National Instruments 9512 C Series User manual

GETTING STARTED
NI SMD-7611/7612 Stepper Drives
and NI 9512 C Series Modules
Note If you are a new user of LabVIEW or are unfamiliar with LabVIEW, refer to
the Getting Started with LabVIEW manual for information about LabVIEW and
LabVIEW terminology.
This document explains how to install and configure the NI SMD-7611/7612 stepper drives for
use with the NI 9512 C Series drive interface module.
Contents
What You Need to Get Started ................................................................................................. 2
Hardware .......................................................................................................................... 2
Software............................................................................................................................ 2
Related Documentation .................................................................................................... 3
Hardware Installation and Configuration ................................................................................. 4
Step 1: Set Up the CompactRIO System .......................................................................... 4
Step 2: Connect the NI 9512 to the 37-Pin Terminal Block............................................. 5
Step 3: Connect the 37-Pin Terminal Block to the +24 V Power Supply ........................ 6
Step 4: Connect the Drive Command Signals .................................................................. 6
Step 5: Connect the Drive Enable Signal ......................................................................... 7
Step 6: (Optional) Connect the Drive Fault Signal........................................................... 7
Step 7: (Optional) Connect the Encoder Signals .............................................................. 7
Step 8: Connect the NI PS-12/13 Power Supply to the NI SMD-7611/7612................... 8
Step 9: Connect the SMD-7611/7612 to the Motor.......................................................... 9
Step 10: Configure the NI SMD-7611/7612 DIP Switches.............................................. 10
Step 11: Set the Motor Selection Switch .......................................................................... 11
Step 12: Power on the Drive and Verify Connections...................................................... 13
Software Installation and Configuration................................................................................... 14
Step 1: Install Software on and Configure the NI RT Controller..................................... 14
Step 2: Create a Project in Scan Interface Mode .............................................................. 15
Step 3: Add Resources to the Project ............................................................................... 16
Step 4: Configure the NI 9512 Axis ................................................................................. 18
Step 5: Enable and Test the Drive Using LabVIEW ........................................................ 21
Worldwide Support and Services ............................................................................................. 22

2|ni.com |Getting Started with NI SMD-7611/7612 and NI 9512 Modules
What You Need to Get Started
You need the following items to get started.
Hardware
NI 9512 C Series stepper drive interface module
NI real-time controller
– CompactRIO controller and chassis that support the RIO Scan Interface
Tip To determine if your controller and chassis support the RIO Scan Interface go
to ni.com/info and enter the Info Code rdsoftwareversion.
or
– NI 9144 distributed chassis and compatible RT controller
+24 V power supply (such as the NI PS-15) for the CompactRIO controller
(NI part number 781093-01)
Separate +24 V power supply for the NI 9512 (such as the NI PS-15)
NI PS-12 or NI PS-13 power supply for the NI SMD-7611/7612
NI SMD-7611/7612 stepper drive
NI or third-party stepper motor
Note NI offers stepper motors matched to the NI SMD-7611/7612. Refer to
ni.com/motion for motor options. National Instruments highly recommends using
these motors for the best user experience.
(Optional) ENC-7740 encoder for ST17 motors (NI part number 748991-01) or ENC-7741
encoder for ST23 motors (NI part number 748992-01)
NI-7748 encoder cable to connect the encoder to the NI 951x terminal block
(NI part number 748994-01)
Ethernet connection and cable for the CompactRIO controller
NI 951x Cable and Terminal Block bundle (NI part number 780553-01)
Software
LabVIEW 2010 or later
LabVIEW 2010 Real-Time Module or later
LabVIEW 2010 NI SoftMotion Module or later
NI-RIO 3.5.1 or later

