MDrivePlus2
Transitioning from Legacy MDrive 34 Speed Control Products

Featuring 2 configurable speed control inputs

The MDrivePlus Speed Control (MDO) products represent significant improvements over the legacy MDrives. Based on new patented technology, they feature a broader parameter setup, 20 microstep resolutions, higher clock oscillator rate up to 5MHz (from 100 kilohertz), improved current control and enhanced thermal dissipation. With these many improvements, the MDrivePlus Speed Control are not "drop in replacements" for existing legacy MDOs.

Now available as Plus or Plus2 versions:

  • Plus version
      currently available for size 17 & 23 products as well as the MForce MicroDrive. See details.
  • Plus2 version
      currently available for size 34 products as well as the MForce PowerDrive.

This application note will introduce the new features that are included in the parameter setup user interface for Plus2 Speed Control products.

One unique feature that distinguishes Plus2 Speed Control products is the availability of two (2) selectable 10-bit analog speed control inputs that can be programmed for voltage, current or pulse width modulation. The analog input can be programmed with different user desired parameters and digitally selected on the input wiring.

Plus2 Speed Control products also feature a programmable output clock signal which will allow a drive that accepts step / direction, quadrature or up /down pulses to follow the master. The output step width and clock signal inversion are programmable.

Motor Settling Delay Time (MSDT) and Hold Current Delay Time (HCDT) are now programmable features. Please refer to the programming information that follows for a full discussion of these settings.

Plus2 Speed Control products include an internal temperature sensor that can be accessed in the GUI for the purpose of setting a temperature fault. This value is programmable and the fault displays in a new fault indicator field.

A single Graphical User Interface (GUI), SPI Motor Interface beginning with version 3.1.37, will set parameters for ALL Speed Control products - MDrive and MForce, Plus and Plus2. The GUI automatically detects the connected product and enables the appropriate features available for that product.

- - - -

Pictured below, legacy MDrive34 Speed Control products had a single parameter setup screen using the supplied IMS SPI Motor Interface GUI.

 

MDrive34Plus2 Speed Control products increase selectable setup parameters from 12 to 21. This expanded range of setup parameters is accommodated via additional software setup screens (shown below).

Screen #1 - Analog Parameters

Screen #2 - Motion Parameters

Screen #3 - IO Parameters

 
Available Setup Parameters - Comparison  
Parameter Function Legacy Plus2
ACCL Acceleration Accel/Decel: 2000 to 65000 step/sec2 91 to 1.5 X 109 step/sec2
C Joystick Center 1 to 1022 counts 1 to 1022 counts
CLK OUT Clock Out Not Available None, Step/Dir, Quadrature, Up/Down
DB Analog Deadband 0 to 255 counts 0 to 255 counts
DECL Deceleration See ACCL 91 to 1.5 X 109 step/sec2
DIR Motor Direction Override Not Available Clockwise (CW) /
Counterclockwise (CCW)
FAULT Fault/Checksum Error Not Available Error Code
FS Analog Full Scale   1 to 1023 counts
HCDT Hold Current Delay Time Not Available HCDT + MSDT <= 65535 msec
IF Analog Input Filter Not Available 1 to 1000 counts
IMODE Source Speed A1/Speed A2 or PWM Speed A1/Speed A2 or PWM 15 to 25 kHz

Analog Input (Speeds A1&A2)

Volts / 4 to 20 mA / 0 to 20 mA

0 to +5 VDC, 0 to +10 VDC,
4 to 20 mA, 0 to 20 mA

Clockwise/Counter Clockwise 0 or 1 See DIR
MHC Motor Hold Current 0 to 100 percent 0 to 100 percent
MRC Motor Run Current 1 to 100 percent 1 to 100 percent
MSDT Motor Settling Delay Time Not Available MSDT + HCDT <= 65535 msec
MSEL Microstep Resolution 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 16, 25, 32, 50, 64, 125, 128, 250, 256 microsteps/full step 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 16, 25, 32, 50, 64, 100, 108, 125, 127, 128, 180, 200, 250, 256 microsteps/full step
STEPW Step Width Not Available 0 (Square Wave), 100 nSec to 12.8 µSec
SSD Stop/Start Debounce Not Available 0 to 255 msec
VI Initial Velocity 1 to 100000 steps/sec 0 to <VM steps/sec
VM Maximum Velocity 1 to 100000 steps/sec VI to 5,000,000 steps/sec
TEMP Warning Temperature Not Available 0 to 85˚C
USER ID User ID Not Available Customizable

 

Optional Parameter Setup Cables

The optional 12' (3.6m) parameter setup cable part number MD-CC300-000 facilitates communications wiring and is recommended with all first orders. It connects an MDrive's P2 Connector to a PC's USB port. MDrives with 10-pin friction lock wire crimp also require adapter MD-ADP-H.

Older MD-CC300-000 cables may or may not function on some computers with new MDrivePlus Speed Control (MDO) units. Customers having difficulty connecting one of these cables to an MDrivePlus Speed Control unit should return the cable to Intelligent Motion Systems for a firmware upgrade at no cost except for shipping. Please use the RMA Request Form to provide IMS with information on the item(s) you are returning.

Newer MD-CC300-000 cables have a "V1.3" sticker on them identifying the current firmware, and will not have an issue with compatibility.

For complete optional parameter setup cable details and parts information, see Cables and Cordsets.

 

MDrive34Plus2 Speed Control Product Documentation

— Manual
— Datasheet
— Quick Reference

— Product Web Page
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