The 73006057 module is much like the 73006056 module, but has the circuitry built in to read absolute encoders. The module is a self-contained microprocessor motor controller with a high performance regulated linear microstepping driver. The linear driver provides the highest accuracy without excessive motor heating or EMI radiation. All functions are built-in to the module: analog joystick control, digital joystick control, limit switches, pre-limit input, open or closed loop stepper motor control, configurable microstepping resolution and motor current selection.
This module's step-motor connector supports a two phase stepper motor with CW and CCW limits, home position signaling, encoder inputs and a single pre-limit. A SYNC-OUT connector has step pulse output as well as inputs/outputs for move triggering. The separate encoder connection is utilized when an external encoder input is supplied to the system. This module can not only read standard incremental encoders, but can also process absolute encoders using the EnDat2.2 protocol.
The absolute encoder uses a proprietary digital interface to report current position in absolute terms. This eliminates the need to initialize position or calibrate the encoder. Cycle power, reboot software, change specimens, switch objectives, and the encoder will always report the correct position. Since the encoder knows it's position at all times, software upper and lower limits can be set to protect expensive objectives. This can easily be done with step by step instructions in the MAC6000 module configuration web page