Getting Started with NI SMD-7611/7612 and NI 9512 Modules |© National Instruments |3
Figure 1 shows a simplified connection diagram.
Figure 1. NI 9512 to NI SMD-7611/7612 Connections
Related Documentation
The following documents contain additional information that you may find helpful. All
referenced documents ship with the product and are available at ni.com/manuals.
• Operating instructions for the controller and C Series module.
• NI SMD-7611/7612 User Manual
•LabVIEW NI SoftMotion Module Help—Use this help file to learn about using the
NI SoftMotion Module in LabVIEW including information about function blocks and
using the NI SoftMotion Module with the LabVIEW Project. To access this help file from
LabVIEW, select Help»LabVIEW Help, then expand the LabVIEW NI SoftMotion
Module book on the Contents tab.
•LabVIEW Help—Use the LabVIEW Help to access information about LabVIEW
programming concepts, step-by-step instructions for using LabVIEW, and reference
information about LabVIEW VIs, functions, palettes, menus, tools, properties, methods,
events, dialog boxes, and so on. The LabVIEW Help also lists the LabVIEW documentation
resources available from National Instruments. Access the LabVIEW Help by selecting
Help»LabVIEW Help.
•Getting Started with LabVIEW—Use this document as a tutorial to familiarize yourself
with the LabVIEW graphical programming environment and the basic LabVIEW features
you use to build data acquisition and instrument control applications. Access the Getting
Started with LabVIEW PDF by selecting Start»All Programs»National Instruments»
LabVIEW»LabVIEW Manuals»LV_Getting_Started.pdf.
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Encoder
Connections
+24 V Power Supply
(NI PS-15 Shown)
NI RT Controller
(NI cRIO-9014 shown)
and NI 9512 Module
+24 V Power Supply
(NI PS-15 Shown)
37-pin Terminal
Block
Ethernet Cable
I/O
Connections
NI PS-12/13
Power Supply
LN-V+V
Madein China
+V ADJ
+
OUTPUT:48V 6.7A INPUT:100-240VAC 5A 50/60Hz
LN-V+V
Madein China
+V ADJ
+
.
NI Stepper Motor
NI SMD-7611/7612

4|ni.com |Getting Started with NI SMD-7611/7612 and NI 9512 Modules
Hardware Installation and Configuration
This section covers the hardware setup for the CompactRIO system, NI 9512 C Series module,
and NI SMD-7611/7612 stepper drive.
Step 1: Set Up the CompactRIO System
Complete the following steps to set up the CompactRIO hardware.
1. Install the real-time CompactRIO controller on the chassis if you are not using an integrated
controller and chassis.
Note Write down the controller serial number before installing the controller onto
the chassis. You will be unable to read the serial number after you install the
controller.
a. Make sure that no power is connected to the controller or the chassis.
b. Align the controller with the chassis as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Installing the Controller on the Chassis (Eight-Slot Chassis Shown)
1 Controller
2CaptiveScrews
3 Controller Slot
4 Reconfigurable Embedded Chassis
5 Grounding Screw
1
4
2
3
5

Getting Started with NI SMD-7611/7612 and NI 9512 Modules |© National Instruments |5
c. Slide the controller onto the controller slot on the chassis. Press firmly to ensure the
chassis connector and the controller connector are mated.
d. Using a number 2 Phillips screwdriver, tighten the two captive screws on the front of
the controller.
2. Connect the controller to a power supply and an Ethernet network on the same subnet as
the development computer. Refer to the controller operating instructions for information
about wiring the controller to the power supply and Ethernet network.
Note Do not plug in or turn on any power to the system until after you complete
Step 12: Power on the Drive and Verify Connections.
3. Install the NI 9512 module in slot 1, 2, 3, or 4 of the chassis.
Step 2: Connect the NI 9512 to the 37-Pin Terminal
Block
1. Connect the MDR and DSUB connectors on the NI 951x Y-cable to the MDR and DSUB
connectors on the NI 9512 module.
2. Connect the 37-pin DSUB to the DSUB connector on the NI 951x terminal block.
Figure 3 shows the 37-pin terminal block pin assignments.
Figure 3. NI 9512 37-Pin Terminal Block Pin Assignments
37
363534333231302928272625242322212019
GND
18
17161514131211
10
98765
432
1
Forward Limit
Home
COM
Digital Input 0
COM
Encoder 0 Index+
Encoder 0 Index–
COM
+5V OUT
Position Compare
Reserved
Reserved
Digital Output 0†
Vsup†
Digital Input 1†
Direction (CCW)+†
COM†
Step (CW)+†
Shield
Digital Output 1†
Reverse Limit
Reserved
Vsup
Reserved
COM
Encoder 0 Phase A+
Encoder 0 Phase A–
Encoder 0 Phase B+
Position Capture
Encoder 0 Phase B–
Reserved
Reserved
COM†
Drive Enable†
Digital Input 3†
Digital Input 2†
Direction (CCW)–†
Step (CW)–†
† IndicatesDSUB connector signals.

