Introduction

This chapter describes basic encoder, amplifier, and limit signal connectivity via 68-pin VHDCI (Very High Density Cable Interconnect, also known as SCSI-5) receptacles for the XMP-PCI, XMP-CPCI-6U and XMP-CPCI-3U controllers. The XMP-CPCI-6U and XMP-CPCI-3U are also offer a rear I/O backplane connection option. For more information, click here.

I/O via VHDCI Receptacles

STC-136 Terminal Blocks MEI offers STC-136 terminal blocks to assist in connecting controllers to drives via VHDCI. STC-136 terminal blocks utilize preconfigured cables from VHDCI receptacles. Each cable services one 68-pin VHDCI connector; each STC-136 can service two cables. The STC-136 terminal block provides a simple method for connecting hardware to your controllers using conventional screw terminals. Wires are connected to the terminal by inserting them into slots on the terminal block and tightening lug screws. For ease of use, numbering is identical between VHDCI receptacle pins and STC-136 terminals. Some users prefer alternatives to the STC-136 for connecting to the XMP controller's VHDCI receptacles. If only a subset of lines are being used, more compact hardware may be preferred. Regardless how your connection scheme is configured, you may use the VHDCI pin-out information in this chapter to design your system.

I/O via Backplane Connection

Some CPCI-6U and -3U controllers perform input-output (I/O) via their backplane connectors. For more information regarding backplane analog I/O on CPCI form factors, click here.

+5 and +24 Volt I/O XMP controllers accomodate +5VDC or +24VDC optoisolated inputs. Resistors installed on each controller determine which I/O voltage it is configured for; otherwise, they are electronically identical. To determine which voltage your controller is configured for, look for the small, white label.

XMP configurations: +5V and +24V.

CAUTION! Under most conditions, motor axes are NOT freely interchangeable with each other! Always check the compatibility of wiring BEFORE plugging an axis into the connector of a different axis. Otherwise, damage to components and/or the controller may result.

Pay attention to the use of power and ground returns. AGnd should be used for the analog inputs. Digital system grounds (Gnd) are provided for use as a system ground reference. These grounds (AGnd, Gnd) are all tied to a single point on the XMP board. In-line, fused 5 VDC power is provided for external encoders. Be careful to estimate the additional 5 VDC current required, and the voltage drop across the cables.

Using STC-136 Terminal Blocks

Terminal blocks organize your system wiring, making them especially helpful for lab development. The STC-136 terminal blocks route each CBL-68 pin to a screw terminal on a DIN rail, (Phoenix Contact base). Each STC-136 provides connection to four (4) axes of I/O (a full motion block), and works with both 24 VDC and 5 VDC systems.

Each STC-136 provides connectivity for two (2) axes.

Please note that terminal numbers for the STC-136 are matched one-to-one with VHDCI connector pins. (For example, Pin #1 on the VHDCI is the same as Terminal #1 on the STC-136, and so on.) Therefore, even if you choose not to use STC-136 terminal blocks for connection, you may still use the pin-out information in these chapters to configure your own connectors.

For full STC-136 wiring and pinout diagrams, click here.

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