $5 defines this protocol as Yaskawa Sigma I.
A value of $6 defines this protocol as Yaskawa Sigma II.

PinOuts and Software Setup

N_Divisor

88

Brick Controller User Manual

Channel Control Registers
X:$78Bn0, X:$78Bn4, X:$78Bn8, X:$78BnC

Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4

where: n=2 for axes 1-4
n=3 for axes 5-8

X:$78B20
X:$78B24
X:$78B28
X:$78B2C

Channel 5
Channel 6
Channel 7
Channel 8

X:$78B20
X:$78B34
X:$78B38
X:$78B3C

Bits 10, 12, and 13 are the only fields to be configured in the Channel Control Registers with the
Yaskawa option. The rest is protocol information. This has to be done in a startup PLC to execute once on
power up.
[23:14]

13
Trig.
Mode

Reserved
Bit
[23:14]

Type Default
R

0x000

R/W

0

[12]

R/W

0

[11]

R/W

0

R

0

W

0

R

0x0

[13]

[10]

[09:00]

12
Trig.
Enable
Name

11

10
RxData Ready/
SENC

[9:0]
Reserved

Description

Reserved and always reads zero.
Trigger Mode to initiate communication:
0= continuous trigger
Trigger Mode 1= one-shot trigger
All triggers occur at the defined Phase/Servo clock edge and
delay setting. See Global Control register for these settings.
Enable trigger for serial encoder communications:
0= disabled
Trigger
1= enabled
Enable
This bit must be set for either trigger mode. If the Trigger
Mode bit is set for one-shot mode, the hardware will
automatically clear this bit after the trigger occurs.
Reserved
Reserved and always reads zero.
This read-only bit provides the received data status. It is low
while the interface logic is communicating (busy) with the
RxData Ready
serial encoder. It is high when all the data has been received
and processed.
This write-only bit is used to enable the output drivers for
the SENC_SDO, SENC_CLK, SENC_ENA pins for each
SENC_MODE
respective channel. It also directly drives the respective
SENC_MODE pin for each channel.
Reserved
Reserved and always reads zero.

PinOuts and Software Setup

Reserved

89

Brick Controller User Manual

Yaskawa Feedback Channel Control Power-On Example PLC (Motors 1-8)
This code statement can be added to your existing initialization PLC.
End Gat
Del Gat
Close
Open PLC 1 clear
CMD"WX:$78B20,$1400"
CMD"WX:$78B24,$1400"
CMD"WX:$78B28,$1400"
CMD"WX:$78B2C,$1400"
CMD"WX:$78B30,$1400"
CMD"WX:$78B34,$1400"
CMD"WX:$78B38,$1400"
CMD"WX:$78B3C,$1400"
Disable plc 1
Close

Yaskawa Data Registers
Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4

PinOuts and Software Setup

Yaskawa Data Registers
Y:$78B20 Channel 5
Y:$78B24 Channel 6
Y:$78B28 Channel 7
Y:$78B2C Channel 8

Y:$78B20
Y:$78B34
Y:$78B38
Y:$78B3C

90

Brick Controller User Manual

Yaskawa Sigma II 16-Bit Absolute Encoder
Y:$78B21
[23-12]
[11-0]
[23-20]
Multi-Turn Position
(16-bits)

Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4

Y:$78B20
[19-4]
Absolute Single Turn Data
(16-bits)

Yaskawa Data Registers
Y:$78B20 Channel 5
Y:$78B24 Channel 6
Y:$78B28 Channel 7
Y:$78B2C Channel 8

[3:0]

Y:$78B30
Y:$78B34
Y:$78B38
Y:$78B3C

The on-going servo and commutation position data is setup using a 2-line Entry in the Encoder
Conversion Table. The first line represents a Parallel Y-Word with no filtering ($2) from the
corresponding Yaskawa data register/channel. The second line represents the width of the data to be read
and bit location of the LSB of the data in the source word.
Channel 1, Yaskawa Sigma II 16-bit Absolute Encoder Setup Example

Encoder Conversion Table Setup (Motors 1-8)
The ECT automatic entry is equivalent to:
I8000=$278B20
I8001=$020004

; Entry 1 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B20
; Width and Bias, total of 32-bits LSB starting at bit#4

I8002=$278B24
I8003=$020004

; Entry 2 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B24
; Width and Bias, total of 32-bits LSB starting at bit#4

I8004=$278B28
I8005=$020004
I8006=$278B2C

; Entry 3 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B28
; Width and Bias, total of 32-bits LSB starting at bit#4
; Entry 4 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B2C

PinOuts and Software Setup

91

Brick Controller User Manual

I8007=$020004

; Width and Bias, total of 32-bits LSB starting at bit#4

I8008=$278B30
I8009=$020004

; Entry 5 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B30
; Width and Bias, total of 32-bits LSB starting at bit#4

I8010=$278B34
I8011=$020004

; Entry 6 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B34
; Width and Bias, total of 32-bits LSB starting at bit#4

I8012=$278B38
I8013=$020004

; Entry 7 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B38
; Width and Bias, total of 32-bits LSB starting at bit#4

I8014=$278B3C
I8015=$020004

; Entry 8 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B3C
; Width and Bias, total of 32-bits LSB starting at bit#4

Position (Ixx03) and Velocity (Ixx04) Pointers
I103=$3502
I104=$3502
I203=$3504
I204=$3504
I303=$3506
I304=$3506
I403=$3508
I404=$3508
I503=$350A
I504=$350A
I603=$350C
I604=$350C
I703=$350E
I704=$350E
I803=$3510
I804=$3510

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor

1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8

Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity

feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback

address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,

ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT

processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed

data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data

Motor Activation
I100,8,100=1

; Motors 1-8 Activated

Note

At this point of the setup process, you should be able to move the
motor/encoder shaft by hand and see encoder counts in the position
window.

PinOuts and Software Setup

92

Brick Controller User Manual

Absolute Power-On Position Read (Yaskawa 16-bit)
Channel 1 example PLC, 16-bit Absolute Sigma II Encoder
End Gat
Del Gat
Close
#define
#define
#define
#define

STD0_15
MTD0_3
MTD4_15
MTD0_15

M7000
M7001
M7002
M7003

;
;
;
;

Single-turn Data 0-15 (16-bits)
Multi-Turn Data 0-3 (4-bits)
Multi-Turn Data 4-15 (12-bits)
Multi-Turn Data 0-15 (16-bits)

STD0_15->Y:$78B20,4,16
MTD0_3->Y:$78B20,20,4
MTD4_15->Y:$78B21,0,12
MTD0_15->*
#define Mtr1ActPos
M162
Mtr1ActPos->D:$00008B ; #1 Actual position (1/[Ixx08*32] cts)
Open plc 1 clear
MTD0_15 = MTD4_15 * $10 + MTD0_3
If (MTD0_15>$7FFF)
MTD0_15 = (MTD0_15^$FFFF + 1)*-1
If (STD0_15 !=0)
STD0_15 = (STD0_15^$FFFF + 1)*-1
Endif
Endif
Mtr1ActPos = ((MTD0_15 * $10000)+ STD0_15) * I108 * 32
disable plc 1
close

PinOuts and Software Setup

93

Brick Controller User Manual

Yaskawa Sigma II 17-Bit Absolute Encoder
Y:$78B21
[23-13]
[12-0]
[23-21]
Multi-Turn Position
(16-bits)

Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4

Y:$78B20
[20-4]
Absolute Single Turn Data
(17-bits)

Yaskawa Data Registers
Y:$78B20 Channel 5
Y:$78B24 Channel 6
Y:$78B28 Channel 7
Y:$78B2C Channel 8

[3:0]

Y:$78B30
Y:$78B34
Y:$78B38
Y:$78B3C

The on-going servo and commutation position data is setup using a 2-line Entry in the Encoder
Conversion Table. The first line represents a Parallel Y-Word with no filtering ($2) from the
corresponding Yaskawa data register/channel. The second line represents the width of the data to be read
and bit location of the LSB of the data in the source word.
Channel 1, Yaskawa Sigma II 17-bit Absolute Encoder Setup Example

PinOuts and Software Setup

94

Brick Controller User Manual

Encoder Conversion Table Setup (Motors 1-8)
The ECT automatic entry is equivalent to:
I8000=$278B20
I8001=$021004

; Entry 1 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B20
; Width and Bias, total of 33-bits LSB starting at bit#4

I8002=$278B24
I8003=$021004

; Entry 2 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B24
; Width and Bias, total of 33-bits LSB starting at bit#4

I8004=$278B28
I8005=$021004

; Entry 3 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B28
; Width and Bias, total of 33-bits LSB starting at bit#4

I8006=$278B2C
I8007=$021004

; Entry 4 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B2C
; Width and Bias, total of 33-bits LSB starting at bit#4

I8008=$278B30
I8009=$021004

; Entry 5 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B30
; Width and Bias, total of 33-bits LSB starting at bit#4

I8010=$278B34
I8011=$021004

; Entry 6 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B34
; Width and Bias, total of 33-bits LSB starting at bit#4

I8012=$278B38
I8013=$021004

; Entry 7 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B38
; Width and Bias, total of 33-bits LSB starting at bit#4

I8014=$278B3C
I8015=$021004

; Entry 8 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B3C
; Width and Bias, total of 33-bits LSB starting at bit#4

Position (Ixx03) and Velocity (Ixx04) Pointers
I103=$3502
I104=$3502
I203=$3504
I204=$3504
I303=$3506
I304=$3506
I403=$3508
I404=$3508
I503=$350A
I504=$350A
I603=$350C
I604=$350C
I703=$350E
I704=$350E
I803=$3510
I804=$3510

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor

1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8

Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity

feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback

address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,

ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT

processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed

data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data

Motor Activation
I100,8,100=1

; Motors 1-8 Activated

Note

At this point of the setup process, you should be able to move the
motor/encoder shaft by hand and see encoder counts in the position
window.

PinOuts and Software Setup

95

Brick Controller User Manual

Absolute Power-On Position Read (Yaskawa 17-bit)
Channel 1 example PLC, 17-bit Absolute Sigma II Encoder
End Gat
Del Gat
Close
#define
#define
#define
#define

FirstWord
SecondWord
STD0_16
MTD0_15

M7000
M7001
M7002
M7003

;
;
;
;

Yaskawa Data Register1, 1st word
Yaskawa Data Register1, 2nd word
Single-Turn Data 0-16 (17-bits)
Multi-Turn Data 0-15 (16-bits)

FirstWord->Y:$78B20,0,24
SecondWord->Y:$78B21,0,4
STD0_16->*
MTD0_15->*
#define Mtr1ActPos
M162
Mtr1ActPos->D:$00008B ; #1 Actual position (1/[Ixx08*32] cts)
open plc 1 clear
MTD0_15 = (SecondWord & $1FFF) * $8 + int (FirstWord / 2097152)
STD0_16 = int ((FirstWord & $1FFFF0) / 16)
If (MTD0_15>$7FFF)
MTD0_15 = (MTD0_15^$FFFF + 1)*-1
If (STD0_16 !=0)
STD0_16 = (STD0_16^$1FFFF + 1)*-1
Endif
Endif
Mtr1ActPos = ((MTD0_15 * $20000)+ STD0_16) * I108 * 32
disable plc 1
close

PinOuts and Software Setup

96

Brick Controller User Manual

Yaskawa Sigma III 20-Bit Absolute Encoder
[23-16]

Y:$78B21
[15-0]
Multi-Turn Position
(16-bits)

Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4

Y:$78B20
[23-4]
Absolute Single Turn Data
(20-bits)

Yaskawa Data Registers
Y:$78B20 Channel 5
Y:$78B24 Channel 6
Y:$78B28 Channel 7
Y:$78B2C Channel 8

[3:0]

Y:$78B30
Y:$78B34
Y:$78B38
Y:$78B3C

The on-going servo and commutation position data is setup using a 2-line Entry in the Encoder
Conversion Table. The first line represents a Parallel Y-Word with no filtering ($2) from the
corresponding Yaskawa data register/channel. The second line represents the width of the data to be read
and bit location of the LSB of the data in the source word.
Channel 1, Yaskawa Sigma III 20-bit Absolute Encoder Setup Example

PinOuts and Software Setup

97

Brick Controller User Manual

Encoder Conversion Table Setup (Motors 1-8)
The ECT automatic entry is equivalent to:
I8000=$278B20
I8001=$024004

; Entry 1 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B20
; Width and Bias, total of 36-bits LSB starting at bit#4

I8002=$278B24
I8003=$024004

; Entry 2 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B24
; Width and Bias, total of 36-bits LSB starting at bit#4

I8004=$278B28
I8005=$024004

; Entry 3 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B28
; Width and Bias, total of 36-bits LSB starting at bit#4

I8006=$278B2C
I8007=$024004

; Entry 4 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B2C
; Width and Bias, total of 36-bits LSB starting at bit#4

I8008=$278B30
I8009=$024004

; Entry 5 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B30
; Width and Bias, total of 36-bits LSB starting at bit#4

I8010=$278B34
I8011=$024004

; Entry 6 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B34
; Width and Bias, total of 36-bits LSB starting at bit#4

I8012=$278B38
I8013=$024004

; Entry 7 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B38
; Width and Bias, total of 36-bits LSB starting at bit#4

I8014=$278B3C
I8015=$024004

; Entry 8 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B3C
; Width and Bias, total of 36-bits LSB starting at bit#4

Position (Ixx03) and Velocity (Ixx04) Pointers
I103=$3502
I104=$3502
I203=$3504
I204=$3504
I303=$3506
I304=$3506
I403=$3508
I404=$3508
I503=$350A
I504=$350A
I603=$350C
I604=$350C
I703=$350E
I704=$350E
I803=$3510
I804=$3510

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor

1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8

Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity

feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback

address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,

ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT

processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed

data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data

Motor Activation
I100,8,100=1

; Motors 1-8 Activated

Note

At this point of the setup process, you should be able to move the
motor/encoder shaft by hand and see encoder counts in the position
window.

PinOuts and Software Setup

98

Brick Controller User Manual

Absolute Power-On Position Read (Yaskawa 20-bit)
Channel 1 example PLC, 20-bit Absolute Sigma III Encoder
End Gat
Del Gat
Close
#define
#define
#define
#define

FirstWord
SecondWord
STD0_19
MTD0_15

M1000
M1001
M1002
M1003

;
;
;
;

Yaskawa Data Register1, 1st word
Yaskawa Data Register1, 2nd word
Single-Turn Data 0-19 (20-bits)
Multi-Turn Data 0-15 (16-bits)

FirstWord->Y:$78B20,0,24
SecondWord->Y:$78B21,0,4
STD0_19->*
MTD0_15->*
#define Mtr1ActPos
M162
Mtr1ActPos->D:$00008B ; #1 Actual position (1/[Ixx08*32] cts)
open plc 1 clear
MTD0_15 = (SecondWord & $FFFF)
STD0_19 = int ((FirstWord & $FFFFF0) / 16)
If (MTD0_15>$7FFF)
MTD0_15 = (MTD0_15^$FFFF + 1)*-1
If (STD0_19 !=0)
STD0_19 = (STD0_19^$FFFFF + 1)*-1
Endif
Endif
Mtr1ActPos = ((MTD0_15 * $100000)+ STD0_19) * I108 * 32
disable plc 1
close

PinOuts and Software Setup

99

Brick Controller User Manual

Yaskawa Sigma II 13-Bit Incremental Encoder
[23-11]

Y:$78B21
[10-0]

23

Incremental Compensation
(11-bits)

Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4

Y:$78B20
[22-11]
[10:4]
Incremental Position in
Single Turn
(13-bits)

Yaskawa Data Registers
Y:$78B20 Channel 5
Y:$78B24 Channel 6
Y:$78B28 Channel 7
Y:$78B2C Channel 8

3

2

1

0

U

V

W

Z

Y:$78B30
Y:$78B34
Y:$78B38
Y:$78B3C

The on-going servo and commutation position data is setup using a 2-line Entry in the Encoder
Conversion Table. The first line represents a Parallel Y-Word with no filtering ($2) from the
corresponding Yaskawa data register/channel. The second line represents the width of the data to be read
and bit location of the LSB of the data in the source word.
Channel 1, Yaskawa Sigma II 13-bit Incremental Encoder Setup Example

PinOuts and Software Setup

100

Brick Controller User Manual

Encoder Conversion Table Setup (Motors 1-8)
The ECT automatic entry is equivalent to:
I8000=$278B20
I8001=$00D006

; Entry 1 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B20
; Width and Bias, total of 13-bits LSB starting at bit#6

I8002=$278B24
I8003=$00D006

; Entry 2 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B24
; Width and Bias, total of 13-bits LSB starting at bit#6

I8004=$278B28
I8005=$00D006

; Entry 3 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B28
; Width and Bias, total of 13-bits LSB starting at bit#6

I8006=$278B2C
I8007=$00D006

; Entry 4 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B2C
; Width and Bias, total of 13-bits LSB starting at bit#6

I8008=$278B30
I8009=$00D006

; Entry 5 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B30
; Width and Bias, total of 13-bits LSB starting at bit#6

I8010=$278B34
I8011=$00D006

; Entry 6 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B34
; Width and Bias, total of 13-bits LSB starting at bit#6

I8012=$278B38
I8013=$00D006

; Entry 7 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B38
; Width and Bias, total of 13-bits LSB starting at bit#6

I8014=$278B3C
I8015=$00D006

; Entry 8 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B3C
; Width and Bias, total of 13-bits LSB starting at bit#6

Position (Ixx03) and Velocity (Ixx04) Pointers
I103=$3502
I104=$3502
I203=$3504
I204=$3504
I303=$3506
I304=$3506
I403=$3508
I404=$3508
I503=$350A
I504=$350A
I603=$350C
I604=$350C
I703=$350E
I704=$350E
I803=$3510
I804=$3510

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor

1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8

Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity

feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback

address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,

ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT

processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed

data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data

Motor Activation
I100,8,100=1

; Motors 1-8 Activated

Note

At this point of the setup process, you should be able to move the
motor/encoder shaft by hand and see encoder counts in the position
window.

PinOuts and Software Setup

101

Brick Controller User Manual

Yaskawa Sigma II 17-Bit Incremental Encoder
[23-11]

Y:$78B21
[10-0]

23

Incremental Compensation
(11-bits)

Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4

Y:$78B20
[22-6]
[5:4]
Incremental Position in
Single Turn
(17-bits)

Yaskawa Data Registers
Y:$78B20 Channel 5
Y:$78B24 Channel 6
Y:$78B28 Channel 7
Y:$78B2C Channel 8

3

2

1

0

U

V

W

Z

Y:$78B30
Y:$78B34
Y:$78B38
Y:$78B3C

The on-going servo and commutation position data is setup using a 2-line Entry in the Encoder
Conversion Table. The first line represents a Parallel Y-Word with no filtering ($2) from the
corresponding Yaskawa data register/channel. The second line represents the width of the data to be read
and bit location of the LSB of the data in the source word.
Channel 1, Yaskawa Sigma II 17-bit Incremental Encoder Setup Example

PinOuts and Software Setup

102

Brick Controller User Manual

Encoder Conversion Table Setup (Motors 1-8)
The ECT automatic entry is equivalent to:
I8000=$278B20
I8001=$011006

; Entry 1 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B20
; Width and Bias, total of 17-bits LSB starting at bit#6

I8002=$278B24
I8003=$011006

; Entry 2 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B24
; Width and Bias, total of 17-bits LSB starting at bit#6

I8004=$278B28
I8005=$011006

; Entry 3 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B28
; Width and Bias, total of 17-bits LSB starting at bit#6

I8006=$278B2C
I8007=$011006

; Entry 4 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B2C
; Width and Bias, total of 17-bits LSB starting at bit#6

I8008=$278B30
I8009=$011006

; Entry 5 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B30
; Width and Bias, total of 17-bits LSB starting at bit#6

I8010=$278B34
I8011=$011006

; Entry 6 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B34
; Width and Bias, total of 17-bits LSB starting at bit#6

I8012=$278B38
I8013=$011006

; Entry 7 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B38
; Width and Bias, total of 17-bits LSB starting at bit#6

I8014=$278B3C
I8015=$011006

; Entry 8 Unfiltered parallel pos of location Y:$78B3C
; Width and Bias, total of 17-bits LSB starting at bit#6

Position (Ixx03) and Velocity (Ixx04) Pointers
I103=$3502
I104=$3502
I203=$3504
I204=$3504
I303=$3506
I304=$3506
I403=$3508
I404=$3508
I503=$350A
I504=$350A
I603=$350C
I604=$350C
I703=$350E
I704=$350E
I803=$3510
I804=$3510

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor
Motor

1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8

Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity
Position
Velocity

feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback
feedback

address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,
address,

ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT
ECT

processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed
processed

data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data
data

Motor Activation
I100,8,100=1

; Motors 1-8 Activated

Note

At this point of the setup process, you should be able to move the
motor/encoder shaft by hand and see encoder counts in the position
window.