6|ni.com |Getting Started with NI SMD-7611/7612 and NI 9512 Modules
Step 3: Connect the 37-Pin Terminal Block to the +24 V
Power Supply
Note Do not plug in or turn on the power supply until after you complete Step 12:
Power on the Drive and Verify Connections.
1. Connect the V+ terminal from the 24 V power supply to one of the two Vsup inputs on the
37-pin terminal block. The 37-pin terminal block provides a Vsup input for the NI 9512 on
pin 14 and pin 22.
2. Connect the V- terminal from the 24 V power supply to one of the COM terminals on the
37-pin terminal block. The 37-pin terminal block provides COM on pins 3, 5, 8, 17, 24,
and 32.
Step 4: Connect the Drive Command Signals
Complete the following steps to connect the Drive Command signals to the NI 9512 terminal
block.
1. Connect the SMD-7611/7612 STEP+ and DIR+ terminals to the 37-pin terminal block +5V
OUT terminal (pin 9).
2. Connect the SMD-7611/7612 STEP- terminal to the 37-pin terminal block Step (CW)+
terminal (pin 18).
3. Connect the SMD-7611/7612 DIR- terminal to the 37-pin terminal block Direction
(CCW)+ terminal (pin 16).
Figure 4 shows the SMD-7611/7612 Drive Command and I/O Connector location and pinout.
Figure 4. SMD-7611/7612 Drive Command and I/O Connector
12345678
FAULT-
FAULT+
EN-
EN+
DIR-
DIR+
STEP-
STEP+

Getting Started with NI SMD-7611/7612 and NI 9512 Modules |© National Instruments |7
Step 5: Connect the Drive Enable Signal
Complete the following steps to connect the Drive Enable signal, which controls the enable
function of the drive:
1. Connect the EN- terminal to the 37-pin terminal block COM terminal (pin 5).
2. Connect the EN+ terminal to the 37-pin terminal block Drive Enable terminal (pin 33).
Step 6: (Optional) Connect the Drive Fault Signal
Complete the following steps to map an NI 9512 digital input to the SMD-7611/7612 fault
output signal to monitor the NI SMD-7611/7612 stepper drive for faults:
1. Connect the FAULT+ terminal to the 37-pin terminal block Vsup terminal (pin 22).
2. Connect the FAULT- terminal to the 37-pin terminal block DI 0 terminal (pin 4).
Step 7: (Optional) Connect the Encoder Signals
If your motor includes an encoder, complete the following steps to connect the encoder to the
NI 951x terminal block:
1. Connect one end of the encoder cable to the encoder.
2. Cut the 15-pin DSUB connector off of the other end of the cable and expose the encoder
wires.
3. Connect the encoder wires to the 37-pin terminal block as indicated in Table 1.
4. Insulate any unused wires.
Table 1. NI SMD-7611/7612 to 37-Pin Terminal Block Connections
Encoder
Signal Name
Encoder Cable
Wire Color
37-Pin
Terminal Block
Pin Number
37-Pin
Terminal Block
Signal Name
CH A blue 25 Encoder 0 Phase A+
CH A- blue/white 26 Encoder 0 Phase A-
CH B yellow 27 Encoder 0 Phase B+
CH B- yellow/white 29 Encoder 0 Phase B-
INDEX orange 6Encoder 0 Index+
INDEX- orange/white 7Encoder 0 Index-
GND black 8COM
+Vcc red 9+5V OUT

