Outputs
STEPx/DIRx/ENABLEx outputs
These outputs can control up to 4 axes simultaneously. Each output has an output level of 5V and can sink or source around 20mA per output. The maximum step frequency is 400Khz.
Please note, the ENABLEx output is simultaneously switched for all axis at the same time. Depending on how the E-STOP hardware behavior is configured these outputs can be switched off in case of an E-STOP condition.
For your information, in the software, the ENABLE behavior can be inverted depending on the drivers that are used.
Not all motor drivers are capable of supporting step frequencies up to 400Khz. If you notice that the motors are not moving at all or show erratic movement, try to lower this frequency. Also, consult your motor driver datasheet for the supported frequency.
ENABLE_OC output
This output can be optionally used if the standard axis enable signal can not be used. It is the same signal, except it features an Open Collector output.
TOOLON output
The TOOLON output is used to activate the tool that is used in the application. This output is an Open Collector output.
It is advisable to use a solid-state relay to switch on heavy loads like a spindle motor because this will also optically isolate this input again external interference signals.
Depending on how the E-STOP hardware behavior is configured this output can be switched off in case of an E-STOP condition.
SYSREADY output
The SYSREADY indicates that the system is active. This output is an Open Collector output.
COOL1/COOL2 output
The COOLx output is an output to control the flow of any coolants that might be used.
These outputs are Open Collector outputs.
Depending on how the E-STOP hardware behavior is configured this output can be switched off in case of an E-STOP condition.
If a large load is switched it is also here advisable to use a (solid-state) relay as described in the TOOLON section
CHARGEPUMP output
The CHARGEPUMP signal is a signal that is toggled around 10Hz with a duty cycle of about 50%. It is internally used for resetting a watchdog system that checks that the board is still alive; that circuit will generate the SYSTEM READY signal. The absence of this signal shows that the controller is no longer responsive. Also, the SYSTEMREADY output will deactivate.
This output is an Open Collector output.
Please note, the frequency of this signal can vary if the controller is moving axis. In that case, the frequency can go down to about 7.3 Hz.
The use of this signal is not recommended, instead, we integrated a hardware solution which is the SYSTEM READY signal. This solution uses the Charge Pump signal so will also indicate when the controller is active. However, it is not influenced by the activity of the controller. Since the SYSTEM READY signal is generated in hardware instead of software it is safe to use that signal to indicate that the system is operational. So even if the board somehow would stop working the circuitry will switch off this output
Output signal type
The right jumper selects what signal is present on the output. Either 0-10V (default) or the standard PWM signal. If the PWM output is selected this output will be an Open Collector output.
Output enable behavior
The left jumper selects whether the output is enabled when the ‘SYSTEM READY’ is available, the default behavior, or that it is controlled via the AUXO1 output.
Please note that if the AUXO1 is used, that output can not be used for other applications.
Depending on how the E-STOP hardware behavior is configured this output can be switched off in case of an E-STOP condition.PWM_VOLT output
The CNC720 board contains one 0-10V output, this output is combined with a PWM output. So, this output can only have one kind of signal. There are 2 jumpers that can be used to configure the behavior of this output.
AUXOUT1 output
This output is a generic output that can be used for any application. This output is an Open Collector output.
Depending on how the E-STOP hardware behavior is configured this output can be switched off in case of an E-STOP condition.
NO_ESTOP output
This output indicates when there is NO E-STOP condition. It operates hardware-based and is not SYTEMREADY related. An application example might be using it to switch the power of parts of the machine automatically off when a E-STOP condition occurs.