NI PXI-7344 compatible expansion slot

NI PXI-7344 compatible expansion slot

Title: Advanced Motion Control Controllers: A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction: The PCI/PXI-7344/7334 and FW-7344 controllers stand out in the realm of motion control, boasting advanced features and user-friendly software tools. This article provides an in-depth look at their capabilities, focusing on their applications, features, and underlying hardware architecture.

1. Controller Overview:
   • The 7344 controllers: A blend of servo and stepper motor controllers for PCI, PXI, and 1394 bus computers.
   • The 7334 controllers: Exclusively designed for stepper motor control in PCI and PXI bus computers.
   • Both families offer fully programmable motion control for up to four independent or coordinated axes of motion, complete with dedicated motion I/O for limit and home switches and general-purpose functions.
2. Motion Capabilities:
   • 7334 Motion Controllers: Ideal for point-to-point and straight-line vector moves in stepper motor applications.
   • 7344 Motion Controllers: Extend capabilities to execute arbitrary and complex motion trajectories using stepper motors or servo devices.
   • Refer to the FlexMotion Software Reference Manual for a detailed breakdown of feature differences between the 7344 and 7334 controller lines.
3. Motion Axis Types:
   • Servo Axes: Control servo motors, hydraulics, valves, etc., in closed-loop mode using quadrature encoders or analog inputs for position and velocity feedback.
   • Stepper Axes: Operate in open or closed-loop mode, utilizing quadrature encoders or analog inputs for feedback (closed-loop only) and providing step/direction or CW/CCW digital command outputs.
4. Hardware Architecture:
   • High-performance capabilities driven by advanced dual-processor architecture.
   • Components include a Motorola MC68331 real-time 32-bit CPU, Analog Devices ADSP-2185 digital signal processor (DSP), and custom field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).
   • FIFO bus interface and a powerful function set ensure high-speed communications, off-loading complex motion functions from the host PC for optimized command throughput and system performance.
5. Onboard Programming (7344 Controllers):
   • Execute up to 10 simultaneous motion programs in a preemptive, real-time multitasking operating system environment.
6. Motion Profiles and I/O:
   • 7344 Motion Profiles: Controlled with enhanced PID/PIVff servo updates at 62 µs per axis.
   • Motion I/O for each axis includes end-of-travel limit and home switch inputs, breakpoint output, trigger input, and encoder feedback rates up to 20 MHz.
   • Non-dedicated user I/O includes 32 bits of digital I/O and four analog inputs for ±10 V signals, joystick inputs, or monitoring of analog sensors.
7. Conclusion:
   • The 7344/7334 controllers present a robust solution for advanced motion control, combining cutting-edge hardware with versatile software tools, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.