Introduction

The quadrature converter is capable of converting step and direction signals from a motor controller or indexer into quadrature signals as if they were coming from a motor's encoder.

This allows open loop stepper motor systems to inform other hardware or software products such as Winspect of the assumed motor position without actually having to install an encoder.

It is typically used on scanning rigs that do not have encoders on their scan or step axes. It is also used on small manipulators that rotate or swivel transducers where encoders are not installed.

The current version of this product can convert signals for 2 axes of motion

Basics

The quadrature converter needs the following inputs:

• 5VDC regulated power or 8VDC to 24VDC unregulated power @15mA
• STEP and DIRECTION signals from up to two motor indexers

The quadrature converter provides the following outputs for each channel:

• Quadrature signal A and /A (/A is the inverted A signal)
• Quadrature signal B and /B

Performance Issues

• Maximum step input frequency is 6MHz.
• Inputs are filtered, protected from transients and are Schmitt trigger level sensitive.
• Inputs also have 10K pull-up resistors for open collector indexer outputs.
• Inputs can be individually inverted by the appropriate switch position on SW1.
• Outputs are protected from transients, short circuits and accidental power connection.
• Outputs can drive long cables with 24mA of output current.
• If 8-24VDC is supplied, the onboard 5 Volt regulator can be used to power external circuits via the 5VDC input.
• All power supply inputs are protected from reverse polarity connection and are fused.
• Changing IC1 can convert unit to use CCW and CW motor signals instead of STEP/DIR

Input Signals

PCB Label	Function	Notes
8-24V	unregulated power supply input	use this as input or 5V but not both
GND	ground	all grounds are common
5V	5VDC power supply input	can supply 5VDC when using 8-24V
GND	ground	.
STEP1	step signal input -- axis 1	all these signals can be inverted
GND	ground	.
DIR1	direction signal input -- axis 1
GND	ground
STEP2	step signal input -- axis 2
GND	ground
DIR2	direction signal input -- axis 2
GND	ground

Output Signals

PCB Label	Function	Notes
A1	quadrature output A -- axis 1	use this output for single-ended use
GND	ground	all grounds are common
/A1	inverted quadrature output A -- axis 1	ignore for non differential systems
GND	ground
B1	quadrature output B -- axis 1	use this output for single-ended use
GND	ground	.
/B1	inverted quadrature output B -- axis 1	ignore for non differential systems
GND	ground
A2	quadrature output A -- axis 2	use this output for single-ended use
GND	ground
/A2	inverted quadrature output A -- axis 2	ignore for non differential systems
GND	ground
B2	quadrature output B -- axis 2	use this output for single-ended use
GND	ground
/B2	inverted quadrature output B -- axis 2	ignore for non differential systems
GND	ground