PinOuts and Software Setup

103

Brick Controller User Manual

Yaskawa Incremental Encoder Alarm Codes
Yaskawa Incremental encoder Alarm Registers
Channel 1 Y:$78B22,8,8 Channel 5 Y:$78B32,8,8
Channel 2 Y:$78B26,8,8 Channel 6 Y:$78B36,8,8
Channel 3 Y:$78B2A,8,8 Channel 7 Y:$78B3A,8,8
Channel 4 Y:$78B2E,8,8 Channel 8 Y:$78B3E,8,8

-

Alarm
Type
Session
Flag
Session
Flag
-

Clear
Action
Power
cycle
Power
cycle
-

Warning

-

-

Bit#

Error Name

Type

8

Fixed at “1”

-

9

Encoder Error

10

Fixed at “0”

11

Position Error

12
13

Fixed at “0”
Fixed at “0”
Origin not passed
flag
Fixed at “0”

14
15

Alarm
Alarm

PinOuts and Software Setup

Notes

Encoder Error
Possible error in position or Hall
sensor

The origin has not been passed in this
session yet
Set at zero

104

Brick Controller User Manual

Homing with Yaskawa Incremental Encoders
Hardware capture is not available with serial data encoders, software capture (Ixx97=1) is required.
Setting Ixx97 to 1 tells Turbo PMAC to use the register whose address is specified by Ixx03 for the
trigger position. The disadvantage is that the software capture can have up to 1 background cycle delay
(typically 2-3 msec), which limits the accuracy of the capture. To alleviate homing inaccuracies with
serial encoders, it is recommended to perform home search moves at low speeds.
Homing to a flag (i.e. Home, Overtravel Limit, and User) is done using the traditional capture parameters
I7mn2, and I7mn3. Remember to (temporarily) disable the end of travel limit use (bit#17 of Ixx24) when
homing to one of the hardware limit flags, and re-enabling it when homing is finished. Example:
Homing channel 1 to the negative limit (high true)
I124=I124|$20001
I197=1
I7012=2
I7012=2

;
;
;
;

Flag Mode, Disable hardware over travel limits
channel 1 position capture, software
Channel 1 capture control, capture on flag high
Channel 1 capture flag select, minus or negative end limit

Homing to the index pulse, normally performed after referencing to a hardware flag, is an internal
function of the Yaskawa encoder. Bit 14 of the alarm code indicates whether the index has been detected
since last power-up. The motor should be jogged until bit 14 is low, the encoder will then place the
“incremental compensation” value in the lower 11 bits of the second data word. Subtracting the
“incremental compensation” from the “incremental position” results into the true position of the index.
Motor 1 index detection example plc:
#define FirstWord
#define SecondWord
#define OriginNotPassed

M7025
M7026
M7027

FirstWord->Y:$78B20,0,24
SecondWord->Y:$78B21,0,24
OriginNotPassed->Y:$78B22,14
#define Mtr1ActPos
Mtr1ActPos->D:$00008B

M162

; Suggested M-Variable Definition, Motor 1 Actual Position
; #1 Actual position (1/[Ixx08*32] cts)

open plc 1 clear
if (OriginNotPassed = 1)
cmd "#1j+"
;
while (OriginNotPassed = 1);
endwhile
cmd "#1k"
;
endif
while (SecondWord & $8FF = 0) ;
endwhile
Mtr1ActPos = int (((FirstWord &
disable plc 1
close

PinOuts and Software Setup

Jog in positive direction looking for index
wait until index is detected
Kill Motor
Incremental Compensation takes up to 2 msec to execute
$8FFFC0) / $40)-((SecondWord & $8FF) * $40))* I108 * 32

105

Brick Controller User Manual

X9-X10: Analog Inputs/Outputs
5

X9-X10: D-Sub DE-9F
Mating: D-Sub DE-9M

4
9

3
8

1

2
7

6

Pin #

Symbol

Function

Notes

1

AGND

Ground

2

ADC+

Input

3

DAC+

Output

12-bit filtered PWM analog output, channel 5/6+

4

BR-NC

Output

Brake 5-6 / Relay Normally Closed

5

AMPFLT

Input

Amplifier fault Input 5/6

6

ADC-

Input

16-bit Analog Input, channel 5/6-

7

DAC-

Output

8

BRCOM

Common

9

BR-NO

Output

Analog Ground
16-bit Analog Input, channel 5/6+

12-bit filtered PWM analog output, channel 5/6Brake 5-6 / Relay Common
Brake 5-6 / Relay Normally Open

X11-X12: Analog Inputs/Outputs
5

X11-X12: D-Sub DE-9F
Mating: D-Sub DE-9M

4
9

3
8

1

2
7

6

Pin #

Symbol

Function

1

AGND

Ground

2

ADC+

Input

3

DAC+

Output

12-bit filtered PWM analog output, channel 7/8+

4

BR-NC

Output

Brake 3-4 / Relay Normally Closed

5

AMPFLT

Input

Amplifier fault Input 7/8

6

ADC-

Input

16-bit Analog Input, channel 7/8-

7

DAC-

Output

8

BRCOM

Common

9

BR-NO

Output

PinOuts and Software Setup

Notes
Analog Ground
16-bit Analog Input, channel 7/8+

12-bit filtered PWM analog output, channel 7/8Brake 3-4/ Relay Common
Brake 3-4 / Relay Normally Open

106

Brick Controller User Manual

Setting up the Analog (ADC) Inputs
Differential Analog Input Signal

1

AGND

ADC+

5

9
5

±10VDC
Input Signal

9

±10VDC
Input Signal

4
ADC-

4

8

8

3

3

ADC+

7

7

2

2

6

6

1

AGND

Single Ended Analog Input Signal

For single-ended connections, tie the negative ADC pin to ground.
Note

The analog inputs use the ADS8321 Converter device
Note

Note

Full (16-bit) resolution is available for bipolar signals only. Half of the
range of the full resolution is used for unipolar (0-5V or 0-10V)
signals.

Analog Inputs Suggested M-Variables
I7106=$1FFFFF

; Servo IC1 ADC Strobe Word

M505->Y:$078105,8,16,S
M605->Y:$07810D,8,16,S
M705->Y:$078115,8,16,S
M805->Y:$07811D,8,16,S

;
;
;
;

ADC
ADC
ADC
ADC

Input
Input
Input
Input

reading
reading
reading
reading

(ADC5A),
(ADC6A),
(ADC7A),
(ADC8A),

connector
connector
connector
connector

X9
X10
X11
X12

Testing the Analog Inputs
The software counts range (reading) is -216/2 to 216/2, so that:
Single-Ended Signal [VDC]
-10
0
Bipolar
Unipolar
10

PinOuts and Software Setup

Differential Signal [VDC]
-5
0
5

Software Counts
-32768
0
+32768

107

Brick Controller User Manual

Setting up the DAC Outputs

8

3
9
5

5

9

4

DACAnalog
Device

DAC+
Analog
Device

4

8

3

DAC+

7

2
7

2

6

AGND

6

AGND

Single Ended DAC Output Signal

1

1

Differential DAC Output Signal

The analog outputs on X9 through X12 are (12-bit) filtered PWM signals, therefore a PWM frequency in
the range of 30-36 KHz and a PWM deadtime of zero are suggested for a good quality analog output
signal (minimized ripple). A fully populated Brick can have one of three gates generating the clocks:





Servo IC 0 (I7000’s)
Servo IC 1 (I7100’s)
MACRO IC 0 (I6800’s)
I19 specifies which gate is the clock source master. I19 is equal to 7007 by default indicating that Servo
IC 0 is the master gate. However, the analog outputs on X9 through X12 are generated out of Servo IC1.
The relationship between the PWM clock frequency of Servo IC 1 (recipient) and the master gate
(generator), typically Servo IC 0, should always be respected in such a way that:

Where n is an integer
Examples:
 With Servo IC 0 being the clock master and at default clock settings, the following are suggested
Servo IC 1 clock settings which provide good analog output signals:
Default Servo IC 0
Clock Settings
I7000=6527
I7001=0
I7002=3
I10=3713991

Resulting
Frequencies KHz
PWM
PHASE
SERVO

4.5
9
2.25

Suggested Servo IC 1
Clock Settings
I7100=816
I7101=7
I7102=3
I7104=0

Resulting
Frequencies KHz
PWM
PHASE
SERVO
PWMDeadtime

36
9
2.25
0

Note that n=8 in this case

PinOuts and Software Setup

108

Brick Controller User Manual



With Servo IC 0 being the clock master and using enhanced clock settings, the following are
suggested Servo IC 1 clock settings which provide good analog output signals:

Enhanced Servo IC 0
Clock Settings
I7000=3275
I7001=0
I7002=3
I10=1863964

Suggested Servo IC 1
Clock Settings

Resulting
Frequencies KHz
PWM
PHASE
SERVO

I7100=816
I7101=3
I7102=3
I7104=0

9
18
4.5

Resulting
Frequencies KHz
PWM
PHASE
SERVO
PWMDeadtime

36
18
4.5
0

Note that n=4 in this case
For Help with clock settings, use the Delta Tau Calculator: DT Calculator Forum Link

Analog Outputs Suggested M-Variables:
// De-activate Motors 5-8 to write directly to the analog outputs
I500,4,100=0
; De-activate channels 5-8 to use direct write
I569,4,100=816
; Set Output Limit --User Input
// Analog Outputs:
M502->Y:$078102,8,16,S
M602->Y:$07810A,8,16,S
M702->Y:$078112,8,16,S
M802->Y:$07811A,8,16,S

;
;
;
;

Analog
Analog
Analog
Analog

DAC
DAC
DAC
DAC

Output
Output
Output
Output

(DAC5),
(DAC6),
(DAC7),
(DAC8),

Connector
Connector
Connector
Connector

X9
X10
X11
X12

Testing the Analog Outputs
With the setting of I7100=816 (per the above example), writing directly to the assigned M-variable (i.e.
Mxx02) should produce the following voltage output:
Mxx02
-816
-408
0
408
816

Single Ended [VDC]
-10
-5
0
+5
+10

Differential [VDC]
-20
-10
0
+10
+20

The output voltage is measured between AGND and DAC+ for single-ended operation and between
DAC- and DAC+ for differential operation.

Note

Writing values greater than I7100 (i.e. 816) in Mx02 will saturate the
output to 10, or 20 volts in single-ended or differential mode
respectively.

PinOuts and Software Setup

109

Brick Controller User Manual

Setting up the General Purpose Relay, Brake
This option provides either a general purpose relay (which can be toggled in software) OR a dedicated
brake relay output tied to its’ corresponding channel amplifier-enable line. This option is built to order
and is jumper configurable at the factory (E6, E7, E8 and E9).
The brake relay is commonly used in synchronizing (in hardware) external events such as automatically
releasing a motor brake upon enabling it (i.e. vertical axis). In this mode, the general purpose relay has no
use, and the related registers (suggested M-variables) are meaningless.

Caution

This option utilizes the Omron G6S-2F relay, which is rated to up to
220VAC. However, it is advised to use an external relay for AC
operations, and limit the usage for this connection to up to 30VDC at
2 amperes.

The brake output can be either:




High true using the normally open contact (pin #9)
Low true using the normally closed contact (pin #4)

Also, it can be either sourcing or sinking depending on the wiring scheme.
The following table summarizes the logic of operation:
Operation

Command From
Brick Controller

Contact between pins
#8 and #9

Contact between pins
#8 and #4

Brake

Amp. disabled (killed)
Amp. Enabled (open/closed loop)

Open
Closed

Closed
Open

GP Relay

M-variable = 0
M-variable = 1

Open
Closed

Closed
Open

PinOuts and Software Setup

110

Brick Controller User Manual

High True Brake Output
Sourcing

Sinking

6
7

2
8
9

4
5

5

9

4

8

3

Logic device / BRAKE RET
Brake
BRAKE

3

BRAKE
Logic device /
Brake
BRAKE RET

7

2

6

1

DC Power Supply
COM
12-24V

1

DC Power Supply
12-24VDC
COM

Low True Brake Output
Sourcing

Sinking
DC Power Supply
12-24VDC
COM

7
5

5

9

9

4

4

8

8

3

7

Logic device / BRAKE RET
Brake
BRAKE

3

BRAKE
Logic device /
Brake
BRAKE RET

2

2

6

6

1

1

DC Power Supply
COM
12-24V

The brake relays on X9, X10, X11, and X12 are tied to the amplifier
enable signals of axes 5, 6, 3, and 4 respectively.
Note

General Purpose Relay Suggested M-Variables
// General purpose relay Outputs:
M5014->Y:$078800,8,1
; General
M6014->Y:$078801,8,1
; General
M7014->Y:$78803,8,1
; General
M8014->Y:$78804,8,1
; General

PinOuts and Software Setup

purpose
purpose
purpose
purpose

relay
relay
relay
relay

output,
output,
output,
output,

X9
X10
X11
X12

111

Brick Controller User Manual

Setting up the External Amplifier Fault Input
The amplifier fault signal is a bidirectional single-ended input. Its’ minus end is tied internally to the
brake/relay common (pin #8) which dictates how the amplifier fault input should be connected.

If the amplifier fault signal is not used, it can be treated and used as a
general purpose +12~24V input by setting bit 20 of Ixx24 to 1.
Note

The amplifier fault signal polarity can be changed in software with bit
23 of Ixx24; =1 for High True, =0 for Low True.
Note
If the brake/relay option is in use (otherwise, whichever scheme desirable):
 If pin#8 is wired to common ground, then use the sourcing scheme
 If pin#8 is wired to 24V, then use the sinking scheme
Sinking

7
12-24V

4
5

9

9

4
5

12-24V

8

3

External AFAULT RET
Amplifier AFAULT

8

3

7

External AFAULT RET
Amplifier AFAULT

2

2

6

6

1

1

Sourcing

External Amplifier Fault Input, Suggested M-Variables:
// External Amplifier
M523->X:$078100,15,1
M623->X:$078108,15,1
M723->X:$078110,15,1
M823->X:$078118,15,1

Fault Inputs:
; Amp. Fault
; Amp. Fault
; Amp. Fault
; Amp. Fault

Input
Input
Input
Input

(CH5),
(CH6),
(Ch7),
(Ch8),

Connector
Connector
Connector
Connector

X9
X10
X11
X12

This feature is commonly used when an amplifier is commanded through the DAC outputs on X9-X12,
and the need of a fault input signal is required to run the operation safely (i.e. kill in the occurrence of an
amplifier fault).

PinOuts and Software Setup

112

Brick Controller User Manual

X13: USB 2.0 Connector
This connector is used to establish USB (A-B type cable) communication between the host PC and the
Brick Controller. This type of USB cable can be purchased at any local electronics or computer store. It
may be ordered from Delta Tau as well.
Pin # Symbol Function
1
VCC
N.C.
2
DData3
D+
Data+
4
Gnd
GND
5
Shell
Shield
6
Shell
Shield

Caution

The electrical ground plane of the host PC connected through USB
must be at the same level as the Brick Controller. Ground loops may
result in ESD shocks causing the damage of the communication
processor on the Brick Controller.

Use a shielded USB (category 6 or 7) cable. In noise sensitive
environment, install ferrite cores at both Brick and PC side.
Note
If the electrical ground planes of the host PC and the Brick Controller are not at the same level (e.g.
laptop on battery) then the use of an industrial USB hub is highly advised.

X14: RJ45, Ethernet Connector
This connector is used to establish communication over Ethernet between the PC and the Brick
Controller. A crossover cable is required if you are going directly to the Brick controller from the PC
Ethernet card, and not through a hub.
Delta Tau strongly recommends the use of RJ45 CAT5e or better shielded cable. Newer network cards
have the Auto-MDIX feature that eliminates the need for crossover cabling by performing an internal
crossover when a straight cable is detected during the auto-negotiation process. For older network cards,
one end of the link must perform media dependent interface (MDI) crossover (MDIX), so that the
transmitter on one end of the data link is connected to the receiver on the other end of the data link (a
crossover/patch cable is typically used). If an RJ45 hub is used, then a regular straight cable must be
implemented. Maximum length for Ethernet cable should not exceed 100m (330ft).

PinOuts and Software Setup

113

Brick Controller User Manual

X15: Watchdog & ABORT (TB2)
X15 has two essential functions:
 A 24VDC Abort Input (mandatory for normal operation) which can be used in various
applications to halt motion when necessary (i.e. opening machine door, replacing tool).
 A watchdog relay output allowing the user to bring the machine to a stop in a safe manner in the
occurrence of a watchdog.
These functions are disabled on Brick Controllers with Turbo PMAC firmware version 1.946 or earlier.
Brick Controllers with Turbo PMAC firmware version 1.947 or later allow the enabling (using software
parameter I35) of the watchdog and abort functions:
 I35=0 Disables the watchdog and abort hardware functions (default setting)
 I35=1 Enables the watchdog and abort hardware functions
1

X15: Phoenix 5-pin TB Female
Mating: Phoenix 5-pin TB Male

2

3

4

5

TB-5: 016-PL0F05-38P

Pin #

Symbol

Function

Notes

1

ABORT-

Input

ABORT Return

2

ABORT+

Input

ABORT Input 24VDC

3

WD N.O.

Output

Watchdog (normally open contact)

4

WD N.C.

Output

Watchdog (normally closed contact)

5

WD COM

Common

Watchdog common

Wiring the Abort Input
If an Abort input button is used, it must be a normally closed switch.

COM

24VDC
Power Supply 24VDC

PinOuts and Software Setup

Abort Input
Switch (optional)

5 4
3 2
1

114

Brick Controller User Manual

The hardware Abort input functionality differs slightly from the software global Abort (^A) command.
The following table summarizes the differences:
Motor(s) Status
Before Abort Action

Software Global Abort
^A Action

Hardware Abort Trigger
Action (Removing 24VDC)

Killed
(Open-Loop mode)

Closes the position-loop on
all active (Ixx0=1) motors

No Action is taken.
Motors remain killed

Amplifier Enabled
(i.e. #1o0, Open-Loop mode)

Closes the position-loop
on all active (Ixx0=1) motors

Closes the position-loop on all
‘amplifier enabled’ motors only.
Killed motors are not affected

Servo-ing – in position
(Closed-Loop mode)

Motor(s) remain in
closed-loop at velocity zero

Motor(s) remain in closed-loop
at velocity zero

Servo-ing – Jogging
(Closed-Loop mode)

Motor(s) decelerate to zero
velocity at Ixx15 rate

Motor(s) decelerate to zero
velocity at Ixx15 rate

Servo-ing – Running Program(s)
(Closed-Loop mode)

Aborts motion program(s)
and decelerate to zero
velocity at Ixx15 rate

Aborts motion program(s) and
decelerate to zero velocity
at Ixx15 rate

Wiring the WatchDog (WD) Output
Normally Open WD Output

Normally Closed WD Output

24 VDC
Power Supply
COM

COM

24 VDC
Power Supply

24VDC

24VDC

543
21

COM

COM

Logic device
(safe shutdown)

24VDC

543
21

24VDC

Logic device
(safe shutdown)

Operation

Mode

Watchdog

Not triggered
(normal operation)
Triggered
(Faulty operation)

PinOuts and Software Setup

Connection between pins
#5 and #3

Connection between pins
#5 and #4

Open

Closed

Closed

Open

115

Brick Controller User Manual

J4: Limits, Flags, EQU [Axis 1- 4]
J4 is used to wire axis/channels 1 through 4 over travel limit switches, home and user flags, and EQU
output. The limits and flags can be ordered either 5V or 12-24V. The EQU output is always 5V. Per
axis/channel, there are 2 limit inputs, 2 flag inputs, and 1 EQU output:
- Positive limit. Negative limit
- Home flag. User flag
- EQU
To avoid machine/equipment damage and before applying power or
connecting any of the flags; make sure that your electrical
design/wiring is in accordance with the Brick Controller part number
option for 5- or 24-volt connection
Caution

J4: D-sub DB-25F
Mating: D-sub DB-25M
Pin #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Symbol
USER1
MLIM1
FL_RT1
USER2
MLIM2
FL_RT2
USER3
MLIM3
FL_RT3
USER4
MLIM4
FL_RT4
GND
PLIM1
HOME1
EQU1
PLIM2
HOME2
EQU2
PLIM3
HOME3
EQU3
PLIM4
HOME4
EQU4

Note

13

12
25

11
24

Function
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Output
Input
Input
Output
Input
Input
Output
Input
Input
Output

10
23

9
22

8
21

7
20

6
19

5
18

4
17

3
16

2
15

1
14

Description
User Flag 1
Negative Limit 1
Flag Return 1
User Flag 2
Negative Limit 2
Flag Return 2
User Flag 3
Negative Limit 3
Flag Return 3
User Flag 4
Negative Limit 4
Flag Return 4
Common
Positive Limit 1
Home Flag 1
Compare Output, EQU 1 TTL (5V) level
Positive Limit 2
Home Flag 2
Compare Output, EQU 2 TTL (5V) level
Positive Limit 3
Home Flag 3
Compare Output, EQU 3 TTL (5V) level
Positive Limit 4
Home Flag 4
Compare Output, EQU 4 TTL (5V) level

For 5V flags (internal use): Install RP39, RP43, RP47 and RP51.
1Kohm Sip, 8-pin, four independent Resistors.
For 12-24Vflags: Empty bank (Default).

PinOuts and Software Setup

116

Brick Controller User Manual

J5: Limits, Flags, EQU [Axis 5- 8]
J5 is used to bring in axis/channels 5 through 8 over travel limit switches, home and user flags, and EQU
output. The limits and flags can be ordered either 5V or 12-24V. The EQU output is always 5V. Per
axis/channel, there are 2 limit inputs, 2 flag inputs, and 1 EQU output:
- Positive limit. Negative limit
- Home flag. User flag
- EQU
To avoid machine/equipment damage and before applying power or
connecting any of the flags; make sure that your electrical
design/wiring is in accordance with the Brick Controller’s part number
option (5- or 24-volts)
Caution

J5: D-sub DB-25F
Mating: D-sub DB-25M
Pin #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Symbol
USER5
MLIM5
FL_RT5
USER6
MLIM6
FL_RT6
USER7
MLIM7
FL_RT7
USER8
MLIM8
FL_RT8
GND
PLIM5
HOME5
BEQU5
PLIM6
HOME6
BEQU6
PLIM7
HOME7
BEQU7
PLIM8
HOME8
BEQU8

Note

13

12
25

11
24

Function
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Output
Input
Input
Output
Input
Input
Output
Input
Input
Output

10
23

9
22

8
21

7
20

6
19

5
18

4
17

3
16

2
15

1
14

Description
User Flag 5
Negative Limit 5
Flag Return 5
User Flag 6
Negative Limit 6
Flag Return 6
User Flag 7
Negative Limit 7
Flag Return 7
User Flag 8
Negative Limit 8
Flag Return 8
Common
Positive Limit 5
Home Flag 5
Compare Output EQU 5, TTL (5V) level
Positive Limit 6
Home Flag 6
Compare Output EQU 6, TTL (5V) level
Positive Limit 7
Home Flag 7
Compare Output EQU 7, TTL (5V) level
Positive Limit 8
Home Flag 8
Compare Output EQU 8, TTL (5V) level

For Delta Tau’s internal use:
For 5V flags: Install RP89, RP93, RP97 and RP101
1Kohm Sip, 8-pin, four independent Resistors.
For 12-24Vflags: Empty bank (Default).

PinOuts and Software Setup

117

Brick Controller User Manual

Wiring the Limits and Flags
The Brick Controller allows the use of sinking or sourcing limits and flags. The opto-isolator IC used is a
PS2705-4NEC-ND quad phototransistor output type. This IC allows the current to flow from return to
flag or from flag to return. Sinking into or sourcing out of the Brick Controller:
Sourcing Limits And Flags

Sinking Limits And Flags

Note

14

1
15

2
16

3
17

4
18

5
19

6
20

7
21

8
22

9
23
24
25

17
18
19
20
21
22
23

10
11
12

16

3
4
5
6
7

FLAG RETURN 4/8

EQU 4/8

13

EQU 4/8

EQU 3/7
USER 4/8
NC POS. LIMIT 4/8
NC NEG. LIMIT 4/8
HOME 4/8

13

15

2

14

1

COM
FLAG RETURN 4/8

EQU 2/6
USER 3/7
NC POS. LIMIT 3/7
NC NEG. LIMIT 3/7
HOME 3/7
FLAG RETURN 3/7

24

EQU 3/7
USER 4/8
NC POS. LIMIT 4/8
NC NEG. LIMIT 4/8
HOME 4/8

25

FLAG RETURN 3/7

EQU 1/5
USER 2/6
NC POS. LIMIT 2/6
NC NEG. LIMIT 2/6
HOME 2/6
FLAG RETURN 2/6

8

EQU 2/6
USER 3/7
NC POS. LIMIT 3/7
NC NEG. LIMIT 3/7
HOME 3/7

9

FLAG RETURN 2/6

10

EQU 1/5
USER 2/6
NC POS. LIMIT 2/6
NC NEG. LIMIT 2/6
HOME 2/6

USER 1/5
NC POS. LIMIT 1/5
NC NEG. LIMIT 1/5
HOME 1/5
FLAG RETURN 1/5

11

FLAG RETURN 1/5

12

USER 1/5
NC POS. LIMIT 1/5
NC NEG. LIMIT 1/5
HOME 1/5

+5VDC /
+24VDC

5 or 24 VDC
Power supply

+5VDC /
+24VDC

COM

5 or 24 VDC
Power supply

Per channel, the flags can be either sinking or sourcing depending on
the flag return wiring. The over travel limits must be normally closed
switches. They can be disabled (Ixx24) but they are not software
configurable.

