stepper motor and driver interface with labview

[super61]

Hello, I am completely new into stepper motors. I am trying to find out what is the communication protocol between any software (preferably labview) and a standard stepper drive to control a stepper motor. How can I signal the stepper drive to move the motor to a certain position and direction? Are there any commands for this? For instance, many stepper drives only have several connectors for PC communication (PUL+, PUL-, DIR+, DIR- ..etc). I am not planning on using any CAM software to control the stepper driver. I want to control the motor myself through labview. I cannot afford the NI hardware for this so I am looking into cheaper stepper drivers that I have found online (i.e. http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalogue/Stepper-Motors/Stepper-Drivers). Any help is greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance.

Daniel.

[Daniel_Fulop · Accepted solution]

Daniel,

I looked into the datasheets on the link you provided ([1], [2]) These devices are drivers, they don't use any protocol per se. They only need 3 digital lines: one for enabling the operation of the motor (and holding function), one for setting the direction of the steps and one to initiate the actual stepping. To do any advanced control you will need to code the software yourself, or buy a motion controller as well.

As you are looking for a cheap solution, I suggest using the NI USB-6008 multifunction DAQ device to output the digital signals or you can use the parallel port of your PC. Don't forget to check the digital input specification for the driver of your choice to match the digital output.

Best regards,

Daniel Fulop

[super61]

Thanks a lot Daniel. That clears my doubts on the matter.