National Instruments 778916-02 2-Axis, Stepper/Servo Motion Controller Device

The part number 778916-02 from National Instruments is the identifying part number for the PCI-7342 2-Axis, Stepper/Servo Motion Controller Device. With simple-to-use software tools and add-on motion VI libraries for LabVIEW, the 778916-02 motion controller offers powerful motion control. The 778916-02 controller offers extra I/O for general-purpose operations and dedicated motion I/O for limit and home switches.

The cutting-edge dual-processor architecture of the 778916-02 controller, which combines a Motorola MC68331 real-time 32-bit CPU with an Analogue Devices ADSP-2185 digital signal processor (DSP) and customized FPGAs, allows for great performance. High-speed communications are made possible by the first-in-first-out (FIFO) bus interface and a robust function set, which offloads complex motion tasks from the host PC to maximize command throughput and system performance.

Motion I/O is available on each axis for encoder feedback rates up to 20 MHz, breakpoint output, trigger input, end-of-travel limit, and home switch inputs. In addition, the 778916-02 controller features two analog inputs for joystick inputs, ±10 V signals, and analog sensor monitoring, in addition to 32 bits of digital I/O. Furthermore, feedback for loop closure can be obtained via the analog inputs. The 778916-02 controller integrates stepper and servo features for PCI computers on a bus. It offers motion control for a maximum of two separate or synchronized axes of movement. For stepper and servo motor applications, the 778916-02 motion controller can be used for point-to-point and straight line vector motions.

Servo valves, servo hydraulics, servo motors, and other servo systems can all be operated by servo axes. Servo axes are constantly in closed-loop mode of operation. These axes generate analog command outputs with an industry-standard range of ±10 V and employ quadrature encoders or analog inputs for position and velocity feedback. The stepper axis can function in either an open-loop or closed-loop mode, controlling stepper motors. For position and velocity feedback (closed-loop only), they employ quadrature encoders or analog inputs. They also offer digital command outputs that are either clockwise (CW) or anticlockwise (CCW) or step/direction. Applications for full, half, and micro-stepping are supported on all stepper axes.