PinOuts and Software Setup

118

Brick Controller User Manual

Limits and Flags [Axis 1- 4] Suggested M-Variables
M115->X:$078000,19
M116->X:$078000,9
M120->X:$078000,16
M121->X:$078000,17
M122->X:$078000,18

;
;
;
;
;

User 1 flag input status
EQU1, ENC1 compare output value
Home flag 1 input status
Positive Limit 1 flag input status
Negative Limit 1 flag input status

M215->X:$078008,19
M216->X:$078008,9
M220->X:$078008,16
M221->X:$078008,17
M222->X:$078008,18

;
;
;
;
;

User 2 flag input status
EQU2, ENC2 compare output value
Home flag 2 input status
Positive Limit 2 flag input status
Negative Limit 2 flag input status

M315->X:$078010,19
M316->X:$078010,9
M320->X:$078010,16
M321->X:$078010,17
M322->X:$078010,18

;
;
;
;
;

User 3 flag input status
EQU3, ENC3 compare output value
Home flag 3 input status
Positive Limit 3 flag input status
Negative Limit 3 flag input status

M415->X:$078018,19
M416->X:$078018,9
M420->X:$078018,16
M421->X:$078018,17
M422->X:$078018,18

;
;
;
;
;

User 4 flag input status
EQU4, ENC4 compare output value
Home flag 4 input status
Positive Limit 4 flag input status
Negative Limit 4 flag input status

Limits and Flags [Axis 5- 8] Suggested M-Variables
M515->X:$078100,19
M516->X:$078100,9
M520->X:$078100,16
M521->X:$078100,17
M522->X:$078100,18

;
;
;
;
;

User 5 flag input status
EQU5, ENC5 compare output value
Home flag 5 input status
Positive Limit 5 flag input status
Negative Limit 5 flag input status

M615->X:$078108,19
M616->X:$078108,9
M620->X:$078108,16
M621->X:$078108,17
M622->X:$078108,18

;
;
;
;
;

User 6 flag input status
EQU6, ENC6 compare output value
Home flag 6 input status
Positive Limit 6 flag input status
Negative Limit 6 flag input status

M715->X:$078110,19
M716->X:$078110,9
M720->X:$078110,16
M721->X:$078110,17
M722->X:$078110,18

;
;
;
;
;

User 7 flag input status
EQU7, ENC7 compare output value
Home flag 7 input status
Positive Limit 7 flag input status
Negative Limit 7 flag input status

M815->X:$078118,19
M816->X:$078118,9
M820->X:$078118,16
M821->X:$078118,17
M822->X:$078118,18

;
;
;
;
;

User 8 flag input status
EQU8, ENC4 compare output value
Home flag 8 input status
Positive Limit 8 flag input status
Negative Limit 8 flag input status

PinOuts and Software Setup

119

Brick Controller User Manual

J6: General Purpose Inputs/Outputs
J6 is used to wire general purpose digital Inputs (1-16) and Outputs (1-8) to the Brick Controller.
J6: D-sub DC-37F
Mating: D-sub DC-37M
Pin #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37

Symbol
GPI1
GPI3
GPI5
GPI7
GPI9
GPI11
GPI13
GPI15
IN_COM1-8
OUT-RET
OUT_COM
GP01GP02GP03GP04GP05GP06GP07GP08GPI2
GPI4
GPI6
GPI8
GPI10
GPI12
GPI14
GPI16
IN_COM9-16
OUT_COM
GP01+
GP02+
GP03+
GP04+
GP05+
GP06+
GP07+
GP08+

PinOuts and Software Setup

19

18
37

17
36

16
35

15
34

14
33

Function
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Common 01-08
Input
Input
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Common 09-16
Input
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output

13
32

12
31

11
30

10
29

9
28

8
27

7
26

6
25

5
24

4
23

3
22

2
21

1
20

Description
Input 1
Input 3
Input 5
Input 7
Input 9
Input 11
Input 13
Input 15
Input 01 to 08 Common
Outputs Return
Outputs Common
Sourcing Output 1
Sourcing Output 2
Sourcing Output 3
Sourcing Output 4
Sourcing Output 5
Sourcing Output 6
Sourcing Output 7
Sourcing Output 8
Input 2
Input 4
Input 6
Input 8
Input 10
Input 12
Input 14
Input 16
Input 09 to 16 Common
Outputs Common
Sinking Output 1
Sinking Output 2
Sinking Output 3
Sinking Output 4
Sinking Output 5
Sinking Output 6
Sinking Output 7
Sinking Output 8

120

Brick Controller User Manual

J7: Additional General Purpose Inputs/Outputs
J7 is used to wire general purpose digital Inputs (17-32) and Outputs (9-16) to the Brick Controller.
J7: D-sub DC-37F
Mating: D-sub DC-37M
Pin #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37

Symbol
GPI17
GPI19
GPI21
GPI23
GPI25
GPI27
GPI29
GPI31
IN_COM 17-24
OUT-RET
OUT_COM
GPO9GPO10GPO11GPO12GPO13GPO14GPO15GPO16GPI18
GPI20
GPI22
GPI24
GPI26
GPI28
GPI30
GPI32
IN_COM_25-32
OUT_COM
GPO9+
GPO10+
GPO11+
GPO12+
GPO13+
GPO14+
GPO15+
GPO16+

PinOuts and Software Setup

19

18
37

17
36

16
35

15
34

14
33

Function
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Common 17-24
Input
Input
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Common 25-32
Input
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output

13
32

12
31

11
30

10
29

9
28

8
27

7
26

6
25

5
24

4
23

3
22

2
21

1
20

Description
Input 17
Input 19
Input 21
Input 23
Input 25
Input 27
Input 29
Input 31
Input 17 to 24 Common
Outputs Return
Outputs Common
Sourcing Output 9
Sourcing Output 10
Sourcing Output 11
Sourcing Output 12
Sourcing Output 13
Sourcing Output 14
Sourcing Output 15
Sourcing Output 16
Input 18
Input 20
Input 22
Input 24
Input 26
Input 28
Input 30
Input 32
Input 25 to 32 Common
Outputs Common
Sinking Output 9
Sinking Output 10
Sinking Output 11
Sinking Output 12
Sinking Output 13
Sinking Output 14
Sinking Output 15
Sinking Output 16

121

Brick Controller User Manual

J8: Additional General Purpose Inputs/Outputs
J8 is used to wire general purpose digital Inputs (33-48) and Outputs (17-24) to the Brick Controller.
J7: D-sub DC-37F
Mating: D-sub DC-37M
Pin #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37

Symbol
GPI33
GPI35
GPI37
GPI39
GPI41
GPI43
GPI45
GPI47
IN_COM 33-40
OUT-RET
OUT_COM
GPO17GPO18GPO19GPO20GPO21GPO22GPO23GPO24GPI34
GPI36
GPI38
GPI40
GPI42
GPI44
GPI46
GPI48
IN_COM_41-48
OUT_COM
GPO17+
GPO18+
GPO19+
GPO20+
GPO21+
GPO22+
GPO23+
GPO24+

PinOuts and Software Setup

19

18
37

17
36

16
35

15
34

14
33

Function
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Common 33-40
Input
Input
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Common 41-48
Input
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output

13
32

12
31

11
30

10
29

9
28

8
27

7
26

6
25

5
24

4
23

3
22

2
21

1
20

Description
Input 33
Input 35
Input 37
Input 39
Input 41
Input 43
Input 45
Input 47
Input 33 to 40 Common
Outputs Return
Outputs Common
Sourcing Output 17
Sourcing Output 18
Sourcing Output 19
Sourcing Output 20
Sourcing Output 21
Sourcing Output 22
Sourcing Output 23
Sourcing Output 24
Input 34
Input 36
Input 38
Input 40
Input 42
Input 44
Input 46
Input 48
Input 41 to 48 Common
Outputs Common
Sinking Output 17
Sinking Output 18
Sinking Output 19
Sinking Output 20
Sinking Output 21
Sinking Output 22
Sinking Output 23
Sinking Output 24

122

Brick Controller User Manual

About the Digital Inputs and Outputs
All general purpose inputs and outputs are optically isolated. They operate in the 12–24 VDC range, and
can be wired to be either sinking or sourcing.

Inputs
The inputs use the PS2505L-1NEC photocoupler.
For sourcing inputs, connect the input common pin(s) to the 12–24V line of the power supply. The input
devices are then connected to the common ground line of the power supply at one end, and individual
input pins at the other.
For sinking inputs, connect the input common pin(s) to the common ground line of the power supply. The
input devices are then connected to the 12–24V line of the power supply at one end, and individual input
pins at the other.

The inputs can be wired either sourcing or sinking in sets of eight,
with each set possessing its own common.
Note

Outputs
The outputs, in the older models of the Brick Controller (control board 603793-109 and earlier), use the
PS2501L-1NEC photocoupler. They are rated to a maximum current of 500 mA, and are overload
protected.
The outputs, in the newer models (October 2012) of the Brick Controller (control board 603793-10A and
later), use the PS2701-1NEC photocoupler. They are protected with a ZXMS6006DG; an enhancement
mode MOSFET - diode incorporated. The protection involves over-voltage, over-current, I2T and short
circuit.
For sourcing outputs, connect the common collector (pin #29) to the 12–24V line of the power supply.
The output devices are then connected to the common ground line of the power supply at one end, and
individual sourcing output pins at the other.
For sinking outputs, connect the common emitter (pin #11) to the common ground line of the power
supply. The output devices are then connected to the 12–24V line of the power supply at one end, and
individual sinking output pins at the other.

Note

Note

Do not mix topologies for outputs. They are all either sinking or
sourcing. If the common emitter is used, the common collector should
not be connected and vice versa.

In the newer models, and with no load attached to them, the outputs
are floating due to the protection circuitry. Measuring the outputs’
level (i.e. with a digital multi-meter) for diagnostics requires either
adding a dummy load or tying the output return pin #10 to ground in
sourcing mode, or to 12-24V in sinking mode.

PinOuts and Software Setup

123

Brick Controller User Manual

Wiring the Digital Inputs and Outputs
The inputs and outputs can be wired to be either sourcing out of or sinking into the Brick Controller:

Sourcing Inputs / Outputs

Sinking Inputs / Outputs

PinOuts and Software Setup

20

1
21

2
22

3
23

4
24

5
25

6
26

7
27

8
28

9

27

8

26

7

25

6

24

5

23

4

22

3

21

2

20

1

COM

29
30
31
32

13
33

14
37

18

36

17

35

16

34

15

14

13

12

30
31
32
33
34

OUTPUT 8 / 16

11

29
11

OUTPUT 7 / 15

12

OUTPUT 6 / 14

19

OUTPUT 8 / 16

35
OUTPUT 7 / 15

OUTPUT 5 / 13

36

OUTPUT 6 / 14

OUTPUT 4 / 12

37

OUTPUT 5 / 13

OUTPUT 3 / 11

15

OUTPUT 4 / 12

OUTPUT 2 / 10

16

OUTPUT 3 / 11

OUTPUT 1 / 9

17

OUTPUT 2 / 10

COM. EMIT
COM. EMIT

18

OUTPUT 1 / 9

19

COM. COLLECT
COM. COLLECT

10

IN COM 09-16 / 25-32

10

IN COM 09-16 / 25-32

INPUT 1 / 17
INPUT 2 / 18
INPUT 3 / 19
INPUT 4 / 20
INPUT 5 / 21
INPUT 6 / 22
INPUT 7 / 23
INPUT 8 / 24
INPUT 9 / 25
INPUT 10 / 26
INPUT 11 / 27
INPUT 12 / 28
INPUT 13 / 29
INPUT 14 / 30
INPUT 15 / 31
INPUT 16 / 32
IN COM 01-08 / 17-24

28

IN COM 01-08 / 17-24

9

INPUT 1 / 17
INPUT 2 / 18
INPUT 3 / 19
INPUT 4 / 20
INPUT 5 / 21
INPUT 6 / 22
INPUT 7 / 23
INPUT 8 / 24
INPUT 9 / 25
INPUT 10 / 26
INPUT 11 / 27
INPUT 12 / 28
INPUT 13 / 29
INPUT 14 / 30
INPUT 15 / 31
INPUT 16 / 32

+12VDC /
+24VDC

12 - 24 VDC
Power supply

+12VDC /
+24VDC

COM

12 - 24 VDC
Power supply

124

Brick Controller User Manual

General Purpose I/Os (J6) Suggested M-Variables
// Inputs:
M1->Y:$78800,0,1
M2->Y:$78800,1,1
M3->Y:$78800,2,1
M4->Y:$78800,3,1
M5->Y:$78800,4,1
M6->Y:$78800,5,1
M7->Y:$78800,6,1
M8->Y:$78800,7,1
M9->Y:$78801,0,1
M10->Y:$78801,1,1
M11->Y:$78801,2,1
M12->Y:$78801,3,1
M13->Y:$78801,4,1
M14->Y:$78801,5,1
M15->Y:$78801,6,1
M16->Y:$78801,7,1

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input

01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

J6
J6
J6
J6
J6
J6
J6
J6
J6
J6
J6
J6
J6
J6
J6
J6

//Outputs:
M33->Y:$078802,0,1
M34->Y:$078802,1,1
M35->Y:$078802,2,1
M36->Y:$078802,3,1
M37->Y:$078802,4,1
M38->Y:$078802,5,1
M39->Y:$078802,6,1
M40->Y:$078802,7,1

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Output#
Output 1
Output 2
Output 3
Output 4
Output 5
Output 6
Output 7
Output 8

J6
J6
J6
J6
J6
J6
J6
J6

Pin#1
Pin#20
Pin#2
Pin#21
Pin#3
Pin#22
Pin#4
Pin#23
Pin#5
Pin#24
Pin#6
Pin#25
Pin#7
Pin#26
Pin#8
Pin#27
Sourcing
Pin#12
Pin#13
Pin#14
Pin#15
Pin#16
Pin#17
Pin#18
Pin#19

Sinking
Pin#30
Pin#31
Pin#32
Pin#33
Pin#34
Pin#35
Pin#36
Pin#37

General Purpose I/Os Additional (J7) Suggested M-Variables
// Inputs:
M17->Y:$78803,0,1
M18->Y:$78803,1,1
M19->Y:$78803,2,1
M20->Y:$78803,3,1
M21->Y:$78803,4,1
M22->Y:$78803,5,1
M23->Y:$78803,6,1
M24->Y:$78803,7,1
M25->Y:$78804,0,1
M26->Y:$78804,1,1
M27->Y:$78804,2,1
M28->Y:$78804,3,1
M29->Y:$78804,4,1
M30->Y:$78804,5,1
M31->Y:$78804,6,1
M32->Y:$78804,7,1

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input

//Outputs:
M41->Y:$078805,0,1
M42->Y:$078805,1,1
M43->Y:$078805,2,1
M44->Y:$078805,3,1
M45->Y:$078805,4,1
M46->Y:$078805,5,1
M47->Y:$078805,6,1
M48->Y:$078805,7,1

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Output#
Output 09
Output 10
Output 11
Output 12
Output 13
Output 14
Output 15
Output 16

PinOuts and Software Setup

17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32

J7
J7
J7
J7
J7
J7
J7
J7
J7
J7
J7
J7
J7
J7
J7
J7
J7
J7
J7
J7
J7
J7
J7
J7

Pin#1
Pin#20
Pint#2
Pin#21
Pin#3
Pin#22
Pin#4
Pin#23
Pin#5
Pin#24
Pin#6
Pin#25
Pin#7
Pin#26
Pin#8
Pin#27
Sourcing
Pin#12
Pin#13
Pin#14
Pin#15
Pin#16
Pin#17
Pin#18
Pin#19

Sinking
Pin#30
Pin#31
Pin#32
Pin#33
Pin#34
Pin#35
Pin#36
Pin#37

125

Brick Controller User Manual

General Purpose I/Os Additional (J8) Suggested M-Variables
// Inputs:
M49->Y:$78A00,0,1
M50->Y:$78A00,1,1
M51->Y:$78A00,2,1
M52->Y:$78A00,3,1
M53->Y:$78A00,4,1
M54->Y:$78A00,5,1
M55->Y:$78A00,6,1
M56->Y:$78A00,7,1
M57->Y:$78A01,0,1
M58->Y:$78A01,1,1
M59->Y:$78A01,2,1
M60->Y:$78A01,3,1
M61->Y:$78A01,4,1
M62->Y:$78A01,5,1
M63->Y:$78A01,6,1
M64->Y:$78A01,7,1

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input

//Outputs:
M65->Y:$078A02,0,1
M66->Y:$078A02,1,1
M67->Y:$078A02,2,1
M68->Y:$078A02,3,1
M69->Y:$078A02,4,1
M70->Y:$078A02,5,1
M71->Y:$078A02,6,1
M72->Y:$078A02,7,1

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Output#
Output 17
Output 18
Output 19
Output 20
Output 21
Output 22
Output 23
Output 24

PinOuts and Software Setup

33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48

J8
J8
J8
J8
J8
J8
J8
J8
J8
J8
J8
J8
J8
J8
J8
J8
J8
J8
J8
J8
J8
J8
J8
J8

Pin#1
Pin#20
Pint#2
Pin#21
Pin#3
Pin#22
Pin#4
Pin#23
Pin#5
Pin#24
Pin#6
Pin#25
Pin#7
Pin#26
Pin#8
Pin#27
Sourcing
Pin#12
Pin#13
Pin#14
Pin#15
Pin#16
Pin#17
Pin#18
Pin#19

Sinking
Pin#30
Pin#31
Pin#32
Pin#33
Pin#34
Pin#35
Pin#36
Pin#37

126

Brick Controller User Manual

J9: Handwheel Analog I/O
J9 is used to wire the additional analog inputs, Handwheel encoder, analog output, and PFM output.

J9: D-sub DB-25F
Mating: D-sub DB-25M
Pin #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Symbol
AIN1
AIN3
AIN5
AIN7
+12V
GND
ANAOUTPULSEDIRHWA+
HWB+
HWC+
+5V
AIN2
AIN4
AIN6
AIN8
-12V
ANAOUT+
PULSE+
DIR+
GND
HWAHWBHWC-

Note

13

12
25

11
24

Function
Input
Input
Input
Input
Output
Common
Output
Output
Output
Input
Input
Input
Output
Input
Input
Input
Input
Output
Output
Output
Output
Common
Input
Input
Input

10
23

9
22

8
21

7
20

6
19

5
18

4
17

3
16

2
15

1
14

Notes
Analog Input #1
Analog Input #3
Analog Input #5
Analog Input #7
For troubleshooting (no practical use)
Common Ground
Analog Output Pulse Output Direction Output Handwheel Quadrature A
Handwheel Quadrature B
Handwheel Quadrature C
For troubleshooting (no practical use)
Analog Input #2
Analog Input #4
Analog Input #6
Analog Input #8
For troubleshooting (no practical use)
Analog Output +
Pulse Output +
Direction Output +
Common Ground
Handwheel Quadrature A/
Handwheel Quadrature B/
Handwheel Quadrature C/

Analog Inputs at Y:$784B0 using PMAC option12.
Analog Output at Y:$78412,8,16,S using Supp. Ch1* Output A.
Pulse and Direction at Y:$7841C,8,16,S using Supp. Ch2* Output C.
Handwheel Input at Y:$78410 using Supp. Ch1* Handwheel.

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127

Brick Controller User Manual

Setting up the Analog Inputs (J9)

AGND

ADC5

AGND

ADC6

AGND

ADC7

AGND

ADC8

14

ADC4

15

AGND

16

ADC3

17

AGND

2

ADC2

3

AGND

4

ADC1

18
I5081=$000000
I5082=$000001
I5083=$000002
I5084=$000003
I5085=$000004
I5086=$000005
I5087=$000006
I5088=$000007

21
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

ADC0
ADC1
ADC2
ADC3
ADC4
ADC5
ADC6
ADC7

Unipolar
Unipolar
Unipolar
Unipolar
Unipolar
Unipolar
Unipolar
Unipolar

23

Unipolar Mode
Bipolar
Bipolar
Bipolar
Bipolar
Bipolar
Bipolar
Bipolar
Bipolar

24

ADC0
ADC1
ADC2
ADC3
ADC4
ADC5
ADC6
ADC7

13

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

25

Bipolar Mode
I5081=$000008
I5082=$000009
I5083=$00000A
I5084=$00000B
I5085=$00000C
I5086=$00000D
I5087=$00000E
I5088=$00000F

$78B40
$78B40
$78B40
$78B40
$78B40
$78B40
$78B40
$78B40

22

$078800+$000340=
$078800+$000340=
$078800+$000340=
$078800+$000340=
$078800+$000340=
$078800+$000340=
$078800+$000340=
$078800+$000340=

8

to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to

9

8 ADC pairs
is referenced
is referenced
is referenced
is referenced
is referenced
is referenced
is referenced
is referenced

10

Copy
ADC0
ADC1
ADC2
ADC3
ADC4
ADC5
ADC6
ADC7

11

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

12

I5060=8
I5061=$000340
I5062=$000340
I5063=$000340
I5064=$000340
I5065=$000340
I5066=$000340
I5067=$000340
I5068=$000340

20

7

19

6

These analog inputs can be used either in
unipolar mode in the 0V to +10V range, or
bipolar mode in the -10V to +10V range.
Each input has a 470Ω input resistor inline, and a 0.01 μF resistor to ground
ensuing a 4.7 μsec time constant per input
line.

AGND

5

The ANA (J9) port provides eight
multiplexed 12-bit single-ended analog
inputs (AIN1-AIN8) using the traditional
PMAC Option 12.

