Quadrature Converter Product Overview

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

Quadrature Converter

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 LabelFunctionNotes
8-24Vunregulated power supply inputuse this as input or 5V but not both
GNDgroundall grounds are common
5V5VDC power supply inputcan supply 5VDC when using 8-24V
GNDground.
STEP1step signal input -- axis 1all these signals can be inverted
GNDground .
DIR1direction signal input -- axis 1 
GNDground 
STEP2step signal input -- axis 2 
GNDground 
DIR2direction signal input -- axis 2 
GNDground 

Output Signals

PCB LabelFunctionNotes
A1quadrature output A -- axis 1use this output for single-ended use
GNDgroundall grounds are common
/A1inverted quadrature output A -- axis 1 ignore for non differential systems
GNDground  
B1quadrature output B -- axis 1use this output for single-ended use
GNDground.
/B1inverted quadrature output B -- axis 1ignore for non differential systems
GNDground 
A2quadrature output A -- axis 2 use this output for single-ended use
GNDground 
/A2inverted quadrature output A -- axis 2ignore for non differential systems
GNDground 
B2quadrature output B -- axis 2use this output for single-ended use
GNDground 
/B2inverted quadrature output B -- axis 2 ignore for non differential systems
GNDground 
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