8|ni.com |Getting Started with NI SMD-7611/7612 and NI 9512 Modules
Step 8: Connect the NI PS-12/13 Power Supply to the
NI SMD-7611/7612
Note Do not plug in or turn on the power supply until after you complete Step 12:
Power on the Drive and Verify Connections.
Complete the following steps to connect the power supply to AC input power and to the
NI SMD-7611/7612. Figure 5 shows the power supply terminals.
Figure 5. NI PS-12/13 Power Supply Terminals
Figure 6 shows the SMD-7611/7612 Power and Motor Connector location and pinout.
Figure 6. SMD-7611/7612 Power and Motor Connector
1. Connect an AC input cable to the line, neutral, and protective earth connectors.
2. Connect the SMD-7611/7612 V+ terminal to the power supply +V connector.
3. Connect the SMD-7611/7612 V- terminal to the power supply -V connector.
1 +24 V (NI PS-12) or +48V (NI PS-13) Output
2 +24 V (NI PS-12) or +48V (NI PS-13) Ground
3 AC Input Ground (Protective Earth)
4 AC Input Neutral
5 AC Input Line
LN-V+V
Made in China
+V ADJ
+
OUTPUT: 48V 6.7A INPUT: 100-240VAC 5A 50/60Hz
LN-V+V
Made in China
+V ADJ
+
Serial No.
1234 5
12345678
V+ V- A+ A- B-B+
Ground
Screw

Getting Started with NI SMD-7611/7612 and NI 9512 Modules |© National Instruments |9
4. Connect the SMD-7611/7612 green ground screw to earth ground.
5. Connect the NI 9512 COM to the NI PS-12/13 -V terminal to ensure a common reference.
Note Refer to the NI SMD-7611/7612 User Manual for more information about
connecting the power supply.
Step 9: Connect the SMD-7611/7612 to the Motor
NI offers stepper motors matched to the SMD-7611/7612. The ST24-1, ST24-2,and ST24-3 are
four lead motors. Connect them as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7. Four Lead Motor Connection
The ST17-1, ST17-2, ST17-3, ST17-4,ST23-1, ST23-4, ST23-6, ST23-8, ST34-4, ST34-8 are
eight lead motors that are connected using a parallel configuration. Connect them as shown in
Figure 8.
Figure 8. Eight Lead Motor Parallel Connection
When using the SMD-7612, connect the ST34-1, ST34-2, and ST34-5 using a parallel
configuration as shown in Figure 8.
A+
A–
B+ B–
4
Lead
Motor
Red
Blue
Yellow White
A+
A–
B+ B–
8
Lead
Motor
Orange
Org/
Wht
Blk/Wht
Black
Red
Red/Wht
Yel/
Wht
Yellow

10 |ni.com |Getting Started with NI SMD-7611/7612 and NI 9512 Modules
When using the SMD-7611, connect the ST34-1, ST34-2, and ST34-5 using a series
configuration as shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9. Eight Lead Motor Series Connection
Step 10: Configure the NI SMD-7611/7612 DIP
Switches
The NI SMD-7611/7612 provides drive configuration DIP switches. Refer to the
NI SMD-7611/7612 User Manual for more information about the DIP switch options. The
following figure shows the DIP switch location and functions.
Note If you change the DIP switch settings you must power cycle the
NI SMD-7611/7612 for the new settings to take effect.
Figure 10. NI SMD-7611/7612 DIP Switches
A+
A–
B+ B–
8
Lead
Motor
Orange
Org/Wht
Blk/Wht
Black
Red Red/
Wht
Yel/
Wht
Yellow
12345678
Run Current
12345678
Step Size
Idle Current
Load Inertia
Self Test

Getting Started with NI SMD-7611/7612 and NI 9512 Modules |© National Instruments |11
Refer to Table 2 for the DIP switch settings that this document uses.
Step 11: Set the Motor Selection Switch
National Instruments offers stepper motors matched to the NI SMD-7611/7612. National
Instruments highly recommends using these motors for the best user experience. Figure 11
shows the Motor Selection Switch location.
Figure 11. NI SMD-7611/7612 Motor Selection Switch
Table 2. DIP Switch Settings
Setting Name Switch Position Corresponding Value
Running Current 100%
Load Inertia 0 - 4X
Idle Current 50%
Steps/rev 2000
Self Test Off
12
3
4
567
8
12345678
Motor Selection
Switch