1

±10VDC
Input Signals

A SAVE and a reset ($$$) is required to initialize this function
properly after download.
Note

In Unipolar mode, the ADCs can measure up to 12V since the opamps are powered with 12VDC.
Note

PinOuts and Software Setup

128

Brick Controller User Manual

J9 Analog Inputs Suggested M-Variables
Bipolar Mode (Signed)
M6991->Y:$003400,12,12,S
M6992->Y:$003402,12,12,S
M6993->Y:$003404,12,12,S
M6994->Y:$003406,12,12,S
M6995->Y:$003408,12,12,S
M6996->Y:$00340A,12,12,S
M6997->Y:$00340C,12,12,S
M6998->Y:$00340E,12,12,S

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Unipolar Mode (Unsigned)
ADC1
ADC2
ADC3
ADC4
ADC5
ADC6
ADC7
ADC8

M6991->Y:$003400,12,12,U
M6992->Y:$003402,12,12,U
M6993->Y:$003404,12,12,U
M6994->Y:$003406,12,12,U
M6995->Y:$003408,12,12,U
M6996->Y:$00340A,12,12,U
M6997->Y:$00340C,12,12,U
M6998->Y:$00340E,12,12,U

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

ADC1
ADC2
ADC3
ADC4
ADC5
ADC6
ADC7
ADC8

Testing the J9 Analog Inputs
Input Voltage Software Counts
-10
-2048
-5
-1024
0
0
Bipolar
+10
+2048
Unipolar
+5
+1024

PinOuts and Software Setup

129

14

1
15
16

3
16

3

15

2

14

1
2

18
19

6
21

8
9

9

21

8

20

Analog DAC
Device COM

20

7

Analog DAC+
Device DAC-

7

19

6

18

5

17

Single-Ended Output

5

Differential Output

4

4

Setting up the Analog Output (J9)

17

Brick Controller User Manual

22
23

23





10

10

22

The analog output out of J9 is a (12-bit) filtered PWM signal, therefore a PWM frequency in the range of
30-36 KHz and a PWM deadtime of zero are suggested for a good quality analog output signal (minimum
ripple). A fully populated Brick can have one of three gates generating the clocks:

24

11

25

12
13

13

25

12

24

11

Servo IC 0
Servo IC 1
MACRO IC 0
I19 specifies which gate is the clock source master. I19 is equal to 7007 by default indicating that Servo
IC 0 is the master gate. However, the analog output on J9 is generated from MACRO IC 0.
The relationship between the PWM clock frequency of the clock-receiving gate and the clock-generating
gate should always be respected in such a way that:

Where n is an integer
Example:
With Servo IC 0 being the clock master and at default clock settings, the following are suggested
MACRO IC 0 clock settings which would provide a good analog output signal:
Default Servo IC 0
Clock Settings
I7000=6527
I7001=0
I7002=3
I10=3713991

Resulting
Frequencies KHz
PWM
PHASE
SERVO

4.5
9
2.25

Suggested MACRO IC 0
Clock Settings
I6800=816
I6801=7
I6802=3
I6804=0

Resulting
Frequencies KHz
PWM
PHASE
SERVO
PWMDeadtime

36
9
2.25
0

Note that n=8 in this case

PinOuts and Software Setup

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Brick Controller User Manual

For assistance with clock settings, use the Delta Tau Calculator: DT Calculator Forum Link

J9 Analog Output Suggested M-Variable
// I/O 10 & 11 Mode (PWM)
M7001->Y:$78404,10,1
M7002->Y:$78404,11,1
M7001=0
; =0 PWM, =1 PFM
M7002=0
; =0 PWM, =1 PFM
// Analog Output M-variable
M7000->Y:$78412,8,16,S
// These I/O nodes have to be setup once on power-up.
Open PLC 1 clear
I6612=100*8388608/I10 While(I6612>0) Endw
M7001=0 ; PWM mode
M7002=0 ; PWM mode
Disable PLC 1
Close

Testing the J9 Analog Output
With I6800=816, writing directly to the assigned M-variable (i.e. M7000) should produce the following:
M7000
-816
-408
0
408
816

Note

Single-Ended:
Gnd  Output+
-10V
-5V
0V
+5V
+10V

Differential:
Output+  Output-20V
-10V
0V
+10V
+20V

Writing values greater than I6800 (i.e. 816) in M7000 will saturate the
output to 10, or 20 volts in single-ended or differential mode
respectively

MACRO connectivity can provide a cleaner solution for analog
outputs, e.g. using ACC-24M2A.
Note

PinOuts and Software Setup

131

15

15

2

2

16

16

3

3

4

4

6
19

19

20
21

8
22

21
9

10

22

COM

11

11

23

23

10

COM

9

20

PULSE+
PULSE
PULSEFREQUENCY
DIR+
DEVICE/
DIRAMPLIFIER

8

PULSE
PULSEFREQUENCY
DIR+
DEVICE/
DIRAMPLIFIER

7

7
PULSE+

18

18

Single Ended Pulse And Direction

6

Differential Pulse And Direction

5

5

17

17

Setting up Pulse and Direction Output PFM (J9)

13

13

25

25

12

12

24

Using the Delta Tau Calculator or referring to the Turbo Software Reference Manual, the desired
maximum PFM Frequency and pulse width can be chosen. DT Calculator Forum Link

24

Brick Controller User Manual

Step2

Step1

Results

Step 1: Choose Max PFM clock by changing the PFM clock divider. Click on calculate to see results.
Step 2: Choose PFM Pulse width by changing I6804. Click on calculate to see results.
For a PFM clock range 0-20 KHz, and a pulse width of ~20 μsec:
I6803=2290
I6804=13

; PFM Clock divider equal to 6
; PFM Pulse Width Control equal to 13

PinOuts and Software Setup

132

Brick Controller User Manual

The calculated Ixx69 specifies the maximum command output value which corresponds to the maximum
PFM Frequency:
I6826=3
; MACRO IC Channel 2 Output Mode Select. C PFM
M8000->Y:$7841C,8,16,S ; Supplementary Channel 2* Output C Command Value
; Min=0, Max= Calculated Ixx69
M8001->X:$7841D,21
; Invert C Output Control. 0=no inversion, 1=invert
M8001=0
;

Testing the J9 PFM Output
Writing directly to the suggested M-variable (i.e. M8000) values proportional to the calculated Ixx69,
produces corresponding frequencies:
M8000 PFM [KHz]
0
0
1213
11
2427
22

PinOuts and Software Setup

133

2

14

14

1

3

15

15

2
4

4

16

16

3

Brick Controller User Manual

5

17

17

Setting up the Handwheel Port (J9)

20
+5V External +5V
COM Power Supply

21
23

10
24

CHB+

11

Quadrature
Encoder

CHC+

25

+5V PWR

12

CHB-

13

CHC-

13

CHC+

GND

24

CHB+

25

Quadrature
Encoder

12

GND

11

CHA+5V PWR

CHA+

23

CHA+

10

22

22

9

9

21

8

+5V External +5V
COM Power Supply

8

20

7

7

19

19

6

6

18

18

5

A quadrature encoder type device is normally brought into the handwheel port; it can be wired and used
in either single-ended or differential mode. The encoder power is not provided for this device, it must be
brought in externally.
Differential Handwheel
Single ended Handwheel

The encoder data can be brought into the Encoder Conversion Table allowing direct access with an Mvariable or used as a master position for a specific motor (Ixx05).
Example:
I8000=$78410
; Entry 1: 1/T extension of location $78410
M8002->X:$3501,0,24,S ; ECT 1st entry result

PinOuts and Software Setup

134

Brick Controller User Manual

Serial Port (RS232)
An optional serial RS-232 communication port is available on the Brick Controllers. This port can be
used as a primary communication mean or employed as a secondary port that allows simultaneous
communication.

Pin#
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

N.C.
DTR
TXD
CTS
RXD
RTS
DSR
N.C.
GND

RS-232: D-Sub DE-9F
Mating: D-Sub DE-9M

5

4
9

3
8

2
7

1
6

Symbol
Function
Description
Notes
N.C.
NC
TXD
Output
Receive data
Host transmit Data
RXD
Input
Send data
Host receive Data
DSR
Bi-directional Data set ready
Tied to “DTR”
GND
Common
Common GND
DTR
Bi-directional Data term ready Tied to “DSR”
CTS
Input
Clear to send
Host ready bit
RTS
Output
Req. to send
PMAC ready bit
N.C
NC

The baud rate for the RS-232 serial port is set by variable I54. At power-up reset, The Brick Controller
sets the active baud based on the setting of I54 and the CPU speed I52. Note that the baud rate frequency
is divided down from the CPU’s operational frequency. The factory default baud rate is 38400. This baud
rate will be selected automatically on re-initialization of the Brick Controller, either in hardware using the
re-initialization (RESET SW) button or in software using the $$$*** command.
To change the baud rate setting on the Brick Controller, set I54 to the corresponding value of desired
frequency. Restart the software (Pewin32Pro2), and adjust to the correct baud rate in the communication
setup window. Then issue a SAVE and a reset ($$$), or recycle power on the Brick Controller. For odd
baud rate settings, refer to the Turbo Software Reference Manual.
I54 Baud Rate I54
8
9600
12
9
14,400
13
10
19,200
14
11
28,800
15

Baud Rate
38,400
57,600
76,800
115,200

I54=12 (38400 baud) is the factory default setting
Note

PinOuts and Software Setup

135

Brick Controller User Manual

AMP1-AMP8: Amplifier Connection
8

AMP1-AMP8: D-sub DA-15F
Mating: D-Sub DA-15M

7
15

6
14

5
13

4
12

3
11

2
10

1
9

Pin #

Schematic Symbol

Function

1

DACA+

Output

DAC A output +

2

DACB+

Output

DAC B output +

3

AE_NC+

Output

Amplifier Enable Relay Normally Close

4

AE_NO+

Output

Amplifier Enable Relay Normally Open

5

AFAULT- (COM)

Common

6

N.C.

Not connected

7

N.C.

Not connected

8

AGND

Common

Analog Ground

9

DACA -

Output

DAC A output -

10

DACB -

Output

DAC B output -

11

AE_COM

Common

12

AFAULT+

Input

13

N.C.

14

AGND

15

N.C.

Note

Note

Notes

Amplifier Fault Common (Tied to AE_COM)

Amplifier Enable Relay Common
Amplifier Fault +
Not connected

Common

Analog Ground
Not connected

Newer models of the Brick Controller (December 2013) introduced
jumpers (FLT RET) which allow the isolation of the amplifier fault
input from the amplifier enable common. Hence allowing true
differential amplifier fault input signals.

With these jumpers installed, as shipped from the factory, the Brick
Controller is backwards compatible and no changes need to be done to
existing systems.

PinOuts and Software Setup

136

Brick Controller User Manual

Wiring the DAC Output

9
10

2

DAC+
Analog
DACDevice
COM

11
12

4
13

5
14

6
15

7
8

8

15

7

14

6

13

5

12

4

11

3

DAC+ Analog
COM Device

1

Differential DAC Output

3

10

2

9

1

Single Ended DAC Output

DACA+
DACASine-Wave
DACB+
Amplifier
DACBCOM

8

15

7

14

6

13

5

12

4

11

3

10

2

9

1

Sinusoidal DAC Output

PinOuts and Software Setup

137

Brick Controller User Manual

Wiring the Amplifier Enable and Fault Signals
The amplifier enable output signal can be either:




High true using the normally open contact (pin #4)
Low true using the normally closed contact (pin #3)

Also, it can be either sourcing or sinking depending on the wiring scheme.
The following table summarizes the amplifier enable contact relays’ logic of operation:
Channel Command

Connection between
pins #11 and #4

Connection between
pins #11 and #3

Disabled (Killed)

Open

Closed

Enabled (open/closed loop)

Closed

Open

The amplifier fault signal:



In newer models of the Brick Controller (December 2013), additional jumpers (FLT RET) were
introduced to allow the isolation of the amplifier fault minus from the amplifier enable common.
This allows connecting true differential amplifier fault signals (by removing the jumpers).



With the older models, the amplifier fault signal is single-ended. Its’ minus end (pin #5) is tied
internally to the amplifier enable common (pin #11), which dictates how the amplifier fault input
should be connected.

Caution

With the older units or newer units with FLT RET jumper(s) installed,
the amplifier fault minus signal (pin #5) is internally tied to the
amplifier enable common signal (pin #11).

With newer units, removing the FLT RET jumper(s) allows the
connection of differential amplifier fault inputs.
Caution

Note

If the amplifier fault signal is not used, it can be treated and used as a
general purpose +12~24V input by disabling the amplifier fault input
(setting bit 20 of Ixx24 to 1).

The amplifier fault signal polarity can be changed with bit 23 of
Ixx24; =1 for high true, =0 for low true.
Note

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138

Brick Controller User Manual

Older Models / Newer Models (FLT RET jumper installed)
High True Amplifier Enable Output

9
12

COM

DC
Power
12-24V Supply

AE COM
AMP FLT

13
14

6
15
8

8

15

7

AE COM

7

14

6

13

AMP FLT

4

AMP ENA

11

3

10

2

AMP ENA

5

12

4
5

DC 12-24V
Power
Supply COM

11

3

10

2

9

1

Sinking

1

Sourcing

Low True Amplifier Enable Output

9
10

2

AE COM

11

3
12

4

COM

AMP FLT

DC
Power
12-24V Supply

14
15
8

15

7

AE COM

6

13

AMP FLT

13
14

6
7
8
PinOuts and Software Setup

AMP ENA

5

12

4
5

DC 12-24V
Power
Supply COM

AMP ENA

11

3

10

2

9

1

Sinking

1

Sourcing

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Newer Models (FLT RET jumper removed)
High True Amplifier Enable Output

9
12

4
13

COM

DC
Power
12-24V Supply

AE COM
AMP FLT+
AMP FLT-

14
15

AMP FLT COM

8

8

15

AMP ENA COM
AMP FLT COM

5

AMP FLT+
AMP FLT-

11

3

10

2

AMP ENA

6

13
14

6
7

AMP ENA

7

12

4
5

DC 12-24V
Power
Supply COM

11

3

10

2

9

1

Sinking

1

Sourcing

Low True Amplifier Enable Output

9
10

2
11

3

AE COM
COM

13

5

12

4

AMP FLT+
AMP FLT-

DC
Power
12-24V Supply

14

AMP FLT COM

8

15

AMP ENA COM
AMP FLT COM

15
8
PinOuts and Software Setup

AMP ENA

6

13
14

6
7

AMP FLT+
AMP FLT-

7

12

4
5

DC 12-24V
Power
Supply COM

AMP ENA

11

3

10

2

9

1

Sinking

1

Sourcing

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DRIVE-MOTOR SETUP
The Brick Controller supports three types of outputs:




Analog ±10V 12-bit Filtered PWM
Analog ±10V 18-bit True DAC
Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM)

The following chart summarizes the steps to implement for setting up a motor properly with the Brick
Controller:
Encoder / Motor wiring

Factory Default Reset $$$***, Save, $$$
(recommended)

Encoder Software Setup. Verify Feedback.
(rotate shaft by hand)

Output Type i.e. ±10V, PFM
(Dominant Clock Settings)

Position PID Tuning

Note

Drive-Motor Setup

The following section assumes that feedback devices have been setup
properly, and that moving the motor/encoder shaft by hand shows
correct data in the position window.

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Filtered PWM Output (Analog ±10V)
In this mode, the ±10V analog output is obtained by passing the digital PWM signal through a 10 KHz
low pass filter. This technique, although not as performing as a true digital to analog converter, is more
than adequate for most servo applications.
The duty cycle of the PWM signal controls the magnitude of the voltage output. This is handled internally
by the PMAC, the user needs not to change any settings.
However, the frequency of the PWM signal determines the output resolution and ripple magnitude
(disturbance). The trade-off is as follows:
PWM Frequency

Resolution

Ripple

The higher the PWM frequency, the lower is the resolution with a low-ripple signal output.
The lower the PWM frequency, the higher is the resolution with a high-ripple signal output.

Some amplifiers operate in the ±5V range; this can be regulated using
the motor command output limit, parameter Ixx69.
Note

Drive-Motor Setup

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Clock Settings, Output Mode, Command Limit
Most commonly used and suggested clock settings in this mode allowing a good compromise are a 30
KHz PWM Frequency, 10 KHz Phase, and 2.5 KHZ Servo.
DT Calculator Link

I7100
I7101
I7102

= 981
= 5
= 3

; PWM Frequency 30 KHz, PWM 1-4
; Phase Clock 10 KHz, Servo IC 1
; Servo Clock 2.5 KHz, Servo IC 1

I7000
I7001
I7002

= 981
= 5
= 3

; PWM Frequency 30 KHz, PWM 5-8
; Phase Clock 10 KHz, Servo IC 0
; Servo Clock 2.5 KHz, Servo IC 0

I10

= 3353600

; Servo Interrupt Time

I169,8,100 = 981
I7016,4,10 = 0
I7116,4,10 = 0

; DAC Limit 10 VDC
; Output Mode, PWM axis 1-4 (Default)
; Output Mode, PWM axis 5-8 (Default)

Flag Control, Ixx24
The following diagram showcases important bit settings pertaining to flags, and amplifier information:
Amplifier Fault Use Bit

Amplifier Enable Use Bit

Flag Register Type

= 0 Enable amp fault input
= 1 Disable amp fault input

= 0 Use amp enable output
= 1 Don’t use amp enable

Always =1 for Brick Controller
(Turbo PMAC)

Bit #:

23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10

Amplifier Fault Polarity Bit

Overtravel Limit Use Bit

= 0 For low true amp
= 1 For high true amp

= 0 Enable hardware over-travel limits
= 1 Disable hardware over-travel limits

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

Example:
Setting Ixx24 for a low true amplifier and disabling the over-travel limit switches yields $20001.

Drive-Motor Setup

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I2T Protection: Ixx57, Ixx58
I2T is a software thermal model (PMAC internal calculation) used to protect motor and drive from
exceeding current specifications. For a safe setup, the lower limit of continuous and peak current
specifications between the motor and drive should be selected.
Example:
A Brick Controller driving a torque-mode amplifier that has a gain of 3 amperes/volt and a continuous
current rating of 10 amperes, with a motor rated to 12 amperes continuous.
Using the amplifier’s continuous current rating of 10 Amps:
#define
#define
#define
#define

ContCurrent
MaxADC
I2TOnTime
ServoClk

10
30
2
2.5

;
;
;
;

Continuous Current Limit [Amps] –User Input
full range ADC reading, Amplifier Spec. –User Input
Time allowed at peak Current, Amp/motor spec [sec] –User Input
Servo Clock, pre-defined in suggested clocks [Khz]

I157 = INT(I7000*ContCurrent/MaxADC)
I158 = INT((I7000*I7000-I157*I157)*ServoClk*1000*I2TOnTime/(I7000*I7000))
I257=I157
I357=I157
I457=I157
I557=I157
I657=I157
I757=I157
I857=I157
I258=I158
I358=I158
I458=I158
I558=I158
I657=I158
I757=I158
I857=I158

Open Loop Test: Encoder/Decode
The open-loop test is critical to verify the direction sense of the encoder counting versus the command
output. A positive command should create a positive velocity and a position counting in the positive
direction; a negative command should create a negative velocity and a position counting in the negative
direction. The Open Loop test utility in the PMACTuningPro2 Software can be used to execute and open
loop test. It can also be carried manually from the terminal window while gathering position, velocity data
or simply monitoring the motor velocity in the position window.
Satisfactory Open-Loop Test Result

Drive-Motor Setup

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The open-loop test is usually
performed on an unloaded motor.
The open loop command output is
adjustable, start off with a
conservative 1 to 2 percent
command output (i.e. #nO2) value
and increment gradually until you
see a satisfactory result.

Unsatisfactory Open Loop Test Result

If the failure persists (inverted saw
tooth, as shown in the plot), or you
observe oscillations in the response
instead of a saw tooth, then most
likely the direction sense of the
encoder is opposite to the command
output.

General recommendation for troubleshooting an unsuccessful open loop test
An inverted saw tooth response, most times, indicates that the direction sense of the encoder is opposite to
that of the command output.



Quadrature | Sinusoidal:
Change I7mn0 to 3 from 7 (default) or vice-versa.



HiperFace:
HiperFace encoders send absolute encoder data on power-up. If the on-going position direction is
reversed, one needs to make sure that the absolute data sent on power-up agrees with the new
direction of the encoder.



Resolver:
Change the direction from clock wise to counter clock wise in the first encoder conversion table
entry (see resolver feedback setup section).



Absolute Serial Encoders (EnDat, SSI, BiSS, Yaskawa, Panasonic, Tamagawa):
The Brick Controller has no control on the direction sense of the serial data stream (packets).
There are no software parameters that allow changing the direction sense of absolute serial
encoders. Normally, it is set by jumpers or software at the encoder side.
Some amplifiers allow swapping the DAC+ and DAC- signal to invert the direction travel of the
motor. Otherwise, two of the motor leads have to be swapped.
If the motor/axis direction does not comply now with the machine design then negative jog
commands can be issued for positive motion, and vice versa. Similarly, for motion programs, the
motor can then assigned to a negative axis definition.

Drive-Motor Setup

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Position-Loop PID Gains: Ixx30…Ixx39
The position-loop tuning is done as in any Turbo PMAC PID-Loop setup. The PMACTuningPro2
automatic or interactive utility can be used to fine-tune the PID-Loop. Satisfactory Step and Parabolic
move responses would look like:
Position Step Move

Position Parabolic Move

At this point of the setup, the motor(s) is ready to accept Jog
commands.
Note

Drive-Motor Setup

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Brick Controller User Manual

True DAC Output (±10V)
Clock Settings, Output Mode
Default Clock settings are suitable for most applications. Output mode is set to DAC.
I7100
I7101
I7102

= 6527
= 0
= 3

; Servo IC 1 PWM Frequency 4.5 KHz, Max Phase Frequency 9 KHz
; Servo IC 1 Phase Clock 9 Khz
; Servo IC 1 Servo Clock 2.25

I7000
I7001
I7002

= 6527
= 0
= 3

; Servo IC 0 PWM Frequency 4.5 KHz, Max Phase Frequency 9 KHz
; Servo IC 0 Phase Clock 9 Khz
; Servo IC 0 Servo Clock 2.25

I10

= 3713991

; Servo Interrupt Time

I7016,4,10 = 3
I7116,4,10 = 3

; Output Mode, DAC axis 1-4
; Output Mode, DAC axis 5-8

Flag Control, Ixx24
The following diagram showcases important bit settings pertaining to flags, and amplifier information:
Amplifier Fault Use Bit

Amplifier Enable Use Bit

Flag Register Type

= 0 Enable amp fault input
= 1 Disable amp fault input

= 0 Use amp enable output
= 1 Don’t use amp enable

Always =1 for Brick Controller
(Turbo PMAC)

Bit #:

23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10

Amplifier Fault Polarity Bit

Overtravel Limit Use Bit

= 0 For low true amp
= 1 For high true amp

= 0 Enable hardware over-travel limits
= 1 Disable hardware over-travel limits

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

Example:
Setting Ixx24 for a low true amplifier and disabling the over-travel limit switches yields $20001.

Drive-Motor Setup

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I2T Protection: Ixx57, Ixx58
I2T is a software thermal model (PMAC internal calculation) used to protect motor and drive from
exceeding current specifications. For a safe setup, the lower limit of continuous and peak current
specifications between the motor and drive should be selected.
Example:
A Brick Controller driving a torque-mode amplifier that has a gain of 3 amperes/volt and a continuous
current rating of 10 amperes, with a motor rated to 12 amperes continuous.
Using the amplifier’s continuous current rating of 10 Amps:
#define
#define
#define
#define

ContCurrent
MaxADC
I2TOnTime
ServoClk

10
30
2
2.25

;
;
;
;

Continuous Current Limit [Amps] –User Input
full range ADC reading, Amplifier Spec. –User Input
Time allowed at peak Current, Amp/motor spec [sec] –User Input
Servo Clock [Khz]

I157 = INT(I7000*ContCurrent/MaxADC)
I158 = INT((I7000*I7000-I157*I157)*ServoClk*1000*I2TOnTime/(I7000*I7000))
I257=I157
I357=I157
I457=I157
I557=I157
I657=I157
I757=I157
I857=I157
I258=I158
I358=I158
I458=I158
I558=I158
I657=I158
I757=I158
I857=I158

Open Loop Test: Encoder/Decode
The open-loop test is critical to verify the direction sense of the encoder counting versus the command
output. A positive command should create a positive velocity and a position counting in the positive
direction; a negative command should create a negative velocity and a position counting in the negative
direction. The Open Loop test utility in the PMACTuningPro2 Software can be used to execute and open
loop test. It can also be carried manually from the terminal window while gathering position, velocity data
or simply monitoring the motor velocity in the position window.
Satisfactory Open-Loop Test Result

Drive-Motor Setup

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Brick Controller User Manual

The open-loop test is usually performed
on an unloaded motor. The open loop
command output is adjustable, start off
with a conservative 1 to 2 percent
command output (i.e. #nO2) value and
increment gradually until you see a
satisfactory result.

Unsatisfactory Open Loop Test Result

If the failure persists (inverted saw tooth,
as shown in the plot), or you observe
oscillations in the response instead of a
saw tooth, then most likely the direction
sense of the encoder is opposite to the
command output.

General recommendation for troubleshooting an unsuccessful open loop test
An inverted saw tooth response, most times, indicates that the direction sense of the encoder is opposite to
that of the command output.



Quadrature | Sinusoidal:
Change I7mn0 to 3 from 7 (default) or vice-versa.



HiperFace:
HiperFace encoders send absolute encoder data on power-up. If the on-going position direction is
reversed, one needs to make sure that the absolute data sent on power-up agrees with the new
direction of the encoder.



Resolver:
Change the direction from clock wise to counter clock wise in the first encoder conversion table
entry (see resolver feedback setup section).



