Inputs

HOMEx

The HOME inputs are required for the machine to be able to detect the ‘home’ position.

The home input can be configured into two modes, each mode describes what type of switch or sensor is connected. If the switch or sensor is activated, it means that it will switch either to ground (0V) or to a voltage, in this case, 24V. A switch or sensor that switches to 0 (negative) is called NPN, and a switch or sensor that switches to 24V (positive) is called PNP.

PNP = Input should be ‘HIGH’ (24V) to detect the switch/sensor being activated.

NPN = Input should be ‘LOW’ (0V) to detect the switch/sensor being activated.

This mode selection is done via several jumpers:



Each jumper corresponds to an input:

The image below shows how the input operates.

Input circuit of HOME input.



Switching in NPN mode

When in NPN mode the input needs to switch to ground to be activated.

Switching HOME input in NPN mode.



Switching in PNP mode

When in PNP mode the inputs need to switch to +24V to be activated.

DRVALM input

The DRVALM can be used to report problems with the motor driver. Each connector has an alarm input available. The alarm inputs pins of all axes are wired together. It is assumed that the alarm output of the drives are open-collector outputs so that the alarm outputs of all drives can be coupled together. So, each output can pull the alarm input low to generate an alarm.

The image below shows such a setup.

Combining open collector outputs of drivers



Below is image that shows the input circuit of the alarm input. The alarm input is active if the DRVALM+ input is pulled low.

Alarm input circuit



RUN/PAUSE inputs

The RUN and PAUSE inputs can be used to start or stop a job externally. However, they are also used when you want to connect a wired external pendant. If the software is in JOGWHEEL modus these inputs are used for zeroing the position (START) or selecting the axis (PAUSE).

Using the PAUSE or RUN input is simply connecting a push button to it, with one side connected to GROUND and the other to the input of the board.

Connecting switch to PAUSE or RUN input.



In the image below is a schematic of each digital input:

RUN/PAUSE digital inputs schematic



See also chapter “9 Connecting and setting up a wired handwheel” for more info on how to use these inputs as part of a wired pendant.

AUX INx inputs

The auxiliary inputs are digital inputs, used to retrieve the status of an external signal, for example a switch.

Each input has a pull-down, this means that when no signal is connector the board will see a ‘low’ signal. Connecting an input to 24V will cause the board to detect an ‘high’ signal.

In the image below, you see the input circuit for each AUX input.

AUX input circuit



The image below shows how to connect a switch to an AUX input

Connecting a switch to an AUX input



ANx inputs

The analog inputs can have several functions

• Reading external values for control
• Controlling the feedrate
• Selecting an axis or multiplier in a wired pendant application

For this application, the 3.3V (AVDD) is made available on pin #20 of the respective connector. Do not use this voltage for other applications!

If you want to test this input, a simple 10k potentiometer can be used as shown in the image below.

Connecting a potentiometer to the analog input



Using this potentiometer to control the feedrate can be changed in the application setup it should be indicated that an analogue input is used.

Setting up the analog control of feedrate



For more info about reading the input please have a look at the manual about writing macros and reading I/O’s.

For more info about how to use the analog inputs for a wired pendant have a look at chapter “9 Connecting and Setting up a wired handwheel”.

HW-A/HW-B Inputs

The HW-A/HW-B inputs can be used to connect a handwheel for exactly setting the position of an axis or changing the feed rate. The position of the axis can only be changed if the software is in the JOGWHEEL mode.

The image below shows how a pendant can be connected to these inputs.

Connecting a pendant to the HW-A/HW-B inputs



See also chapter “9 Connecting and setting up a wired handwheel” for more info how to use these inputs as part of a wired pendant.

In the image below is a schematic of each digital input:

HW-A/HW-B digital inputs schematic



E-STOP input

The E-STOP input is used for indicating an EMERGENCY.

Below the input circuit is shown for the E-STOP input

The input circuit of E-STOP



For using E-STOP, the input signal needs to switch to 24V, in the image below this is shown.

The input signal for E-STOP



EXTERR input

The EXT-ERROR input can be used for indicating any external ERROR has occurred. The behavior of this input can be indicated in the setup of the application.

Below the input circuit is shown for the EXT-ERROR input

The inpu circuit of EXTERR



For using EXTERR, the input signal needs to switch to 24V, in the image below this is shown.

The input signal for EXTERR



PROBE input

The probe input has a dual use. It can be used for the tool measurement, measuring the height of a tool, or it can be used for probing an object. If both tools are used, they can be connected together to this input. However, make sure that they both use the same kind of output signal.

Below the input circuit is shown for the PROBE input

The input circuit of PROBE



For using PROBE, the input signal needs to switch to 24V, in the image below this is shown.

The input signal for PROBE



SPINDLEx input

The SPINDLEx input can be used to connect an external sensor that indicates the rotation of the spindle or used in case of tapping when used in a lathe application.

The SPINDLEx has a maximum input level of 5V and will be damaged if 24V is applied.

Below the input circuit is shown for the SPINDLEx input



To use the SPINDLEx the input signal needs to switch to ground to be active. The image below shows this.