12 |ni.com |Getting Started with NI SMD-7611/7612 and NI 9512 Modules
Tables 3 and 4 show the switch settings for compatible stepper motors for the SMD-7611 and
SMD-7612, respectively. If you are using a motor not in the list, set the switch to a motor with
a rotor inertia, holding torque, and current that are within 10% of your motor.
Table 3. NI SMD-7611 Motor Selection Switch Settings
Switch
Setting Motor Wiring
Drive Current
Amps, peak of
sine
Holding
Torque,
(oz-in)
Rotor
Inertia
(g-cm2)
0
reserved for custom configurations
1
2 ST17-4 parallel 2.4 113 123
3 ST17-1 parallel 1.6 31.4 35
4 ST17-2 parallel 2 51 54
5 ST17-3 parallel 262.8 68
6 ST23-1 parallel 3.4 76.6 120
7 ST23-4 parallel 4.5 159.3 300
8 ST23-6 parallel 4.5 237.6 480
9 ST24-1 4 leads 3.36 123 280
A ST24-2 4 leads 4.5 166 450
B ST24-3 4 leads 4.5 332 900
C ST34-2 series 4.5 585 1400
D ST34-5 series 4.5 1113 2680
E ST34-1 series 3.816 396 1100

Getting Started with NI SMD-7611/7612 and NI 9512 Modules |© National Instruments |13
Step 12: Power on the Drive and Verify Connections
After all hardware connections have been made complete the following steps to confirm the
hardware setup.
1. Turn on all power supplies.
2. Verify that the Drive Status LED on the NI SMD-7611/7612 flashes or is solid green.
Figure 12 shows the location of the Drive Status LED.
Figure 12. Drive Status LED Location
Table 4. NI SMD-7612 Motor Selection Switch Settings
Switch
Setting Motor Wiring
Drive Current
Amps, peak of
sine
Holding
Torque,
oz-in
Rotor
Inertia
g-cm2
0
reserved for custom configurations
1
2
3 ST23-8 parallel 6 354 750
4 ST23-1 parallel 3.4 76.6 120
5 ST23-4 parallel 5 177 300
6 ST23-6 parallel 5 264 480
7 ST24-1 4 leads 3.36 123 280
8 ST24-2 4 leads 4.8 177 450
9 ST24-3 4 leads 4.8 354 900
A ST34-2 parallel 8 507 1400
B ST34-5 parallel 8 965 2680
C ST34-8 parallel 8 1439 4000
D ST34-1 parallel 7.56 396 1100
E ST34-4 parallel 7.56 849 1850
12345678
Status LEDs

14 |ni.com |Getting Started with NI SMD-7611/7612 and NI 9512 Modules
If the Drive Status LED does not flash or turn solid green, turn off all power, verify the connections,
and try again. Refer to the Worldwide Support and Services section for additional tips.
Software Installation and Configuration
This section covers installing and configuring software for the NI 9512 C Series module.
Note These instructions assume you have installed all required software from the
What You Need to Get Started section on your development machine.
Step 1: Install Software on and Configure the NI RT
Controller
Complete the following steps to configure the controller and install software on it.
Note The Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) user interface may not
match these steps exactly depending on which version of MAX you are using.
Verify the NI RT Controller
1. Launch Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) on the development computer by
clicking the MAX icon on the desktop ( ), or by selecting Start»All Programs»
National Instruments»Measurement & Automation.
2. Expand the Remote Systems tree.
3. Highlight the system.
Note If you do not see the controller, you may need to disable the firewall on the
development computer. Go to ni.com/info and enter RIOMAXTroubleshoot
for more information.
4. Verify that the Serial Number in the General Settings section matches the serial number
on the device.
If you do not want to format the disk on the controller, eliminating all installed software and files,
skip to Install Software on the NI RT Controller.
Reformat the NI RT Controller (Optional)
1. Set the Safe Mode switch on the controller to the On position.
2. Power on the controller. If it is already powered on, press the Reset button on the controller
to reboot it.
3. Right-click the controller under Remote Systems in the Configuration pane in MAX and
select Format Disk.
4. (Optional) Enable the Keep Network Settings checkbox if you want to retain the same
target name and IP address.
5. Click Format to start formatting the disk.