Absolute Serial Encoders (EnDat, SSI, BiSS, Yaskawa, Panasonic, Tamagawa):
The Brick Controller has no control on the direction sense of the serial data stream (packets).
There are no software parameters that allow changing the direction sense of absolute serial
encoders. Normally, it is set by jumpers or software at the encoder side.
Some amplifiers allow swapping the DAC+ and DAC- signal to invert the direction travel of the
motor. Otherwise, two of the motor leads have to be swapped.
If the motor/axis direction does not comply now with the machine design then negative jog
commands can be issued for positive motion, and vice versa. Similarly, for motion programs, the
motor can then assigned to a negative axis definition.

Drive-Motor Setup

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Position-Loop PID Gains: Ixx30…Ixx39
The position-loop tuning is done as in any Turbo PMAC PID-Loop setup. The PMACTuningPro2
automatic or interactive utility can be used to fine-tune the PID-Loop. Satisfactory Step and Parabolic
move responses would look like:
Position Step Move

Position Parabolic Move

At this point of the setup, the motor(s) is ready to accept Jog
commands.
Note

Drive-Motor Setup

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Pulse and Direction Output (PFM)
The Pulse and direction (Pulse Frequency Modulation) output pins are located on the encoder (X1-X8)
connectors. The stepper drive specifications dictate the choice of the maximum PFM clock frequency, and
pulse width.
DT Calculator Forum Link

Step 1: Choose Max PFM clock by changing the PFM clock divider. Click on calculate to see results.
Step 2: Choose PFM Pulse width by changing I7m04. Click on calculate to see results.
The output frequency control Ixx69 specifies the maximum command output value which corresponds to
the maximum PFM Frequency.

PFM Clock Settings Example
Take a desired PFM clock frequency of 0-20 KHz, and a pulse width of ~20 μsec:
// Channels 1-4 PFM Clock Settings
I7003=2290
; Servo IC 0 PFM Clock divider equal to 6
I7004=13
; Servo IC 0 PFM Pulse Width Control equal to 13
I169,4,100=2427
; Channels 1-4 Output Command Limit
// Channels 5-8 PFM Clock Settings
I7103=2290
; Servo IC 1 PFM Clock divider equal to 6
I7104=13
; Servo IC 1 PFM Pulse Width Control equal to 13
I569,4,100=2427
; Output Command Limit

The following example assumes that there is no encoder attached to
the motor, and the feedback is internally generated.
Note

Drive-Motor Setup

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PFM Setup Example
// Encoder Conversion
I8000=$C78000
I8001=$C78008
I8002=$C78010
I8003=$C78018
// Encoder Conversion
I8004=$C78100
I8005=$C78108
I8006=$C78110
I8007=$C78118

Table, for
; Entry 1
; Entry 2
; Entry 3
; Entry 4
Table, for
; Entry 5
; Entry 6
; Entry 7
; Entry 8

channels 1-4
incremental encoder,
incremental encoder,
incremental encoder,
incremental encoder,
channels 5-8
incremental encoder,
incremental encoder,
incremental encoder,
incremental encoder,

// Channels 1-4 Output Mode Select,
I7016,4,10=3
; Servo IC 0,
I7010,4,10=8
; Servo IC 0,
// Channels 5-8 Output Mode Select,
I7116,4,10=3
; Servo IC 1,
I7110,4,10=8
; Servo IC 1,

no
no
no
no

extension
extension
extension
extension

no
no
no
no

extension
extension
extension
extension

Encoder/Decode
Channels 1-4 Output Mode Select to PFM
Channels 1-4 Encoder Decode, Internal Pulse and Direction
Encoder/Decode
Channels 5-8 Output Mode Select to PFM
Channels 5-8 Encoder Decode, Internal Pulse and Direction

// Channels 1-4 Command Output Register
I102=$78004
; Channel 1, PFM
I202=$7800c
; Channel 2, PFM
I302=$78014
; Channel 3, PFM
I402=$7801C
; Channel 4, PFM
// Channels 5-8 Command Output Register
I502=$78104
; Channel 5, PFM
I602=$7810C
; Channel 6, PFM
I702=$78114
; Channel 7, PFM
I802=$7811C
; Channel 8, PFM

In PFM mode, it is possible to:
 Write directly to the PFM output register using the suggested M-Variable definition (Mxx07)
The corresponding channel has to be deactivated in this mode (Ixx00=0)
 Issue open loop commands to a channel/motor, e.g.:#1O5
The corresponding channel has to be activated in this mode (Ixx00=1)
 Issue closed loop commands to a channel/motor, e.g.: #1J=1000
The corresponding channel has to be activated (Ixx00=1) and the position loop PID gains have to
be implemented.

Writing directly to the PFM register
// Channels 1-4 Suggested M-Variables, PFM
M107->Y:$78004,8,16,S ; Channel 1, Min=0,
M207->Y:$7800C,8,16,S ; Channel 2, Min=0,
M307->Y:$78014,8,16,S ; Channel 3, Min=0,
M407->Y:$7801C,8,16,S ; Channel 4, Min=0,

command output
Max= Calculated
Max= Calculated
Max= Calculated
Max= Calculated

I169
I269
I369
I469

// Channels 5-7 Suggested M-Variables, PFM
M507->Y:$78104,8,16,S ; Channel 5, Min=0,
M607->Y:$7810C,8,16,S ; Channel 6, Min=0,
M707->Y:$78114,8,16,S ; Channel 7, Min=0,
M807->Y:$7811C,8,16,S ; Channel 8, Min=0,

command output
Max= Calculated
Max= Calculated
Max= Calculated
Max= Calculated

I569
I669
I769
I869

Writing directly to the suggested M-variable(s) values proportional to Ixx69 produces corresponding
frequencies:
Suggested Output Frequency
M-Variable
PFM [KHz]
0

0

1213

11

2427

22

Drive-Motor Setup

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Issuing Open-Loop Commands
Activating the motor channel should be sufficient at this point to allow open loop commands. Note that an
open loop command of zero magnitude (#nO0) will result in a zero frequency output, and an open loop
command of 100 (#nO100) will result in the maximum calculated frequency output.
I100,4,100=1
I500,4,100=1

; Channels 1-4 active
; Channels 5-8 active

Going back to the setup example, these are some open loop commands resulting frequencies:
Open Loop Output Frequency
Command
PFM [KHz]
0

0

50

11

100

22

Issuing Closed-Loop Commands
Issuing closed-loop commands requires activating the channel, setting the flag control, assigning the
position and velocity pointers, and implementing PID gains.
Activating channels, Ixx00
I100,4,100=1
I500,4,100=1

; Channels 1-4 active
; Channels 5-8 active

Assigning position and velocity pointers, Ixx03 and Ixx04
I103=$3501
I203=$3502
I303=$3503
I403=$3504

I104=$3501
I204=$3502
I304=$3503
I404=$3504

;
;
;
;

Channel
Channel
Channel
Channel

1
2
3
4

position
position
position
position

and
and
and
and

velocity
velocity
velocity
velocity

pointers
pointers
pointers
pointers

I503=$3505
I603=$3506
I703=$3507
I803=$3508

I504=$3505
I604=$3506
I704=$3507
I804=$3508

;
;
;
;

Channel
Channel
Channel
Channel

5
6
7
8

position
position
position
position

and
and
and
and

velocity
velocity
velocity
velocity

pointers
pointers
pointers
pointers

Flag Control, Ixx24
The following diagram showcases important bit settings pertaining to flags, and amplifier information:
Amplifier Fault Use Bit

Amplifier Enable Use Bit

Flag Register Type

= 0 Enable amp fault input
= 1 Disable amp fault input

= 0 Use amp enable output
= 1 Don’t use amp enable

Always =1 for Brick Controller
(Turbo PMAC)

Bit #:

23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10

Amplifier Fault Polarity Bit

Overtravel Limit Use Bit

= 0 For low true amp
= 1 For high true amp

= 0 Enable hardware over-travel limits
= 1 Disable hardware over-travel limits

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

Example:
Setting Ixx24 for a low true amplifier, disabling the over-travel limits and amplifier fault input yields
$120001.

Drive-Motor Setup

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Implementing PID gains, Ixx30..Ixx35
In PFM mode, the PID Gains can be determined using the following empirical equations:

Ixx30 

660000
Ixx08  PFM CLock [MHz]

Ixx31  0

Ixx32  6660  Servo Freq. [KHz]
Ixx33..Ixx35  0
// Channels 1-4 PID Gains (with
I130,4,100=11190
; Motors
I131,4,100=0
; Motors
I132,4,100=15038
; Motors
I133,4,100=0
; Motors
I134,4,100=0
; Motors
I135,4,100=0
; Motors

default clock settings):
5-8 Proportional Gain
5-8 Derivative Gain
5-8 Velocity FeedForward Gain
5-8 Integral Gain
5-8 Integral Mode
5-8 Acceleration FeedForward Gain

// Channels 5-8 PID Gains (with
I530,4,100=11190
; Motors
I531,4,100=0
; Motors
I532,4,100=15038
; Motors
I533,4,100=0
; Motors
I534,4,100=0
; Motors
I535,4,100=0
; Motors

default clock settings):
5-8 Proportional Gain
5-8 Derivative Gain
5-8 Velocity FeedForward Gain
5-8 Integral Gain
5-8 Integral Mode
5-8 Acceleration FeedForward Gain

At this point of the setup, the drive-motor(s) is ready to accept Jog
commands.
Note

Drive-Motor Setup

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MACRO CONNECTIVITY
Introduction to MACRO
MACRO Ring for Distributed Motion Control - www.macro.org MACRO stands for Motion and Control Ring Optical. It is a high bandwidth non-proprietary digital
interface industrialized by Delta Tau Data Systems for distributed multi-axis systems.
MACRO can be connected using either fiber optic or twisted copper pair RJ45 cables. The RJ45
electrical interface can extend to up to 30 meters (or about 100 feet), and the fiber optic interface can
extend to up to 3 kilometers (or about 2 miles). The following are some of the many advantages
which MACRO offers:


Noise Immunity: MACRO transfers data using light rather than electricity which renders it
immune to electromagnetic noise and capacitive coupling.



Wiring Simplicity: Single-plug connection between controllers, amplifiers, and I/O modules
minimizing wiring complexity in large systems.



High Speed: data transfer rate at 125 Megabits per second, and servo update rates as high as
65 KHz.



Centralized, Synchronized Control: No software intervention is required on the MACRO
stations. One or multiple rings can be controlled, synchronized, and accessed using a single
ring controller.

The following diagram depicts the general formation of a simple MACRO ring.

Station # …
(Motors, I/Os)

Station # 2
(Motors, I/Os)

Station # n
(Motors, I/Os)

Station # 1
(Motors, I/Os)

Ring Controller

Note

MACRO Connectivity

It is possible to have multiple/redundant rings and master/controllers
in one system. For simplicity, we will limit the discussion in the
following section(s) to the basic setting parameters of a single
MACRO ring and controller. Also, we will address the stations as
slaves and the ring controller as master.

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MACRO Configuration Examples
The Brick Controller with its’ MACRO interface supports a wide variety of MACRO ring formations.
The following common MACRO configurations are described in detail:
Configuration
Example

MACRO Ring Controller
(Master)

MACRO Ring
Slave(s)

Configuration
Type

1

Brick Controller

Brick Controller(s)

MACRO Auxiliary

2

Brick Controller

Geo MACRO Drive(s)

MACRO Slave

Notice that the Brick Controller can be either a Master or a Slave in a MACRO Ring.
Whenever the Brick Controller is a slave, the MACRO configuration is called MACRO auxiliary. This is
a designation which was implemented in the firmware for the Brick family of controllers.
If the Brick Controller is a master and the station(s) consist of traditional MACRO hardware (e.g. Geo
MACRO Drive, ACC-65M etc.) then the MACRO configuration is called MACRO Slave. This is the
typical designation which supports the majority of MACRO compatible amplifiers and peripherals.

Note

The Brick Controller MACRO option is populated with 1 MACRO
IC, which consists of 8 servo nodes (motors/encoders) and 6 I/O nodes
(432 I/O points)

Configuring a MACRO Auxiliary ring requires communicating (via
USB, Ethernet, or serial) separately to both the master and slave.
Note

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Review: MACRO Nodes and Addressing
Each MACRO IC consists of 16 nodes: 2 auxiliary, 8 servo and 6 I/O nodes:
 Auxiliary nodes are reserved for master/slave setting and internal firmware use
 Servo nodes are used for motor control carrying feedback, commands, and flag information
 I/O nodes are user configurable for transferring general purpose data

I/ O Nodes

Node

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

8

Auxiliary
Nodes

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

Servo Nodes

Each I/O node consists of 4 registers; 1 x 24-bit and 3 x16-bit registers (upper):
Brick Controller MACRO IC #0 Servo Node Registers
1
4
5
8
9
12

Node
24-bit

0

13

Y:$78420

Y:$78424

Y:$78428

Y:$7842C

Y:$78430

Y:$78434

Y:$78438

Y:$7843C

16-bit

Y:$78421

Y:$78425

Y:$78429

Y:$7842D

Y:$78431

Y:$78435

Y:$78439

Y:$7843D

16-bit

Y:$78422

Y:$78426

Y:$7842A

Y:$7842E

Y:$78432

Y:$78436

Y:$7843A

Y:$7843E

16-bit

Y:$78423

Y:$78427

Y:$7842B

Y:$7842F

Y:$78433

Y:$78437

Y:$7843B

Y:$7843F

Brick Controller MACRO IC #0 I/O Node Registers
Node

2

3

6

7

10

11

24-bit

X:$78420

X:$78424

X:$78428

X:$7842C

X:$78430

X:$78434

16-bit

X:$78421

X:$78425

X:$78429

X:$7842D

X:$78431

X:$78435

16-bit

X:$78422

X:$78426

X:$7842A

X:$7842E

X:$78432

X:$78436

16-bit

X:$78423

X:$78427

X:$7842B

X:$7842F

X:$78433

X:$78437

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Review: MACRO Auxiliary Commands
In MACRO Auxiliary mode (Brick - Brick), master and slave data exchange (i.e. reads, writes) can be
done using Macro Auxiliary MX commands.
For simplicity, the following examples describe syntax commands intended to communicate with a slave
unit associated with node 0. But ultimately, these commands can be used with any enabled node on the
addressed slave.

MACRO auxiliary commands are only valid from the master side.
Note
Online Commands:
Syntax
MX{anynode},{slave variable}
MX{anynode},{slave variable}={constant}

Example
MX0,P1
MX0,P1=1

Description
Read and report slave variable P1
Write a 1 to slave variable P1

Program “Buffer” Commands:
Syntax

Example

Description

MXR{anynode},{slave variable},{master variable}

MXR0,P2,P1

Copy slave P2 into master P1

MXW{anynode},{slave variable},{master variable}

MXW0,P2,P1

Copy master P1 into slave P2

Where:

 {anynode} is a constant (0 to 63) representing the number of any node activated on the slave.
 {slave variable} is the name of the variable at the slave side. It can be I, P, Q, or M-variable with a
number from 0 to 8191.

 {master variable} is the name of the variable at the master side. It can be I, P, Q, or M-variable with a
number from 0 to 4095 (firmware limited).

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Configuration Example 1: Brick - Brick
MACRO Ring Master

MACRO Ring Slave

The following example describes the necessary steps for setting up a MACRO ring comprised of an 8axis Brick Controller as a master and another 8-axis Brick Controller as a slave. Alternately, it is possible
to have 2 x 4-axis Brick Controllers as slaves. Their settings would be similar except for the activated
nodes. And I85, in this case, can be used to assign a station number to each of the slaves.

Setting up the Slave
1. Establish communication to the slave unit using USB, Ethernet, or Serial.
2. Consider starting from factory default settings.
This can be done by issuing a $$$*** followed by a Save, and a $$$.
3. Consider downloading the suggested M-Variables in the Pewin32Pro2 software.
4. Set up motors per the motor setup section described in this manual.
I2T settings (Ixx57, and Ixx58) should be set for these motors on the master side.
Is it ok to have them enabled temporarily while configuring the motors locally, but ultimately in
normal mode operation (MACRO master-slave), I2T settings should be configured on the master side
and set to zero (Ixx57 = 0, Ixx58 = 0) on the slave side. Ixx69 may remain as computed.

Note

MACRO Connectivity

In normal operation of MACRO master-slave, I2T settings (Ixx57 and
Ixx58) should be configured on the master side and set to zero on the
slave side.

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5. Clock settings considerations
 The MACRO ring is synchronized at phase rate. Keep in mind that the phase clock frequency
must be the same on both the master and the slave.
 The MACRO IC must be sourcing the clock (parameter I19). A Save followed by a $$$ are
required whenever I19 is changed.
 It is advised to have both the MACRO and servo ICs set at the same phase frequency.
I19 =
I6800
I6801
I6802

6807
= I7000
= I7001
= I7002

;
;
;
;

Clock
Macro
Macro
Macro

source, MACRO IC 0
IC 0 MaxPhase/PWM Frequency Control
IC 0 Phase Clock Frequency Control
IC 0 Servo Clock Frequency Control

6. Make sure that the motors are fully operational and can be controlled in closed loop (e.g. jog
commands). Position PID tuning is not critical at this point. Fine tuning of the slave motors should be
eventually performed from the master side.
7. Kill all motors
8. MACRO ring settings
 I80, I81 and I82 enable the ring error check function.
 I85 specifies a station number which the slave unit is assigned to (e.g. multiple slave stations).
 I6840 specifies whether this is a master or a slave.
 I6841 specifies which MACRO nodes are enabled. Note, that it is not advised to enable nodes
which will not be used.
I85=1

; Station number #1 – User Input

I6840=$4080
I6841=$0FF333

; Macro IC0 Ring Configuration/Status, typical slave setting
; Macro IC0 Node Activate Ctrl (Servo nodes 0, 1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 13) – User Input

#define RingCheckPeriod
20
; Suggested Ring Check Period [msec]
#define FatalPackErr
15
; Suggested Fatal Packet Error Percentage [%]
I80=INT(RingCheckPeriod *8388608/I10/(I8+1)+1)
; Macro Ring Check Period [Servo Cycles]
I81=INT(I80* FatalPackErr /100+1)
; Macro Maximum Ring Error Count
I82=I80-I81*4
; Macro Minimum Sync Packet Count

9. MACRO slave command address
Ixx44 specifies the MACRO command address and mode for slave motors.
I144=$178423
I244=$178427
I344=$17842B
I444=$17842F
I544=$178433
I644=$178437
I744=$17843B
I844=$17843F

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Macro
Macro
Macro
Macro
Macro
Macro
Macro
Macro

IC0
IC0
IC0
IC0
IC0
IC0
IC0
IC0

Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node

0
1
4
5
8
9
12
13

Command
Command
Command
Command
Command
Command
Command
Command

Address.
Address.
Address.
Address.
Address.
Address.
Address.
Address.

Torque
Torque
Torque
Torque
Torque
Torque
Torque
Torque

Mode
Mode
Mode
Mode
Mode
Mode
Mode
Mode

Setting Ixx44 to the MACRO command register hands control of the motors to the master. To allow
motor commands from the slave again, Ixx44 needs to be set back to default of zero.

Ixx44 must be set for at least one channel to allow MACRO auxiliary
mode, thus enabling MX commands.
Note
10. Issue a Save followed by a reset $$$ to maintain changes.

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Note about Slave Motors’ I2T
I2T setting parameters, Ixx69, Ixx57 and Ixx58, should be configured properly, for complete protection,
when the motor is controlled locally.
I2T setting parameters, Ixx57 and Ixx58, should be set to zero on the slave side when it is in auxiliary
mode, and configured for the corresponding channel over MACRO (on the master side).
As a rule of thumb, and for a given channel:
If Ixx44

Slave

Master

Ixx57 as computed
=0

Ixx58 as computed
Ixx69 as computed
Ixx57 = 0

!= 0

Ixx57 as computed
Ixx58 as computed
Ixx69 as computed

Ixx58 = 0
Ixx69 as computed

On the master side, the computed values from the slave can be copied into the corresponding motor
MACRO channel.

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Setting up the Master
1. Establish communication to the master using USB, Ethernet, or Serial.
2. Consider starting from factory default settings.
This can be done by issuing a $$$*** followed by a Save, and a reset $$$.
3. Consider downloading the suggested M-Variables in the Pewin32Pro2 software.
4. The master’s motors can now be set up as described in the motor setup section of this manual.
Typically, these are motors #1 through #8.
5. Clock settings considerations
 The MACRO ring is synchronized at phase rate. The phase clock frequency must be the same on
the master and each of the slaves.
 It is advised that the MACRO and servo ICs be set to the same phase frequency.
I6800 = I7000
I6801 = I7001
I6802 = I7002

; Macro IC0 MaxPhase/PWM Frequency Control
; Macro IC0 Phase Clock Frequency Control
; Macro IC0 Servo Clock Frequency Control

6. MACRO ring settings
 I80, I81 and I82 enable the ring error check function.
 I6840 specifies whether this is a master or a slave.
 I6841 specifies which MACRO nodes are enabled. Note, that it is not advised to enable nodes
which will not be used.
I6840=$4030
I6841=$0FF333
I78=32
I70=$3333
I71=0

;
;
;
;
;

Macro IC0 Ring Configuration/Status, typical master IC setting
Macro IC0 Node Activate Ctrl (Servo nodes 0, 1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 13) – User Input
Macro Type 1 Master/Slave Communications Timeout
Macro IC 0 Node Auxiliary Register Enable (for 8 macro motors)
Type 0 MX Mode

#define RingCheckPeriod
20
; Suggested Ring Check Period [msec]
#define FatalPackErr
15
; Suggested Fatal Packet Error Percentage [%]
I80=INT(RingCheckPeriod *8388608/I10/(I8+1)+1)
; Macro Ring Check Period [Servo Cycles]
I81=INT(I80* FatalPackErr /100+1)
; Macro Maximum Ring Error Count
I82=I80-I81*4
; Macro Minimum Sync Packet Count

7. Issue a Save, followed by a reset ($$$) to maintain changes.
8. Activating MACRO motors, Flag Control
The master Brick Controller can be fitted with 1 or 2 servo ICs to service local channels (4 or 8). The
next available channel will be the first macro/slave motor. This allows taking advantage of some of
the default MACRO settings set by the firmware upon detecting a MACRO IC.


