C1GBreakoutBoard

Overview

This card has been designed to provide a flexible interface for CNC projects using parallel port control software. Proven implementation of buffering and optoisolation circuits provides for a quick and reliable solution This board is offered for users that do not need optoisolation for the output signals that go to the drivers, because they are using drivers that already have optoisolated inputs, such as the Geckodrive family of products.

Features

• Partially optoisolated The card isolates connections to protect your computer from short-circuit. An optoisolator is an integrated circuit that transmits the signal through an encapsulated LED and phototransistor. When the signal is on, the LED lights up, the phototransistor captures it and relays the signal. In that way, the computer’s electronics are completely isolated from the cnc circuitry. The signals are transmitted through light and not through physical connections. In this way, a power surge has no way of reaching the computer. Only outputs 2-9 are not optoisolated. Input pin15 and output pin 16 have high speed optoisolators. These can be used to receive and send optoisolated step or frequency signals. A typical use for this would for connecting an input from and index pulse that would read the rotation of the spindle. A typical step signal would be the frequency to run a safety charge pump, a PWM signal, or a the step signal for running the C3 – Index Pulse Card. No optoisolation is provided for grounds.

• Buffered outputs. All inputs and outputs are buffered through the use of high speed and high power buffers. Each pins deliver 24 milliamps.

• The common terminal to pins 2-9 can be ground or +5vdc. The board has a jumper that allows you to select if the common terminal to pins 2-9 will carry a ground or +5vdc. So if you are connecting encoders or proximity switches, you can select it to ground. If you are connecting Geckodrives or limit switches, you can set it to be +5vdc.

• External Enable Pin (EN). The board has a pin that allows you enable/disable all the outputs at once. The board requires +5vdc in the EN pin. If it is not present, it will send all the outputs to ground immediately. You can use this enable and disable your system manually, or you can install an external Safety Charge Pump or other external device.

• Status LEDs on all inputs and output connections. No more guessing. You can SEE all your signals. Save valuable time and brainpower for cncing.

• All inputs are outputs are tied to pull-down resistors. Pins are never in the air open to noise. If you leave a pin in the air you will get a LOW or 0. If you input a ground you will get a LOW and a +3.3 or+ 5 vdc signal will deliver a HI.

Documentation

See the CNC4PC site for full details on the board. , and {file id=356} are also available.

Prices

We hold a small stock of these boards to supply with the Mach-in-a-box when used with isolated driver modules such as the Arc Euro modules. Price for the board in Europe is £25 (+ VAT).