Getting Started with NI SMD-7611/7612 and NI 9512 Modules |© National Instruments |15
6. When MAX finishes formatting the disk, set the Safe Mode switch to the Off position and
click OK.
7. Select the System Settings tab on the bottom and type a descriptive name for the system in
the Hostname field.
8. (Optional) Complete this step only if the target has an empty IP address (0.0.0.0). Select the
Network Settings tab and select DHCP or Link Local from the Configure IPv4 Address
list to assign an IP address or select the Static to specify a static IP address in the IPv4
Address section.
9. Click Save on the toolbar and let MAX reboot the system. You may not need to complete
this step if you did not change the IP address or name.
Install Software on the NI RT Controller
1. When the new system name appears under Remote Systems, expand the controller item in
the tree, right-click Software, and select Add/Remove Software.
2. Select a recommended software set that includes NI-RIO 3.5.1 or later.
3. Click Next.
4. Select LabVIEW NI SoftMotion Module from the add-ons list.
Note If you are using NI SoftMotion Module 2010 SP1 or earlier, also select
LabVIEW NI SoftMotion Module Scan Engine Support from the list.
5. Click Next to install the selected software on the controller. Click Help if you need
information about installing recommended software sets.
6. When the software installation completes, click Finish to reboot the controller.
7. Close MAX.
Step 2: Create a Project in Scan Interface Mode
Scan Interface mode enables you to use C Series modules directly from LabVIEW Real-Time.
Modules that you use in Scan Interface mode appear directly under the chassis item in the
Project Explorer window. Unlike most C Series modules, NI 951x modules are not directly
configurable from the Project Explorer window and no I/O variables are directly available
under the module.
Tip Refer to the Select Programming Mode Dialog Box topic of the CompactRIO
Reference and Procedures (Scan Interface) help file for more information about Scan
Interface mode.
Use a LabVIEW project to manage VIs, targets, and I/O modules on the development computer.
Complete the following steps to create a LabVIEW project.
1. Launch LabVIEW.
2. Select File»Create Project or Project»Create Project to display the Create Project
dialog box. You can also click the Create Project button on the Getting Started window.

16 |ni.com |Getting Started with NI SMD-7611/7612 and NI 9512 Modules
The Create Project dialog box includes a list of templates and sample projects you can use
to ensure that the project you create uses reliable designs and programming practices.
3. Select Blank Project from the list of templates.
4. Click Finish.
5. Select Help and make sure that Show Context Help is checked. You can refer to the
context help throughout the tutorial for information about items on the block diagram.
Step 3: Add Resources to the Project
1. Right-click the top-level project item in the Project Explorer window and select New»
Targets and Devices from the shortcut menu to display the Add Targets and Devices
dialog box.
2. Make sure that the Existing target or device radio button is selected.
3. Expand Real-Time CompactRIO.
4. Select the CompactRIO controller to add to the project and click OK.
5. If you have LabVIEW FPGA installed, the Select Programming Mode dialog box
appears. Select Scan Interface to put the system into Scan Interface mode.
Tip Use the CompactRIO Chassis Properties dialog box to change the
programming mode in an existing project. Right-click the CompactRIO chassis in the
Project Explorer window and select Properties from the shortcut menu to display
this dialog box.
6. Click Discover in the Discover C Series Modules? dialog box if it appears.
7. Click Continue.
8. Right-click the controller item in the Project Explorer window and select Properties from
the shortcut menu to display the RT Target Properties dialog box. Select Scan Engine
from the Category list to display the Scan Engine page.
9. Set the Scan Period to 5 ms, then click OK to close the RT Target Properties dialog box.
10. Right-click the controller item in the Project Explorer window and select New»
NI SoftMotion Axis from the shortcut menu to open the Axis Manager dialog box, shown
in Figure 13.
11. Click Add New Axis to create an NI SoftMotion axis associated with the NI 9512 module.
Axes are automatically bound to an available module. You can double-click the axis name
to rename the axis and give it a descriptive name.

Getting Started with NI SMD-7611/7612 and NI 9512 Modules |© National Instruments |17
Figure 13. Axis Manager Dialog Box
12. Click OK to close the Axis Manager dialog box. The new axis is added to the Project
Explorer window.
Note You cannot associate more than one axis with the same C Series module.
When you have finished these steps your LabVIEW project should look similar to the
image in Figure 14.
Figure 14. Project Explorer Window with Modules in Scan Interface Mode