If I4900 = $1, then only Servo IC 0 is present, and the first macro motor is #5

I500,8,100=1
I524,8,100=$40001



; Activate channels 5-12
; Channels 5-12 flag control

If I4900 = $3, then Servo ICs 0 and 1 are present, and the first macro motor is #9

I900,8,100=1
I924,8,100=$40001

MACRO Connectivity

; Activate channels 9-16
; Channels 9-16 flag control

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9. Position And Velocity Pointers
If all local motors have digital quadrature encoders (1-line ECT entries), and no other entries are used
in the Encoder Conversion Table then the position (Ixx03) and Velocity (Ixx04) pointers of the
MACRO motors are valid by default (set by firmware) and need not be changed:
MACRO
motor

Motor #

Ixx03, Ixx04

MACRO
motor

Motor #

1st

5 or 9

$350A

5th

9 or 13

$3512

$350C

th

10 or 14

$3514

th

11 or 15

$3516

th

12 or 16

$3518

2

nd

3

rd

4

th

6 or 10
7 or 11
8 or 12

$350E
$3510

6
7
8

Ixx03, Ixx04

However, if the Encoder Conversion Table has been modified then the MACRO motors/nodes entries
need to be configured properly. This can be done using the Encoder Conversion Table utility in the
PewinPro2 under Configure>Encoder Conversion Table:









Click on End of Table to access the next available entry
Conversion Type: Parallel position from Y word with no filtering
No Shifting
Width in Bits: 24
Source Address: Servo node Address (See table below)
Record the processed data address.
This is where the position and velocity pointers will be set to for a specific node/motor number.
E.g. I903,2=$351A
Repeat steps for additional motors/servo nodes

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Servo Node Addresses
MACRO
Motor # Address
motor
1st
2

nd

3

rd

4

th

5 or 9
6 or 10
7 or 11
8 or 12

Note

$78420
$78424
$78428
$7842C

Register

MACRO
Motor #
motor

Address

Register

Servo Node 0

5th

9 or 13

$78430

Servo Node 8

Servo Node 1

th

10 or 14

$78434

Servo Node 9

th

11 or 15

$78438

Servo Node 12

th

12 or 16

$7843C

Servo Node 13

Servo Node 4
Servo Node 5

6
7
8

At this point of the setup, you should be able to move the
motor/encoder shaft by hand and see encoder counts in the position
window

10. Flag Address (Ixx25)
The flag addresses for MACRO motors are initiated by default in the firmware. No need to make any
changes. The following table is displayed for reference:
MACRO
motor

Motor #

Ixx25

1st

5 or 9

$3440

2

nd
rd

3

th

4

6 or 10
7 or 11
8 or 12

$3441
$3444
$3445

Register

MACRO
motor

Motor #

Servo Node 0

5th

Servo Node 1

th
th
th

Servo Node 4
Servo Node 5

6
7
8

Ixx25

Register

9 or 13

$3448

Servo Node 8

10 or 14

$3449

Servo Node 9

11 or 15

$344C

Servo Node 12

12 or 16

$344D

Servo Node 13

11. Tuning the PID-Loop
The PID gains saved on the slave initially can be a good starting point. Otherwise, tuning (from the
master) can be carried on in the traditional manner - see motor setup section in this manual- there are
no special instructions for tuning the MACRO/slave motors.

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Configuration Example 2: Brick - Geo MACRO Drive
This configuration example discusses the
necessary steps for setting up a MACRO ring with
an 8-axis Brick Controller as a master and up to 4
x dual axes Geo MACRO drives as slaves.
For simplicity, we will cover guidelines for setting
up one Geo MACRO drive in detail. The others
can be configured similarly.

Geo MACRO Drive
(slave #4)

Brick Controller
(Master)

Note that, for non-MACRO experienced users, it
may be practical to configure one Geo MACRO
drive at a time (as shown below). That is by
connecting it to the Brick Controller via two fiber
optic cables while leaving the other drives outside
of the ring.
Brick Controller
(Master)

Geo MACRO Drive
(slave #3)

In
Out

Geo MACRO Drive
(Slave)

Geo MACRO Drive
(slave #2)

Geo MACRO Drive
(slave #1)

The following table summarizes the basic clock (default) and MACRO communication settings for the
ring in the diagram above. MS commands are allowed once the clocks are synchronized and nodes are
enabled properly on the master and each of the slaves. The slaves’ settings can be implemented via
MACRO ASCII communication.

Clock Settings

I6800=6527
I6801=0
I6802=3
I7100=6527
I7101=0
I7102=3
I7000=6527
I7001=0
I7002=3
I10=3713991

MACRO Settings

Master

I6840=$4030
I6841=$0FF333
I78=32
I70=$3333
I71=$3333
I80=16
I81=3
I82=4

MACRO Connectivity

Slave #1
(Servo nodes 0,1)

Slave #2
(Servo nodes 4,5)

Slave #3
(Servo nodes 8,9)

Slave #4
(Servo nodes 12,13)

MS0,I992=6527
MS0,I997=0

MS4,I992=6527
MS4,I997=0

MS8,I992=6527
MS8,I997=0

MS12,I992=6527
MS12,I997=0

MS0,I995=$4080
MS0,I996=$F4003

MS4,I995=$4080
MS4,I996=$F4030

MS8,I995=$4080
MS8,I996=$F4300

MS12,I995=$4080
MS12,I996=$F7000

MS0,I11=1

MS4,I11=2

MS8,I11=3

MS12,I11=4

MS0,I8=64
MS0,I9=36
MS0,I10=48

MS4,I8=64
MS4,I9=36
MS4,I10=46

MS8,I8=64
MS8,I9=36
MS8,I10=48

MS12,I8=64
MS12,I9=36
MS12,I10=48

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The following steps are guidelines for setting up one Geo Macro Drive slave:
1. Establish communication to the Brick Controller using USB, Ethernet, or Serial.
2. Consider starting from factory default settings.
This can be done by issuing a $$$*** followed by a Save, and a reset ($$$).
3. Consider downloading the suggested M-Variables in the Pewin32Pro2 software.
4. The master’s motors can now be set up as described in the motor setup section of this manual. These
are motors #1 through #8 (or #4 if it is a 4-axis Brick Controller).
5. Clock settings considerations
 The MACRO ring is synchronized at phase rate. The phase clock frequency must be the same on
the master and each of the slaves (Geo MACRO Drives).
 It is also advised that the MACRO and servo ICs be set to the same phase frequency.
I6800 = I7000
I6801 = I7001
I6802 = I7002

; Macro IC0 MaxPhase/PWM Frequency Control
; Macro IC0 Phase Clock Frequency Control
; Macro IC0 Servo Clock Frequency Control

Note

It is not necessary for the master to have the MACRO IC sourcing the
clock. But if it is desired, I19 can be simply set to 6807 followed by a
save and a reset ($$$).

6. MACRO ring settings
 I80, I81 and I82 enable the ring error check function.
 I6840 specifies whether this is a master or a slave.
 I6841 specifies which MACRO nodes are enabled. Note, that it is not advised to enable nodes
which will not be used.
I6840=$4030
I6841=$0FC003
I78=32
I70=$3
I71=$3

;
;
;
;
;

Macro IC0 Ring Configuration/Status, typical master IC setting
Macro IC0 Node Activate Ctrl (Servo nodes 0, 1) – User Input
Macro Type 1 Master/Slave Communications Timeout
Macro IC 0 Node Auxiliary Register Enable (for 2 macro motors)
Type 1 MX Mode

#define RingCheckPeriod
20
; Suggested Ring Check Period [msec]
#define FatalPackErr
15
; Suggested Fatal Packet Error Percentage [%]
I80=INT(RingCheckPeriod *8388608/I10/(I8+1)+1)
; Macro Ring Check Period [Servo Cycles]
I81=INT(I80* FatalPackErr /100+1)
; Macro Maximum Ring Error Count
I82=I80-I81*4
; Macro Minimum Sync Packet Count

7. Issue a Save, followed by a reset ($$$) to maintain changes.

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8. If the Geo MACRO Drive has been configured prior to this setup, then it may have been assigned a
station number and/or may have some enabled nodes. You would need to know what the station
number is in order to perform ASCII communication, or which nodes are enabled in order to issue
MS commands.
The following commands can then be issued to reset the Geo MACRO Drive(s) back to its factory
default settings:
 MS$$$***15 will broadcast a global reset to stations associated with all enabled nodes
 MSSAV15 will broadcast a Save to stations associated with all enabled nodes
 MS$$$15 will broadcast a reset ($$$) to stations associated with all enabled nodes
9. Assuming that the Geo MACRO Drive(s) is or has been reset to factory default settings, we will now
try to establish MACRO ASCII communication by issuing:
 MACSTA255
This command will establish MACRO ASCII (direct) communication with the first unassigned Geo
MACRO Drive (if more than one is in the ring) starting from the OUT/Transmit fiber or RJ45 out of
the Brick Controller.
10. When in ASCII mode, download from the editor or issue the following commands in the terminal
window:
I995 = $4080
; MACRO IC ring configuration, typical slave setting
I996 = $0F4003 ; Node activation (servo nodes 0, 1) –User Input

11. Issue a Control^T in the terminal window to exit ASCII mode communication
Master Slave (MS) commands should now be available for nodes 0 and 1 (per this example).
12. Clock Settings
The phase frequency should be set the same as the master’s. Set the following:
MS0, I992 = Value of I7000 (or I6800)
; Max Phase Clock
MS0, I997 = Value of I7001 (or I6801)
; Phase Clock Divider
13. Ring Check Error
Enabling the ring check error function on the Geo MACRO drive requires computing and setting the
following parameters:
MS0,I8
-> I80*(I6802+1)
MS0,I9
-> I81*(I6802+1)*(I8+1)
MS0,I10 -> I82*(I6802+1)*(I8+1)
Where I8, I80, I81, I82, and I6802 are masters’ parameters.
14. Station Number
The station number is used for ASCII communication.
MS0, I11 = 1

; Assign Station Number #1 –User Input

15. Issue MSSAV0 followed by MS$$$0 to maintain changes on the Geo MACRO Drive..

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16. Activating MACRO Motors
Variable I4900 reports how many servo ICs is the Brick Controller populated with. Knowing that
each Servo IC services 4 axes, querying I4900 will reveal how many local channels are occupied and
thus the number of the 1st available motor on the Macro Ring:
If I4900
returns
$1
$3

Servo ICs
Local
present
Motors
IC0 only (4-axis)
1-4
IC0, and IC1(8-axis)
1–8

First Motor#
On The Ring
5
9

Activation
2-axis Slave
I500,2,100=1
I900,2,100=1

17. Position, Velocity pointers
If all local motors have digital quadrature encoders (1-line ECT entries), and no other entries are used
in the Encoder Conversion Table then the position (Ixx03) and Velocity (Ixx04) pointers of the
MACRO motors are valid by default (set by firmware) and need not be changed:
MACRO
motor

Motor #

Ixx03, Ixx04

MACRO
motor

Motor #

1st

5 or 9

$350A

5th

9 or 13

$3512

$350C

th

10 or 14

$3514

th

11 or 15

$3516

th

12 or 16

$3518

2

nd

3

rd

4

th

6 or 10
7 or 11
8 or 12

$350E
$3510

6
7
8

Ixx03, Ixx04

However, if the Encoder Conversion Table has been modified then the MACRO motors/nodes entries
need to be configured properly. This can be done using the Encoder Conversion Table utility in the
PewinPro2 under Configure>Encoder Conversion Table:









Click on End of Table to access the next available entry
Conversion Type: Parallel position from Y word with no filtering
No Shifting
Width in Bits: 24
Source Address: Servo node Address (See table below)
Record the processed data address.
This is where the position and velocity pointers will be set to for a specific node/motor number.
E.g. I903,2=$351A
Repeat steps for additional motors/servo nodes

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Servo Node Addresses
MACRO
Motor # Address
motor
1st

5 or 9

$78420

Register

MACRO
Motor #
motor

Address

Register

Servo Node 0

5th

9 or 13

$78430

Servo Node 8

th

nd

6 or 10

$78424

Servo Node 1

6

10 or 14

$78434

Servo Node 9

3rd

7 or 11

$78428

Servo Node 4

7th

11 or 15

$78438

Servo Node 12

Servo Node 5

th

12 or 16

$7843C

Servo Node 13

2

4

th

8 or 12

Note

MACRO Connectivity

$7842C

8

At this point of the setup, you should be able to move the
motor/encoder shaft by hand and see encoder counts in the position
window

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18. Typical MACRO motor settings
 The motor command output address Ixx02 is initiated by default in the firmware
MACRO
motor

Motor #

Ixx02

Register

MACRO
motor

Motor #

Ixx02

Register

1st

5 or 9

$078420

Servo Node 0

5th

9 or 13

$078430

Servo Node 8

2nd

6 or 10

$078424

Servo Node 1

6th

10 or 14

$078434

Servo Node 9

3rd

7 or 11

$078428

Servo Node 4

7th

11 or 15

$078438

Servo Node 12

Servo Node 5

th

12 or 16

$07843C

Servo Node 13

4

th



8 or 12

$07842C

8

The flag address Ixx25 is initiated by default in the firmware.

MACRO
motor

Motor #

Ixx25

Register

MACRO
motor

Motor #

Ixx25

Register

1st

5 or 9

$3440

Servo Node 0

5th

9 or 13

$3448

Servo Node 8

Servo Node 1

th

10 or 14

$3449

Servo Node 9

th

2

nd

6 or 10

$3441

6

3

rd

7 or 11

$3444

Servo Node 4

7

11 or 15

$344C

Servo Node 12

4th

8 or 12

$3445

Servo Node 5

8th

12 or 16

$344D

Servo Node 13



The Flag Control Ixx24 is typically set to $40001 ($60001 to disable hardware over-travel limits).



The commutation position addresses Ixx83 is initiated by default in the firmware.

MACRO
motor

Motor #

Ixx83

Register

MACRO
motor

Motor #

Ixx83

Register

1st

5 or 9

$078420

Servo Node 0

5th

9 or 13

$078430

Servo Node 8

th

nd

6 or 10

$078424

Servo Node 1

6

10 or 14

$078434

Servo Node 9

3rd

7 or 11

$078428

Servo Node 4

7th

11 or 15

$078438

Servo Node 12

4th

8 or 12

$07842C

Servo Node 5

8th

12 or 16

$07843C

Servo Node 13

2



The commutation enable Ixx01 should be set to 3, indicating that commutation is performed from
Y registers (specified in Ixx83).



The PWM Scale Factor Ixx66 is set up as follows:
If Motor Voltage > Bus Voltage:
Ixx66 = 1.1 * 16384
If Motor Voltage < Bus Voltage:
Ixx66 = 1.1 * 16384 * MtrVolt / BusVolt



The commutation angle Ixx72 should be set to 1365.



The current feedback mask Ixx84 should be set to $FFF000.

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

The current loop feedback address Ixx82 should be set per the following table:

MACRO
Motor #
motor
1st

5 or 9

MACRO
Motor #
motor

Ixx82

Register

Ixx82

Register

$078422

Servo Node 0

5th

Servo Node 1

th

9 or 13

$078432

Servo Node 8

6

10 or 14

$078436

Servo Node 9

$07843A Servo Node 12
$07843E Servo Node 13

nd

6 or 10

$078426

3rd

7 or 11

$07842A Servo Node 4

7th

11 or 15

4th

8 or 12

$07842E

8th

12 or 16

2

Servo Node 5



Commutation Cycle Size
Ixx70 = {Number of pair poles}
Ixx71 = {Number of counts per revolution * 32}



I2T Settings (example for motor #9):

I15=0
#define MaxPhaseFreq
P7000
#define PWMClk
P7001
#define PhaseClk
P7002
#define ServoClk
P7003
MaxPhaseFreq=117964.8/(2*I6800+3)
PWMClk=117964.8/(4*I6800+6)
PhaseClk=MaxPhaseFreq/(I6801+1)
ServoClk=PhaseClk/(I6802+1)

;
;
;
;
;

Trigonometric calculation in degrees
Max Phase Clock [KHz]
PWM Clock [KHz]
Phase Clock [KHz]
Servo Clock [KHz]

#define
#define
#define
#define

;
;
;
;

Continuous Current Limit [Amps] –User Input
Instantaneous Current Limit [Amps] –User Input
See Geo MACRO electrical specifications –User Input
Time allowed at peak Current [sec]

Mtr9ContCurrent
Mtr9PeakCurrent
MaxADC
Mtr9I2TOnTime

3
9
16.3
2

I957=INT(32767*(Mtr9ContCurrent*1.414/MaxADC)*cos(30))
I969=INT(32767*(Mtr9PeakCurrent*1.414/MaxADC)*cos(30))
I958=INT((I969*I969-I957*I957)*ServoClk*1000*Mtr9I2TOnTime/(32767*32767))

19. Current-Loop Tuning (Ixx61, Ixx62, Ixx76)
Current loop tuning is performed in the same manner as it would be for any digitally commuted
amplifier. A satisfactory current loop response (PmacTuningPro2 screen shot) would look like:

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20. Motor Phasing, Open-Loop Test
Motor phasing is performed in the same manner as it would be for any digitally commutated motor.
The following is a satisfactory open loop test:

An erratic or inverted saw tooth response is typically (with quadrature, or sinusoidal encoders) an
indication of reversed encoder direction –with respect to the output command- The encoder decode
parameter MS{node},I910 can then be changed from 7 to 3 or vice versa. Phasing has to be
performed again after this parameter has been changed.
21. Tuning the Position-Loop
Tuning the position loop PID gains can be carried on in the traditional manner - see motor setup
section in this manual- there are no special instructions for tuning MACRO motors.

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Brick – Brick MACRO I/O Data Transfer
This section describes the handling of inputs and outputs data transfer over the MACRO ring. That is
transferring I/O data from the Brick slave to the Brick master.
A Brick Controller, used as a MACRO slave, can be populated with up to:






48 digital inputs / 24 digital outputs (connectors J6, J7, J8)
4 x 12-bit filtered PWM DAC outputs (connectors X9, X10, X11, X 12)
4 x 16-bit analog inputs (connectors X9, X10, X11, X 12)
8 x 12-bit analog inputs (connector J9)

There is a variety of ways to transfer I/O data over MACRO:



Using I/O nodes.
This method consists of assembling the data in a PLC code at the slave side, and conveying it
over to MACRO I/O nodes. These I/O nodes are then extracted in a PLC code on the master side
and placed into open memory registers. This technique is suitable for digital inputs and outputs.



Using servo nodes
This method is primarily used for the X9-X12 analog inputs and outputs which, in some
applications, may require being processed at servo or phase rate (e.g. servo feedback, cascaded
loop or output to a spindle drive). This is the fastest transfer method possible. Note that in this
mode, axes 5-8 on the slave cannot be configured to drive motors. The corresponding servo nodes
will be occupied.



Using MACRO Auxiliary MX reads and writes in a background PLC
This method is ideal for transferring a large amount of data without much coding and complexity.
It is suitable for monitoring and toggling inputs and outputs. But it is not deterministic (relies on
background PLCs, and phase cycle delays with MX commands) or as fast as other methods.

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Transferring the Digital (Discrete) Input and Outputs
A Brick Controller can be populated with up to 48 digital inputs and 24 digital outputs (connectors J6, J7,
and J8) for a total of 72 I/O points (bits) mapped as follows:
Inputs

Address

Connector

Outputs

st

1 byte Y:$78800,0,8
2nd byte Y:$78801,0,8
3rd Byte Y:$78803,0,8
4th Byte Y:$78804,0,8
5th Byte Y:$78A00,0,8
6th Byte Y:$78A01,0,8

st

1 byte
2nd byte
3rd Byte

J6
J7

Address

Connector

Y:$78802,0,8
Y:$78805,0,8
Y:$78A02,0,8

J6
J7
J8

J8

For the digital inputs and outputs, we will use the I/O node data transfer method. MACRO I/O node 2 will
be used to carry all 72 points of data (where applicable):

Note

MACRO Connectivity

I/O Node

Address

Register-Description

2

X:$78420
X:$78421
X:$78422
X:$78423

24-bit register
1 16-bit register (Upper)
2nd16-bit register (Upper)
3rd 16-bit register (Upper)
st

Some Brick Controllers may not be fully populated with all the
inputs/outputs bytes shown above. The non-existent bytes can be
simply deleted from the example codes below.

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The proposed transfer mechanism establishes the reading of inputs and writing to outputs through bitwise
assignments (single-bit definitions) from the master side.
Outputs: At the master side, the user would write the desired outputs’ state (using the bitwise definitions)
to pre-defined open memory registers which are copied, using a PLC code, into the 24-bit register of
MACRO I/O node 2. At the Slave side, this MACRO I/O node register is copied, using a PLC code, into
the local outputs’ registers which will reflect the user’s outputs’ desired state.
Inputs: At the slave side, the machine’s inputs’ state is copied into the 3 x 16-bit registers of MACRO
I/O node 2. At the master side, these MACRO I/O node registers are copied, using a PLC code, into predefined open memory registers (bitwise definitions) where the user can monitor the machine’s inputs’
state.
The following diagram summarizes the abovementioned transfer technique:

Open
Memory

1st Byte
2nd Byte
3rd Byte

MACRO I/O Node 2
Copy
Outputs to
IO node

Open Memory

4th Byte

Write
Inputs to
Master

5th Byte

Master
PLC Operations

2nd Byte
3rd Byte

2nd Byte
Copy
Inputs to
IO node

3rd Byte
4th Byte
5th Byte

3rd 16-bit register
(upper 16 bits)

6th Byte

MACRO Connectivity

2nd 16-bit register
(upper 16 bits)

1st Byte

1st Byte

1st 16-bit register
(upper 16 bits)

2nd Byte
3rd Byte

Write
outputs to
Slave

Inputs

INPUTS
User Read

1st Byte

24-bit register

Brick Slave

Outputs

OUTPUTS
User Write

Brick Master

6th Byte
Slave
PLC Operations

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Slave Digital I/Os Transfer Example
I6841=I6841|$000004
// Digital Outputs
#define OutByte1
M7000
#define OutByte2
M7001
#define OutByte3
M7002
OutByte1->Y:$078802,0,8,U
OutByte2->Y:$078805,0,8,U
OutByte3->Y:$078A02,0,8,U
// Digital Inputs
#define InByte1
M7003
#define InByte2
M7004
#define InByte3
M7005
#define InByte4
M7006
#define InByte5
M7007
#define InByte6
M7008
InByte1->Y:$078800,0,8,U
InByte2->Y:$078801,0,8,U
InByte3->Y:$078803,0,8,U
InByte4->Y:$078804,0,8,U
InByte5->Y:$078A00,0,8,U
InByte6->Y:$078A01,0,8,U

; Make sure that I/O node 2 is active
; 1st Byte of Outputs J6
; 2nd Byte of Outputs J7
; 3rd Byte of Outputs J8

;
;
;
;
;
;

1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th

Byte
Byte
Byte
Byte
Byte
Byte

of
of
of
of
of
of

Inputs
Inputs
Inputs
Inputs
Inputs
Inputs

// Digital Inputs/Outputs Latch Registers
M7009..7015->*
M7009..7015=0
#define LatchOut
M7009
#define LatchIn1
M7010
#define LatchIn2
M7011
#define LatchIn3
M7012
#define LatchIn4
M7013
#define LatchIn5
M7014
#define LatchIn6
M7015
// MACRO I/O Node Registers
#define N2Twenty4
M7016
#define N2First16
M7017
#define N2Second16
M7018
#define N2Third16
M7019
N2Twenty4->X:$78420,0,24,U
N2First16->X:$78421,8,16,U
N2Second16->X:$78422,8,16,U
N2Third16->X:$78423,8,16,U

;
;
;
;

24-bit register, node 2
1st 16-bit register, node 2
2nd 16-bit register, node 2
3rd 16-bit register, node 2

// Digital I/O Data Transfer PLC
Open plc 1 clear
If (LatchOut!=N2Twenty4)
LatchOut=N2Twenty4
OutByte1= LatchOut&$0000FF
OutByte2=(LatchOut&$00FF00)/256
OutByte3=(LatchOut&$FF0000)/65536
EndIf

;
;
;
;
;

Change in state?
Latch data
Update Outputs 1-8,
J6
Update Outputs 9-15, J7
Update Outputs 16-24, J8

If (LatchIn1!=InByte1 Or LatchIn2!=InByte2 Or LatchIn3!=InByte3 Or LatchIn4!=InByte4 Or
LatchIn5!=InByte5 Or LatchIn6!=InByte6)
LatchIn1=InByte1
; Latch data
LatchIn2=InByte2
; Latch data
LatchIn3=InByte3
; Latch data
LatchIn4=InByte4
; Latch data
LatchIn5=InByte5
; Latch data
LatchIn6=InByte6
; Latch data
N2First16= LatchIn1+LatchIn2*256
; Assemble Input bytes 1-2 in 1st 16-bit register node 2
N2Second16=LatchIn3+LatchIn4*256
; Assemble Input bytes 3-4 in 2nd 16-bit register node 2
N2Third16= LatchIn5+LatchIn6*256
; Assemble Input bytes 5-6 in 3rd 16-bit register node 2
EndIf
Close