18|ni.com |Getting Started with NI SMD-7611/7612 and NI 9512 Modules
Step 4: Configure the NI 9512 Axis
The Axis Configuration dialog box includes configuration options for stepper drive command
signals, feedback devices, motion and digital I/O, trajectory, and axis setup. Figure 15 shows the
parts of the Axis Configuration dialog box for the NI 9512 C Series module. Refer to the
NI SoftMotion Module book of the LabVIEW Help for detailed information about each
configuration option.
Figure 15. Axis Configuration Dialog Box
Note The Axis Configuration dialog box user interface may not match this image
exactly depending on which version of the LabVIEW NI SoftMotion Module you are
using.
Complete the following steps to configure the axis I/O settings for use with the
NI SMD-7611/7612 stepper drive.
1. Right-click the axis in the Project Explorer window and select Properties from the
shortcut menu to open the Axis Configuration dialog box.
2. Configure the following settings on the General Settings page ( ).
a. Confirm that Loop Mode is set to Open-Loop. Axes configured in open-loop mode
produce step outputs but do not require feedback from the motor to verify position.
b. Set Feedback Source to Encoder 0, if you have connected an encoder, or None if you
do not have an encoder connected.
c. Confirm that the Axis Enabled and Enable Drive on Transition to Active Mode
checkboxes contain checkmarks. These selections configure the axes to automatically
activate when the NI Scan Engine switches to Active mode.
Note Disable these options to prevent axes from automatically activating when the
NI Scan Engine switches to Active mode.

Getting Started with NI SMD-7611/7612 and NI 9512 Modules |© National Instruments |19
3. If you have connected an encoder, click the Encoder button ( ) and configure the
Units and Counts Per Unit.
a. In the Active State section set the Line State for A, B, and Index to High.
b. In the Index Reference Criteria section set the Line State for Aand Bto Inactive.
c. Select rev from the Units text box, or type revolutions if you prefer.
d. Set the Counts per rev to 8,000. This setting is the encoder resolution in quadrature
counts per revolution and corresponds to the encoder lines per revolution multiplied
by four.
When you are finished the Encoder Settings page will look similar to Figure 16.
Figure 16. Axis Configuration Encoder Page
4. Click the Stepper button ( ) to open the Stepper page.
a. Ensure that the Stepper Output settings match the following:
•Output Mode—Step and Direction
•Output Type—Single-Ended
•Active State—Low
b. Configure the Units and Steps Per Unit.
• Select rev from the Units text box, or type revolutions if you prefer.
•SetSteps Per revolution to 2,000.
Note The Steps Per revolution setting must match the Steps/Rev DIP switch
setting. If you change the Steps/Rev setting using the DIP switches, update this
setting to match.
c. (Optional) Click the Monitor button ( ) and make the following changes to
enable NI SoftMotion to disable the drive and turn off the Drive Enable signal when
the specified position error limit is exceeded.

20 |ni.com |Getting Started with NI SMD-7611/7612 and NI 9512 Modules
Note The Monitor button is greyed out if Feedback Source on the Axis Settings
page is set to None.
• Enable the Enforce Position Error Limit checkbox.
•SetPosition Error Limit to a reasonable tolerance for your system, such as 1.
5. Click the Drive Enable button ( ) and ensure that the Drive Enable settings match the
following:
•Output Type—Sourcing
•Active State—Off
•Safe State—On
6. If you connected the Out+/Out- signal, click the Digital I/O button ( ) and complete
the following steps to configure the DI 0 signal:
a. Double-click the text in the Mapping column and select Drive Fault/Alarm from the
dropdown list.
b. Ensure that the DI 0 settings match the following:
•Input Type—Sinking
•Active State—On
•Digital Filter—50 µs
7. Complete the following additional steps if you do not have limits and home connected at
this time:
a. Click the Limits & Home button ( ).
b. In the Forward Limit and Reverse Limit sections ensure that the settings match the
following:
Note These configuration settings disable limits for initial setup and testing
purposes. National Instruments recommends connecting and enabling limits in your
final application.
• Clear the Enable checkbox from both Forward Limit and Reverse Limit.
• Set the Active State for both Forward Limit and Reverse Limit to Off. This
prevents a limit warning even though limits are turned off.
c. Open the Home section and clear the Enable checkbox.
8. Configure any additional I/O settings according to your system requirements, such as
position compare or position capture signals.
9. Click OK to close the Axis Configuration dialog box.
10. Right-click the controller item in the Project Explorer window and select Deploy All to
deploy the axis information.
11. Select File»Save Project to save the project.