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Master Digital I/Os Transfer Example
I6841=I6841|$000004

; Make sure that I/O node 2 is active

// Open Memory Registers
#define OpenReg16Y
M7000
#define OpenReg16X
M7001
#define OpenReg15Y
M7002
#define OpenReg15X
M7003
OpenReg16Y->Y:$10FF,0,24,U
OpenReg16X->X:$10FF,8,16,U
OpenReg15Y->Y:$10FE,8,16,U
OpenReg15X->X:$10FE,8,16,U
M7000..7003=0

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Open memory register 16, Y-word
Open memory register 16, X-word
Open memory register 15, Y-word
Open memory register 15, X-word
Holding 24 digital Outputs
Holding 1st 16-bit digital Inputs
Holding 2nd 16-bit digital Inputs
Holding 3rd 16-bit digital Inputs
Initialization

// Latching Words
M7004..7007->*
M7004..7007=0
#define LatchOut
#define LatchIn1
#define LatchIn2
#define LatchIn3

;
;
;
;
;
;

Self referenced
Initialization
Digital Outputs Latch
Digital Inputs Latch 1
Digital Inputs Latch 2
Digital Inputs Latch 3

;
;
;
;

Node
Node
Node
Node

M7004
M7005
M7006
M7007

// MACRO I/O Node Registers
#define N2Twenty4
M7008
#define N2First16
M7009
#define N2Second16
M7010
#define N2Third16
M7011
N2Twenty4->X:$78420,0,24,U
N2First16->X:$78421,8,16,U
N2Second16->X:$78422,8,16,U
N2Third16->X:$78423,8,16,U

2,
2,
2,
2,

24-bit register
1st 16-bit register
2nd 16-bit register
3rd 16-bit register

// Digital I/O Data Transfer PLC
Open plc 1 clear
If (LatchOut!=OpenReg16Y)
; Output Open Register Changed?
LatchOut=OpenReg16Y
; Latch data
N2Twenty4=LatchOut
; Update Output Word
EndIf
If (LatchIn1!=N2First16)
LatchIn1=N2First16
OpenReg16X=LatchIn1
EndIf

; Input Node word changed?
; Latch data
; Update Input Open Register word

If (LatchIn2!=N2Second16)
LatchIn2=N2Second16
OpenReg15Y=LatchIn2
EndIf

; Input Node word changed?
; Latch data
; Update Input Open Register word

If (LatchIn3!=N2Third16)
LatchIn3=N2Third16
OpenReg15X=LatchIn3
EndIf
Close

; Input Node word changed?
; Latch data
; Update Input Open Register word

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Bitwise Assignments (downloaded onto the master)
// J6 Outputs
#define Output1
#define Output2
#define Output3
#define Output4
#define Output5
#define Output6
#define Output7
#define Output8

M7101
M7102
M7103
M7104
M7105
M7106
M7107
M7108

Output1->Y:$10FF,0,1
Output2->Y:$10FF,1,1
Output3->Y:$10FF,2,1
Output4->Y:$10FF,3,1
Output5->Y:$10FF,4,1
Output6->Y:$10FF,5,1
Output7->Y:$10FF,6,1
Output8->Y:$10FF,7,1

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output

// J6 Inputs
#define Input1
#define Input2
#define Input3
#define Input4
#define Input5
#define Input6
#define Input7
#define Input8
#define Input9
#define Input10
#define Input11
#define Input12
#define Input13
#define Input14
#define Input15
#define Input16

M7131
M7132
M7133
M7134
M7135
M7136
M7137
M7138
M7139
M7140
M7141
M7142
M7143
M7144
M7145
M7146

Input1->X:$10FF,8,1
Input2->X:$10FF,9,1
Input3->X:$10FF,10,1
Input4->X:$10FF,11,1
Input5->X:$10FF,12,1
Input6->X:$10FF,13,1
Input7->X:$10FF,14,1
Input8->X:$10FF,15,1
Input9->X:$10FF,16,1
Input10->X:$10FF,17,1
Input11->X:$10FF,18,1
Input12->X:$10FF,19,1
Input13->X:$10FF,20,1
Input14->X:$10FF,21,1
Input15->X:$10FF,22,1
Input16->X:$10FF,23,1

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input

Output9 ->Y:$10FF,8,1
Output10->Y:$10FF,9,1
Output11->Y:$10FF,10,1
Output12->Y:$10FF,11,1
Output13->Y:$10FF,12,1
Output14->Y:$10FF,13,1
Output15->Y:$10FF,14,1
Output16->Y:$10FF,15,1

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output

Input17->Y:$10FE,8,1
Input18->Y:$10FE,9,1
Input19->Y:$10FE,10,1
Input20->Y:$10FE,11,1
Input21->Y:$10FE,12,1
Input22->Y:$10FE,13,1
Input23->Y:$10FE,14,1
Input24->Y:$10FE,15,1
Input25->Y:$10FE,16,1
Input26->Y:$10FE,17,1
Input27->Y:$10FE,18,1
Input28->Y:$10FE,19,1
Input29->Y:$10FE,20,1
Input30->Y:$10FE,21,1
Input31->Y:$10FE,22,1
Input32->Y:$10FE,23,1

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input

// J7 Outputs
#define Output9
#define Output10
#define Output11
#define Output12
#define Output13
#define Output14
#define Output15
#define Output16
// J7 Inputs
#define Input17
#define Input18
#define Input19
#define Input20
#define Input21
#define Input22
#define Input23
#define Input24
#define Input25
#define Input26
#define Input27
#define Input28
#define Input29
#define Input30
#define Input31
#define Input32

M7109
M7110
M7111
M7112
M7113
M7114
M7115
M7116
M7147
M7148
M7149
M7150
M7151
M7152
M7153
M7154
M7155
M7156
M7157
M7158
M7159
M7160
M7161
M7162

MACRO Connectivity

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32

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// J8 Outputs
#define Output17
#define Output18
#define Output19
#define Output20
#define Output21
#define Output22
#define Output23
#define Output24
// J8 Inputs
#define Input33
#define Input34
#define Input35
#define Input36
#define Input37
#define Input38
#define Input39
#define Input40
#define Input41
#define Input42
#define Input43
#define Input44
#define Input45
#define Input46
#define Input47
#define Input48

M7117
M7118
M7119
M7120
M7121
M7122
M7123
M7124
M7163
M7164
M7165
M7166
M7167
M7168
M7169
M7170
M7171
M7172
M7173
M7174
M7175
M7176
M7177
M7178

MACRO Connectivity

Output17->Y:$10FF,16,1
Output18->Y:$10FF,17,1
Output19->Y:$10FF,18,1
Output20->Y:$10FF,19,1
Output21->Y:$10FF,20,1
Output22->Y:$10FF,21,1
Output23->Y:$10FF,22,1
Output24->Y:$10FF,23,1

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output

Input33->X:$10FE,8,1
Input34->X:$10FE,9,1
Input35->X:$10FE,10,1
Input36->X:$10FE,11,1
Input37->X:$10FE,12,1
Input38->X:$10FE,13,1
Input39->X:$10FE,14,1
Input40->X:$10FE,15,1
Input41->X:$10FE,16,1
Input42->X:$10FE,17,1
Input43->X:$10FE,18,1
Input44->X:$10FE,19,1
Input45->X:$10FE,20,1
Input46->X:$10FE,21,1
Input47->X:$10FE,22,1
Input48->X:$10FE,23,1

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input

17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48

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Transferring the X9-X12 Analog Inputs/Outputs
A Brick Controller MACRO slave can be populated with up to:




4 x 16-bit analog inputs (connectors X9 through X12)
4 x 12-bit filtered PWM ±10V analog outputs (connectors X9 through X12)

These inputs and outputs are typically mapped using suggested or pre-defined M-Variables at the
following addresses:
Analog Inputs, connectors X9-X12
M505->Y:$078105,8,16,S
M605->Y:$07810D,8,16,S
M705->Y:$078115,8,16,S
M805->Y:$07811D,8,16,S

Note

;
;
;
;

ADC
ADC
ADC
ADC

Input
Input
Input
Input

Analog Outputs, connectors X9-X12
1
2
3
4

M502->Y:$078102,8,16,S
M602->Y:$07810A,8,16,S
M702->Y:$078112,8,16,S
M802->Y:$07811A,8,16,S

;
;
;
;

Analog
Analog
Analog
Analog

DAC
DAC
DAC
DAC

1
2
3
4

Some Brick Controllers may not be fully populated with all the analog
inputs and outputs. The non-existent ones can be simply deleted from
the example codes.

We will use the Servo Node method to transfer the X9-X12 analog data. Servo nodes 8, 9, 12, and 13 will
carry the analog output data in the 24-bit register, and the analog input data in the first 16-bit register.
The auxiliary mode Ixx44 is set to PWM mode to allow automatic transferring of ADCs.

This method cannot be used if servo nodes 8, 9, 12, and 13 are in use,
or if motors 5-8 on the slave are configured.
Note
Servo Node

8

9

12

13

24-bit

Y:$78430

Y:$78434

Y:$78438

Y:$7843C

DAC Output Data

16-bit

Y:$78431

Y:$78435

Y:$78439

Y:$7843D

ADC Input Data

16-bit

Y:$78432

Y:$78436

Y:$7843A

Y:$7843E

16-bit

Y:$78433

Y:$78437

Y:$7843B

Y:$7843F

MACRO Connectivity

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Slave Settings
I6841=I6841|$3300

; Enable servo nodes 8,9,12,13

I544=$078433
I644=$078437
I744=$07843B
I844=$07843F

;
;
;
;

MacroIC0
MacroIC0
MacroIC0
MacroIC0

Node 8
Node 9
Node12
Node13

Command
Command
Command
Command

Address.
Address.
Address.
Address.

PWM
PWM
PWM
PWM

Mode
Mode
Mode
Mode

For
For
For
For

ADC
ADC
ADC
ADC

I500,4,100=0

; De-activate channels to allow direct DAC writes

Transfer
Transfer
Transfer
Transfer

Master Settings
I6841=I6841|$3300

; Enable servo nodes 8,9,12,13

M1302->Y:$78430,8,16,S
M1402->Y:$78434,8,16,S
M1502->Y:$78438,8,16,S
M1602->Y:$7843C,8,16,S

;
;
;
;

Analog
Analog
Analog
Analog

DAC
DAC
DAC
DAC

1
2
3
4

M1305->Y:$78431,8,16,S
M1405->Y:$78435,8,16,S
M1505->Y:$78439,8,16,S
M1605->Y:$7843D,8,16,S

;
;
;
;

Analog
Analog
Analog
Analog

ADC
ADC
ADC
ADC

1
1
1
1

At the master side:
 The analog DAC (filtered PWM) outputs can now be written to using Mxx02 variables.
 The analog ADC inputs can now be read using Mxx05 variables.

Note

MACRO Connectivity

This setup example assumes that the DAC (filtered PWM) outputs at
the slave side have been set up properly. See X9-X12 connector setup
section.

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Transferring the J9 Analog Inputs
A Brick Controller MACRO slave with option 12 offers 8 x 12-bit analog inputs on connector J9.
These inputs and outputs are typically mapped using suggested or pre-defined M-Variables at the
following addresses:
Analog Inputs, connector J9
M6991->Y:$003400,12,12,S
M6992->Y:$003402,12,12,S
M6993->Y:$003404,12,12,S
M6994->Y:$003406,12,12,S
M6995->Y:$003408,12,12,S
M6996->Y:$00340A,12,12,S
M6997->Y:$00340C,12,12,S
M6998->Y:$00340E,12,12,S

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

ADC1
ADC2
ADC3
ADC4
ADC5
ADC6
ADC7
ADC8

Bipolar
Bipolar
Bipolar
Bipolar
Bipolar
Bipolar
Bipolar
Bipolar

M6991->Y:$003400,12,12,U
M6992->Y:$003402,12,12,U
M6993->Y:$003404,12,12,U
M6994->Y:$003406,12,12,U
M6995->Y:$003408,12,12,U
M6996->Y:$00340A,12,12,U
M6997->Y:$00340C,12,12,U
M6998->Y:$00340E,12,12,U

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;

ADC1
ADC2
ADC3
ADC4
ADC5
ADC6
ADC7
ADC8

Unipolar
Unipolar
Unipolar
Unipolar
Unipolar
Unipolar
Unipolar
Unipolar

Refer to the J9 analog inputs setup section for complete settings of
these inputs.
Note
We will use the MACRO auxiliary MX read commands to transfer the J9 analog inputs. This is done in a
background PLC which copies M6991-M6998 from the slave into eight consecutive self-referenced
Mxx05 variables at the master.
Master Settings
M1705,8,100->*
Open PLC 1 Clear
// Analog Inputs (J9)
MXR0,M6991,M1705
; J9 Analog Input 1
MXR0,M6992,M1805
; J9 Analog Input 2
MXR0,M6993,M1905
; J9 Analog Input 3
MXR0,M6994,M2005
; J9 Analog Input 4
MXR0,M6995,M2105
; J9 Analog Input 5
MXR0,M6996,M2205
; J9 Analog Input 6
MXR0,M6997,M2305
; J9 Analog Input 7
MXR0,M6998,M2405
; J9 Analog Input 8
I5111=1*8388608/I10 while(I5111>0) Endw
close

; 1 msec delay

Reading these analog inputs at the master side with Mxx05 variables is now enabled.

MACRO Connectivity

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MACRO Limits and Flags, Homing
Limits and Flags
MACRO Motors’ Limits and Flags are automatically copied by the Firmware. They can be accessed from
the Ring Controller using the MACRO Suggested M-Variables.

Note

In a Brick – Brick MACRO configuration, the over-travel limits
should be disabled on the slave side (Ixx24=Ixx24|$20001). They are
only enabled on the master side.

Homing from Master
If it is desired to home from the master (centralized control) then the position capture should be set to
software capture with Ixx97 = 1.
In this mode, the slave’s Servo IC m Channel n capture control (I7mn2) and flag select control (I7mn3)
have to be configured. This can be achieved from the master side using MX commands:
In a two 8-axis Brick Macro ring, configure Motor #9 to home to User Flag High. Motor #9 corresponds
to Motor#1 on the Slave Station or Servo IC 0 channel 1:
MX0, I7012= 2
MX0, I7013= 3

; Servo IC 0 Channel 1Capture Control (flag high)
; Servo IC 0 Channel 1Capture Flag Select Control (user flag)

In a two 8-axis Brick Macro ring, configure Motor #14 to home to User Flag High. Motor #14
corresponds to Motor#6 on the Slave Station or Servo IC 1 channel 2:
MX0, I7122= 2
MX0, I7123= 3

; Servo IC 1 Channel 2 Capture Control (flag high)
; Servo IC 1 Channel 2 Capture Flag Select Control (user flag)

In this mode, issuing a #nHome from the Master will initiate the home
move search for the corresponding motor #n
Note

Homing from Slave
If the full accuracy of the position capture is desired, then the MACRO motor’s homing routine can be
pre-programmed on the slave in a PLC routine and triggered upon demand with a handshaking flag using
MX commands.

Software capture with Ixx97 introduces up to 1 background cycle
delay which limits the accuracy of the capture.
Note
In this mode, the slave’s Servo IC m Channel n capture control (I7mn2) and flag select control (I7mn3)
have to be configured.

MACRO Connectivity

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Brick Controller User Manual

MACRO Suggested M-Variables
// Macro IC 0 Node 0 Flag Registers
M150->X:$003440,0,24
; Macro IC 0
M151->Y:$003440,0,24
; Macro IC 0
M153->X:$003440,20,4
; Macro IC 0
M154->Y:$003440,14,1
; Macro IC 0
M155->X:$003440,15,1
; Macro IC 0
M156->X:$003440,16,1
; Macro IC 0
M157->X:$003440,17,1
; Macro IC 0
M158->X:$003440,18,1
; Macro IC 0
M159->X:$003440,19,1
; Macro IC 0

Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

flag status
flag command
TUVW flags
amplifier enable
node/amplifier
home flag
positive limit
negative limit
user flag

// Macro IC 0 Node 1 Flag Registers
M250->X:$003441,0,24
; Macro IC 0
M251->Y:$003441,0,24
; Macro IC 0
M253->X:$003441,20,4
; Macro IC 0
M254->Y:$003441,14,1
; Macro IC 0
M255->X:$003441,15,1
; Macro IC 0
M256->X:$003441,16,1
; Macro IC 0
M257->X:$003441,17,1
; Macro IC 0
M258->X:$003441,18,1
; Macro IC 0
M259->X:$003441,19,1
; Macro IC 0

Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

flag status register
flag command register
TUVW flags
amplifier enable flag
node/amplifier fault flag
home flag
positive limit flag
negative limit flag
user flag

// Macro IC 0 Node 4 Flag Registers
M350->X:$003444,0,24
; Macro IC 0
M351->Y:$003444,0,24
; Macro IC 0
M353->X:$003444,20,4
; Macro IC 0
M354->Y:$003444,14,1
; Macro IC 0
M355->X:$003444,15,1
; Macro IC 0
M356->X:$003444,16,1
; Macro IC 0
M357->X:$003444,17,1
; Macro IC 0
M358->X:$003444,18,1
; Macro IC 0
M359->X:$003444,19,1
; Macro IC 0

Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node

4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4

flag status register
flag command register
TUVW flags
amplifier enable flag
node/amplifier fault flag
home flag
positive limit flag
negative limit flag
user flag

// Macro IC 0 Node 5 Flag Registers
M450->X:$003445,0,24
; Macro IC 0
M451->Y:$003445,0,24
; Macro IC 0
M453->X:$003445,20,4
; Macro IC 0
M454->Y:$003445,14,1
; Macro IC 0
M455->X:$003445,15,1
; Macro IC 0
M456->X:$003445,16,1
; Macro IC 0
M457->X:$003445,17,1
; Macro IC 0
M458->X:$003445,18,1
; Macro IC 0
M459->X:$003445,19,1
; Macro IC 0

Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node

5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5

flag status register
flag command register
TUVW flags
amplifier enable flag
node/amplifier fault flag
home flag
positive limit flag
negative limit flag
user flag

// Macro IC 0 Node 8 Flag Registers
M550->X:$003448,0,24
; Macro IC 0
M551->Y:$003448,0,24
; Macro IC 0
M553->X:$003448,20,4
; Macro IC 0
M554->Y:$003448,14,1
; Macro IC 0
M555->X:$003448,15,1
; Macro IC 0
M556->X:$003448,16,1
; Macro IC 0
M557->X:$003448,17,1
; Macro IC 0
M558->X:$003448,18,1
; Macro IC 0
M559->X:$003448,19,1
; Macro IC 0

Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node

8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8

flag status register
flag command register
TUVW flags
amplifier enable flag
node/amplifier fault flag
home flag
positive limit flag
negative limit flag
user flag

MACRO Connectivity

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Brick Controller User Manual

// Macro IC 0 Node 9 Flag Registers
M650->X:$003449,0,24
; Macro IC 0
M651->Y:$003449,0,24
; Macro IC 0
M653->X:$003449,20,4
; Macro IC 0
M654->Y:$003449,14,1
; Macro IC 0
M655->X:$003449,15,1
; Macro IC 0
M656->X:$003449,16,1
; Macro IC 0
M657->X:$003449,17,1
; Macro IC 0
M658->X:$003449,18,1
; Macro IC 0
M659->X:$003449,19,1
; Macro IC 0

Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node
Node

9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9

flag status register
flag command register
TUVW flags
amplifier enable flag
node/amplifier fault flag
home flag
positive limit flag
negative limit flag
user flag

// Macro IC 0 Node 12
M750->X:$00344C,0,24
M751->Y:$00344C,0,24
M753->X:$00344C,20,4
M754->Y:$00344C,14,1
M755->X:$00344C,15,1
M756->X:$00344C,16,1
M757->X:$00344C,17,1
M758->X:$00344C,18,1
M759->X:$00344C,19,1

Flag Registers
; Macro IC 0 Node
; Macro IC 0 Node
; Macro IC 0 Node
; Macro IC 0 Node
; Macro IC 0 Node
; Macro IC 0 Node
; Macro IC 0 Node
; Macro IC 0 Node
; Macro IC 0 Node

12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12

flag status register
flag command register
TUVW flags
amplifier enable flag
node/amplifier fault flag
home flag
positive limit flag
negative limit flag
user flag

// Macro IC 0 Node 13
M850->X:$00344D,0,24
M851->Y:$00344D,0,24
M853->X:$00344D,20,4
M854->Y:$00344D,14,1
M855->X:$00344D,15,1
M856->X:$00344D,16,1
M857->X:$00344D,17,1
M858->X:$00344D,18,1
M859->X:$00344D,19,1

Flag Registers
; Macro IC 0 Node
; Macro IC 0 Node
; Macro IC 0 Node
; Macro IC 0 Node
; Macro IC 0 Node
; Macro IC 0 Node
; Macro IC 0 Node
; Macro IC 0 Node
; Macro IC 0 Node

13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13

flag status register
flag command register
TUVW flags
amplifier enable flag
node/amplifier fault flag
home flag
positive limit flag
negative limit flag
user flag

MACRO Connectivity

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Brick Controller User Manual

Absolute Position Reporting over MACRO

Writing to the motor actual position (Mxx62) should only be done
when the motor is killed.
Caution

The Brick Controller supports a wide variety of absolute encoders. When used as a MACRO slave, the
simplest way to report the absolute position to the master (ring controller) is to use the MACRO auxiliary
communication (read/write).
Example: Retrieving motor #9’s absolute position from motor #1 on a slave Brick yields the online
command (using suggested M-Variables Mxx62): MXR0,M162,M962 which could be ultimately
inserted in the initialization PLC.

MACRO Connectivity

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Brick Controller User Manual

MACRO Configuration Power-Up Sequence
Typically, in a MACRO master-slave configuration, it is desirable to power up the slave first and then the
master. This ensures proper establishment of MACRO communication. If this is not desirable or possible,
the following procedure should ensure that MACRO communication is properly initiated. But either way,
clearing MACRO ring faults is always recommended on power up in the following order:
1. Power up slave (logic power).
2. Issue a local clear fault command – in an initialization PLC.
CMD"CLRF"
3. Power-up master (logic power).
4. Insert a 1 second delay in an initialization PLC
This allows the slave to clear its own fault locally first.
5. Issue a local clear fault command – in the initialization PLC.
CMD"CLRF"
6. Insert a 250 millisecond delay
7. Broadcast a MACRO clear fault command – in the same PLC
CMD"MSCLRF15"
8. Insert a 250 millisecond delay

Caution

MACRO Connectivity

Make sure that the PLC logic is latched properly (scan initialization
PLCs once), sending CLRF and MSCLRF commands repeatedly locks
up MACRO communication.

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Brick Controller User Manual

TROUBLESHOOTING
Serial Number and Board Revisions Identification
The following Serial Number Page provides the users with information about their Brick Controller
without having to open the enclosure by simply inserting the serial number and pressing the enter key:

This page will display:






Description and part number of the top assembly (Brick Controller)
Part numbers and revision numbers of the sub-assembly boards
Top assembly original ship date
Top assembly last ship date (e.g. if it has ever been back for repair)

Note

Troubleshooting

This page is strictly for identification purposes. Some information
may not be meaningful to the user and pertains to Delta Tau’s internal
use only.

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Brick Controller User Manual

Boot Switch SW (Firmware Reload) – Write-Protect Disable
This momentary button switch has two essential functions:
1. Putting the Brick Controller in Boostrap Mode for reloading PMAC firmware.
2. Disabling the USB/Ethernet communication write-protection for
 Changing IP address, Gateway IP or MASK
 Enabling ModBus
 Reloading communication boot and firmware
These functions are accessible through the Configure Ethernet 100 BaseT utility found in the
Windows Start menu under PMAC Executive Pro2 Suite > Delta Tau Common > Configure
Ethernet 100 BaseT:



Note

Troubleshooting

This utility only works with USB communication.
The Pewin32Pro2 or any other software communicating to the
Brick must be closed before launching this utility.

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Brick Controller User Manual

Reloading PMAC firmware
The following steps ensure proper firmware reload/upgrade.
Step1: Power up the unit while holding the BOOT SW switch down.
Step2: Release the BOOT SW switch approximately 2-3 seconds after power-up.
Step3: Launch the Pewin32Pro2.
Run the PMAC Devices window under Setup > Force All Windows To Device Number.
Click Test for the corresponding communication method.
Click ok for message “The PMAC is in Boostrap Mode”

Troubleshooting

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Brick Controller User Manual

Step4: The download utility will prompt for a .BIN file. MAKE SURE you open the correct file.

The PMAC firmware file for Brick Controller MUST ALWAYS be
TURBO2.BIN.
Note
Step4: Wait until download is finished, and click done.

Step5: Close all PMAC applications (i.e. Pewin32Pro2), and recycle power.

Troubleshooting

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Brick Controller User Manual

Changing IP Address, Gateway IP, Gateway Mask
In order to change any of these addresses, the BOOT SW switch has to be held down prior to pressing the
corresponding Store button. The following steps ensure proper configuration:
Step1: Change the desired address field
Step2: Hold the BOOT SW switch down
Step3: Press on the corresponding Store button
 Store IP for changing IP address
 Gateway IP for changing Gateway IP
 Gateway Mask for changing Gateway Mask

Step4: Release the BOOT SW switch after the corresponding confirmation message is received:
For changing the IP address, follow
through the subsequent messages for setting
up windows registry for Pcomm32.

Gateway IP

Gateway Mask

Step5: Click Done, and recycle logic power (24V) on the Brick

Troubleshooting

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Brick Controller User Manual

Enabling ModBus
A Brick unit ordered initially with the ModBus option is normally enabled by factory.
However, ModBus is a field upgradeable option. The user needs to provide Delta Tau (or their local
distributor) with the MAC ID of the Brick unit. This is found in the lower left hand side of the Ethernet
100 Base T utility. Upon purchase of the ModBus Option, a .BIN file is obtained from Delta Tau for this
purpose. Installing this feature successfully requires the following procedure:
Step1: Hold the BOOT SW switch button down
Step2: Click on ModBus Option. The utility will prompt for the .bin file.
MAKE SURE you open the correct file.

Step3: Release the BOOT SW switch button after the ModBus unlocked message is generated.

Step4: Click Done, and recycle logic power (24V) on the Brick

Troubleshooting

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Brick Controller User Manual

Reloading Boot and Communication Firmware
The boot and firmware .IIC files are required for this procedure. They are normally obtained directly from
Delta Tau, or downloaded from the PMAC forum Webpage. The following steps ensure proper
configuration:

Downloading the wrong boot or communication files will severely
corrupt the functionality of the communication processor.
Caution
Step1: Hold the BOOT SW switch down
Step2: Click on Store Boot
Step3: The utility will prompt for the boot file. MAKE SURE you open the correct .IIC file (ending with
BootFx2.iic) and wait for “firmware load successful” message

Step4: Click on Store F/W

Note

The BOOT SW switch button can be released temporarily (between
file downloads). But it MUST to be held down the entire time the boot
or firmware files are being written.

Step5: The utility will prompt for the Firmware file. MAKE SURE you open the correct .IIC file (ending
with ETHUSB307FX2.iic) and wait for “firmware load successful” message

Step6: Release the BOOT SW switch. Click Done, and recycle logic power (24V) on the Brick.

Troubleshooting

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Brick Controller User Manual

Reset Switch SW (Factory Reset)
This momentary switch button is used to reset the Brick Controller back to factory default settings, global
reset.
Issuing a SAVE after power up (with the reset switch held down) will
permanently erase any user configured parameters.
Caution
Reset SW instructions: Power down the unit then power back up while holding the Reset SW switch
down. Release the Reset SW once the unit is powered up. The factory default parameters are now restored
from the firmware EEPROM into the active memory. Issue a SAVE and a $$$ to maintain this
configuration.
For traditional PMAC users, this switch is the equivalent of Jumper E51 on PC or standalone boards.

Watchdog Timer
On a Brick Controller, the watchdog timer trigger illuminates the red WD LED and interrupts
communication. It occurs if any of the following applies:


PMAC CPU over-clocked:
In this mode, the CPU signals that is has been overloaded with computation and cannot
accomplish tasks in a timely manner. e.g. bad programming such as an infinite loop, or too much
computation (Kinematics) requiring faster CPU option.



Wrong clock settings:
In this mode, the user has downloaded or written bad values to clock setting parameters.



Hardware +5V failure (internal):
In this mode, the internal 5V logic circuitry has failed. Check 5V Led Status.



Downloading wrong configuration file (I4900):
In this mode, the user has reloaded a configuration file uploaded from a 4-axis unit (Servo IC 1
parameters set to zero) into an 8-axis unit, thus writing zero to the second Servo IC clock
parameters. Commenting out variables I7100…7106 (or forcing them to hold the same values as
I7000…I7106) eliminates the watchdog problem.

Troubleshooting

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Brick Controller User Manual

APPENDIX A
DB- Connector Spacing Specifications
X1-8: DB-15 Connectors for encoder feedback
3.115±.05

1.541±.015

8

7

6

15

14

5

4

13

12

3

2

11

10

8

1
9

7
15

6
14

5
13

4
12

3
11

2
10

1
9

X9-12: DB-9 Connectors for Analog I/O
2.45±.05

1.213+.015

5

4

9

3

8

2

7

1

6

5

4

9

3

8

2

7

1

6

Screw Lock Size for all DB-connectors
.18
7

#4-40 FEMALE SCREWLOCK
QTY 2 per connector
Steel, Zinc Plated

Appendix A

.235
DIA

.126
DIA
LOCKWASHER
QTY 2 per connector
Clear Chromate

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Brick Controller User Manual

APPENDIX B
Schematics
AMP1-AMP8: Amplifier Fault / Amplifier Enable diagrams
FLT RET Jumpers
Newer models of the Brick Controller (December 2013) introduced jumpers (FLT RET) which allow the
isolation of the amplifier fault input from the amplifier enable common. Hence allowing true differential
amplifier fault input signals.

Note

With these jumpers installed, as shipped from the factory, the Brick
Controller is backwards compatible and no changes need to be done to
existing systems.

Older Models

Appendix B

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Brick Controller User Manual

Newer Models (December 2013)

J6 and J7: General Purpose I/O
Inputs

Opto Gnd Plane

MMBZ33VALT1
1
3
D35
2

MMBZ33VALT1

MMBZ33VALT1

8
6
4
2

2

1

2

1

7
5
3
1
D58

8
6
4
2

D57

2

MMBZ5V6ALT1 MMBZ5V6ALT1

1

D56

2

D55

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

ACI1A
ACI1B
ACI2A
ACI2B
ACI3A
ACI3B
ACI4A
ACI4B

C1
E1
C2
E2
C3
E3
C4
E4

PS2705-4
C240

C243
.1uf

RP160
2.2KSIP8I

Input Section

Appendix B

16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9

U72
2
4
6
8

3

MMBZ33VALT1
1
3
D37
2

MMBZ5V6ALT1 MMBZ5V6ALT1

1

1
D36
2

3

3

2

1
D38
2

.1uf
IN_COM_01--08

2

1 RP159
3
5
7
1.2KSIP8I

2
4
6
8

1

3

D54

C1
E1
C2
E2
C3
E3
C4
E4

RP154
2.2KSIP8I

3

1.2KSIP8I

C233
.1uf

1

1 RP158
3
5
7

D53

ACI1A
ACI1B
ACI2A
ACI2B
ACI3A
ACI3B
ACI4A
ACI4B
PS2705-4

C230
.1uf

GPIN05
GPIN06
GPIN07
GPIN08

MMBZ5V6ALT1 MMBZ5V6ALT1

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

7
5
3
1

MMBZ33VALT1

U70
2
4
6
8

3

MMBZ33VALT1

D52

3

MMBZ33VALT1
1
3
D31
2

D51

3

MMBZ33VALT1
1
3
D33
2

MMBZ5V6ALT1 MMBZ5V6ALT1

1

1
D32
2

2

3

1

1
D34
2

3

3

1 RP153
3
5
7
1.2KSIP8I

2
4
6
8

2

1 RP152
3
5
7
1.2KSIP8I

3

GPIN01
GPIN02
GPIN03
GPIN04

198

16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9

Brick Controller User Manual

Outputs: J6 & J7 (603793 – 109 and earlier)

Outputs: J6 & J7 (603793 – 10A and later)

Appendix B

199

Brick Controller User Manual

J4: Limit Inputs for Axis 1-4
U 39
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9

C1
E1

AC1
AC1

C2
E2

AC2
AC2

C3
E3

AC3
AC3

C4
E4

AC4
AC4

1
2

1
3
5
7

3
4
5
6
7
8

PS2 7 05 - 4

C 16 0

C 16 2

.1

.1
C 16 1

C 16 3

.1

.1

14
13
12
11
10
9

C1
E1

AC1
AC1

C2
E2

AC2
AC2

C3
E3

AC3
AC3

C4
E4

AC4
AC4

1
2

1
3
5
7

4 .7KSIP8 I
1 R P3 9
3
5
7

2
4
6
8

5
6
7
8

PS2 7 05 - 4

C 16 4

C 16 6

.1

.1
C 16 5

C 16 7

.1

.1

1
3
5
7

14
13
12
11
10
9

C1
E1

AC1
AC1

C2
E2

AC2
AC2

C3
E3

AC3
AC3

C4
E4

AC4
AC4

1
2

5
6
7
8

PS2 7 05 - 4

C 16 8

C 17 0

.1

.1
C 16 9

C 17 1

.1

.1

14
13
12
11
10
9

C1
E1

AC1
AC1

C2
E2

AC2
AC2

C3
E3

AC3
AC3

C4
E4

AC4
AC4

1
2

5
6
7
8

PS2 7 05 - 4

Appendix B

C 17 2

C 17 4

.1

.1
C 17 3

C 17 5

.1

.1

2
4
6
8

4 .7KSIP8 I
1 R P4 3
3
5
7

2
4
6
8

U SER2
PLIM2
MLIM2
H OME2
FL_ RT2

1
3
5
7

R P4 4

2
4
6
8

1 KSIP8 I

R P4 5

2
4
6
8

4 .7KSIP8 I
2 R P4 6
4
6
8

1
3
5
7

4 .7KSIP8 I
1 R P4 7
3
5
7

2
4
6
8

LIMITS 1,2,3,4
J 10
U SER1
PLIM1
MLIM1
H OME1
FL_ RT1
BEQ U1
U SER2
PLIM2
MLIM2
H OME2
FL_ RT2
BEQ U2
U SER3
PLIM3
MLIM3
H OME3
FL_ RT3
BEQ U3
U SER4
PLIM4
MLIM4
H OME4
FL_ RT4
BEQ U4

x 1KSIP8 I
( IN SOC KET)

U SER3
PLIM3
MLIM3
H OME3
FL_ RT3

G ND

1
14
2
15
3
16
4
17
5
18
6
19
7
20
8
21
9
22
10
23
11
24
12
25
13

USER1
PLIM1
MLIM1
HOME1
FL_RT1
BEQU1
USER2
PLIM2
MLIM2
HOME2
FL_RT2
BEQU2
USER3
PLIM3
MLIM3
HOME3
FL_RT3
BEQU3
USER4
PLIM4
MLIM4
HOME4
FL_RT4
BEQU4
GND

DB25S

x 1KSIP8 I
( IN SOC KET)
1
3
5
7

R P4 8

2
4
6
8

1 KSIP8 I

1
3
5
7

3
4

R P4 1

1
3
5
7

U 42
16
15

2
4
6
8

4 .7KSIP8 I
2 R P4 2
4
6
8

1
3
5
7

3
4

R P4 0

1 KSIP8 I

U 41
16
15

U SER1
PLIM1
MLIM1
H OME1
FL_ RT1

x 1KSIP8 I
( IN SOC KET)

1
3
5
7

3
4

2
4
6
8

4 .7KSIP8 I
2 R P3 8
4
6
8

U 40
16
15

R P3 7

R P4 9

2
4
6
8

4 .7KSIP8 I
2 R P5 0
4
6
8

1
3
5
7

4 .7KSIP8 I
1 R P5 1
3
5
7

2
4
6
8

U SER4
PLIM4
MLIM4
H OME4
FL_ RT4

x 1KSIP8 I
( IN SOC KET)
1
3
5
7

R P5 2

2
4
6
8

1 KSIP8 I

200

Brick Controller User Manual

J5: Limit Inputs for Axis 5-8
U 59
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9

C1
E1

AC1
AC1

C2
E2

AC2
AC2

C3
E3

AC3
AC3

C4
E4

AC4
AC4

1
2

1
3
5
7

3
4
5
6
7
8

PS2 7 05 - 4

C 20 0

C 20 2

.1

.1
C 20 1

C 20 3

.1

.1

14
13
12
11
10
9

C1
E1

AC1
AC1

C2
E2

AC2
AC2

C3
E3

AC3
AC3

C4
E4

AC4
AC4

1
2

1
3
5
7

4 .7KSIP8 I
1 R P8 9
3
5
7

2
4
6
8

5
6
7
8

PS2 7 05 - 4

C 20 4

C 20 6

.1

.1
C 20 5

C 20 7

.1

.1

1
3
5
7

14
13
12
11
10
9

C1
E1

AC1
AC1

C2
E2

AC2
AC2

C3
E3

AC3
AC3

C4
E4

AC4
AC4

1
2

5
6
7
8

PS2 7 05 - 4

C 20 8

C 21 0

.1

.1
C 20 9

C 21 1

.1

.1

14
13
12
11
10
9

C1
E1

AC1
AC1

C2
E2

AC2
AC2

C3
E3

AC3
AC3

C4
E4

AC4
AC4

1
2

5
6
7
8

PS2 7 05 - 4

Appendix B

C 21 2

C 21 4

.1

.1
C 21 3

C 21 5

.1

.1

2
4
6
8

4 .7KSIP8 I
1 R P9 3
3
5
7

2
4
6
8

U SER6
PLIM6
MLIM6
H OME6
FL_ RT6

1
3
5
7

R P9 4

2
4
6
8

1 KSIP8 I

R P9 5

2
4
6
8

4 .7KSIP8 I
2 R P9 6
4
6
8

1
3
5
7

4 .7KSIP8 I
1 R P9 7
3
5
7

2
4
6
8

LIMITS 5,6,7,8
J 20
U SER5
PLIM5
MLIM5
H OME5
FL_ RT5
BEQ U5
U SER6
PLIM6
MLIM6
H OME6
FL_ RT6
BEQ U6
U SER7
PLIM7
MLIM7
H OME7
FL_ RT7
BEQ U7
U SER8
PLIM8
MLIM8
H OME8
FL_ RT8
BEQ U8

x 1KSIP8 I
( IN SOC KET)

U SER7
PLIM7
MLIM7
H OME7
FL_ RT7

G ND

1
14
2
15
3
16
4
17
5
18
6
19
7
20
8
21
9
22
10
23
11
24
12
25
13

USER5
PLIM5
MLIM5
HOME5
FL_RT5
BEQU5
USER6
PLIM6
MLIM6
HOME6
FL_RT6
BEQU6
USER7
PLIM7
MLIM7
HOME7
FL_RT7
BEQU7
USER8
PLIM8
MLIM8
HOME8
FL_RT8
BEQU8
GND

DB25S

x 1KSIP8 I
( IN SOC KET)
1
3
5
7

R P9 8

2
4
6
8

1 KSIP8 I

1
3
5
7

3
4

R P9 1

1
3
5
7

U 62
16
15

2
4
6
8

4 .7KSIP8 I
2 R P9 2
4
6
8

1
3
5
7

3
4

R P9 0

1 KSIP8 I

U 61
16
15

U SER5
PLIM5
MLIM5
H OME5
FL_ RT5

x 1KSIP8 I
( IN SOC KET)

1
3
5
7

3
4

2
4
6
8

4 .7KSIP8 I
2 R P8 8
4
6
8

U 60
16
15

R P8 7

R P9 9

2
4
6
8

4 .7KSIP8 I
2 R P1 00
4
6
8

1
3
5
7

4 .7KSIP8 I
1 R P1 01
3
5
7

2
4
6
8

U SER8
PLIM8
MLIM8
H OME8
FL_ RT8

x 1KSIP8 I
( IN SOC KET)
1
3
5
7

R P1 02

2
4
6
8

1 KSIP8 I

201

Brick Controller User Manual

APPENDIX C
Absolute Serial Encoders Limitation with Turbo PMAC
The following is a summary of certain limitations which could be encountered with higher resolution
absolute serial encoders, and a description of related registers with respect to the proposed setup
techniques. Note that techniques 1 and 3 are processed in the Encoder Conversion Table (ECT) using the
standard 5-bit shift, whereas technique 2 is processed with no shift.

Quick Comparison
Parameter/Description
Resolution
Scale Factor (SF)

Technique 1/3

Technique 2

Units

Rotary

SF =2ST

SF =2ST-5

counts/revolution

Linear

SF =1/RES

SF =1/(32*RES)

counts/user unit

Maximum open-loop velocity

218*ServoClk

counts/msec

Maximum closed-loop velocity

223*3/(Ixx08*32)

counts/msec

Maximum travel
before rollover
Where ST:
RES:
ServoClk:
Ixx08:

Rotary

247/SF =247-ST

247/SF =247-(ST-5)
47

2 /SF

Linear

revolutions
user units

is the rotary encoder Singleturn resolution in bits
is the linear encoder resolution in user units (e.g. mm)
is the PMAC servo update rate in KHz
is Motor xx’s position scale factor

Resolution Scale Factor (SF)
Turbo PMAC expects the motor count Least Significant Bit LSB to be left-shifted (5 bits), per techniques
1 or 3. The only difference then with technique 2, when unshifted, is that the motor position loop will
now consider 1 LSB of the source to be 1/32 of a motor count, instead of 1.
Example: Take a 37-bit absolute serial rotary encoder (25-bit single turn, 12-bit multi-turn) and its
equivalent linear scale (e.g.10 nm resolution):
Technique 1/3
(5-bit shift)

Rotary

2ST

225= 33,554,432

counts/revolution

Linear

1/RES

1/0.00001= 100,000

counts/mm

Technique 2
(no shift)

Rotary

2ST-5

220= 1,048,576

counts/revolution

Linear

1/(32*RES)

1/32*0.00001= 3,125

counts/mm

Note

Appendix C

Regardless of the processing technique, the servo algorithm utilizes
“internally” the entire data bits stream (i.e. 25 bits) for its calculation.
The performance is not compromised.

202

Brick Controller User Manual

Maximum “Actual” Open-Loop Velocity
In open-loop mode, the actual velocity register is limited by the Encoder Conversion Table to 24 bits.
Furthermore, it requires two samples (servo cycles) to compute the velocity. Therefore, the maximum
value which the actual velocity register can withhold is:

When performing an open-loop move/test with higher resolution serial encoders, care must be taken not
to exceed this threshold. You will see saturation plateau lines in the position data if it is plotted during the
move. At this point, re-establishing an absolute position read (using custom plc, or automatic settings) is
necessary to avoid fatal following errors in closed loop and or to be able to perform proper motor phasing.
Example: Take a 37-bit absolute serial rotary encoder (25-bit single turn, 12-bit multi-turn) and its
equivalent linear scale (e.g.10 nm resolution), and compare for two different clock settings:
With the default servo clock of 2.258 KHz, the maximum actual open-loop velocity is
MaxActVel=218*2.258= 591,921 [counts/msec] yielding:

Technique 1/3 (5-bit shift)

Rotary [rpm]
=MaxActVel*60000/SF
1,058

Linear [mm/sec]
=MaxActVel*1000/SF
5,919

Technique 2 (no shift)

33,870

189,414

With a servo clock setting of 4.500 KHz, the maximum actual open-loop velocity is
MaxActVel=218*4.500= 1,179,648 [counts/msec] yielding:

Technique 1/3 (5-bit shift)
Technique 2 (no shift)

Note

Appendix C

Rotary [rpm]
=MaxActVel*60000/SF
2,109

Linear [mm/sec]
=MaxActVel*1000/SF
11,796

67,500

377,487

The maximum actual velocity attainable is directly proportional to the
servo clock frequency. The faster the servo update, the higher is the
actual velocity threshold.

203

Brick Controller User Manual

Maximum “Commanded” Closed-Loop Velocity
In closed-loop mode, the commanded (desired) velocity register is limited to:

In terms of motor counts per millisecond, the maximum commanded velocity will be the same with or
without shifting but since the number of counts per revolution “unshifted” is 32 times less, then the
maximum programmable velocity is 32 times greater.
Example: Take a 37-bit absolute serial rotary encoder (25-bit Singleturn, 12-bit Multiturn) and its
equivalent linear scale (e.g.10 nm resolution). The maximum ‘commanded” closed-loop velocity (Ixx16,
Ixx22) setting programmable in Turbo PMAC is:
786,432 [counts/msec] with Ixx08=1
8,192 [counts/msec] with Ixx08=96
With Ixx08=1
Technique 1/3 (5-bit Shift)
Technique 2 (no Shift)

With Ixx08=96
Technique 1/3 (5-bit Shift)
Technique 2 (no Shift)

Note

Rotary [rpm]
=MaxCmdVel*60000/SF
1,406

Linear [mm/sec]
=MaxCmdVel*1000/SF
7,864

45,000

251,658

Rotary [rpm]
=MaxCmdVel*60000/SF
14.645

Linear [mm/sec]
=MaxCmdVel*1000/SF
81.916

468.667

2621.334

Notice the lower programmable closed-loop velocity settings with
techniques 1 and 3 (5-bit shift), associated with the default position
scale factor Ixx08 of 96.

Maximum Motor Travel
In Jog mode, the rollover is handled gracefully by PMAC and jogging can be virtually performed forever.
However, this can be problematic when running a motion program indefinitely in incremental mode
where the 48-bit fixed motor register can roll over much sooner than the 48-bit floating axis register.

Note

Absolute Serial Encoders with limited multi-turn range normally do
roll over way before the motor position register in Turbo PMAC does
(i.e. 12-bit multi-turn is 2048 revolutions in each direction)

Example: Take a 37-bit absolute serial rotary encoder (25-bit single turn, 12-bit multi-turn) and its
equivalent linear scale (e.g.10 nm resolution):

Technique 1/3 (5-bit shift)
Technique 2 (no shift)

Appendix C

Rotary
Linear
Rotary
Linear

Total Travel Span

In each direction = Span/2

Units

247-25 = 4,194,304
247/SF
247-20= 134,217,728
247/SF

2,097,152
1,407,374,883
67,108,864
45,035,996,274

revolutions
mm
revolutions
mm

204



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Title                           : Brick Controller HRM
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