AMS DCB-274 User Manual
ADVANCED MICRO SYSTEMS, INC.
HARDWARE
1
Introduction
Thank you for using a DCB-274 Stepper Motor Driver/Controller from ADVANCED MICRO SYSTEMS, INC.
This unit is designed to provide years of reliable, accurate and cost-effective motion control. As with all
AMS products, the DCB-274 is backed by over two decades of manufacturing excellence and a commitment
to quality and support that guarantees your satisfaction.
This manual will assist you in optimizing the performance of your system. Its’ purpose is to provide access
to information that will facilitate a reliable and trouble-free installation. The manual is organized into the
following sections:
Section 1: Hardware. Section 1 is a description of the physical product, i.e., connections, physical and
electrical characteristics and a “quick start” guide to get you up and running.
Section 2: Serial Interface. Section 2 defines all AMS serial communication protocols and highlights the
specific protocol and hardware required for single and multi-axis operation.
Section 3: SMC-27X2 Software Commands. Section 3 details the software instructions and related
parameters of the SMC-27X2 micro-controller that powers the DCB-274.
Section 4: Addendum. Pertinent schematics, charts, etc. are contained in Section 4.
In addition to the Users Manual, a PC/AT compatible systems integration diskette (EASI) is supplied. This
powerful programming tool is an easy to use, menu driven utility file with on-line help screens and available
source code (Microsoft "C"). Used together, the Users Manual and EASI diskette will enable you to quickly
take advantage of the advanced programming features and system capabilities inherent in the system
design.
Although the DCB-274 and supporting documentation were designed to simplify the installation and on-
going operation of y our equipment, we recognize that the integration of motion control often requires
answers to many complex issues. Please feel free to take advantage of our technical expertise in this area by
calling one of our support personnel to discuss your application at 603-882-1447.
Limitations or Exceptions for the DCB-274
The SMC-27X2 micro-controller used on the DCB-274 has capabilities or functions that vary from product to
product. Therefore, some topics in this manual include descriptions of commands or hardware that may not
be pertinent to the DCB-274, such as:
Serial interface
While it is possible to use a simple 3 wire RS-232 design, the DCB-274 is designed for a 5-volt differential
RS-422 implementation only.
Current controls
The hold and run currents are adjusted with a software command (Y) that allows automatic hold current
setback.
Encoder input
The Encoder input option allows quadrature digital inputs to be converted to step and direction for jogging
or “shuttle” control. For encoder “feedback” or “closed-loop” control, AMS offers it’s MAX series
products. Encoder "feedback" is not possible with the DCB-274.
Moving signal
Some AMS products have a “moving” signal available on the serial connector. The signals from all axes are
combined to provide an “any-moving” signal. Determination of moving status, on the DCB-274, is better
done using the Read Moving Status (^) command.
For applications requiring this type of signal, a mode using the small “l” command is available to allow port 4
to become a hardware “moving” output.
This unit is designed to provide years of reliable, accurate and cost-effective motion control. As with all
AMS products, the DCB-274 is backed by over two decades of manufacturing excellence and a commitment
to quality and support that guarantees your satisfaction.
This manual will assist you in optimizing the performance of your system. Its’ purpose is to provide access
to information that will facilitate a reliable and trouble-free installation. The manual is organized into the
following sections:
Section 1: Hardware. Section 1 is a description of the physical product, i.e., connections, physical and
electrical characteristics and a “quick start” guide to get you up and running.
Section 2: Serial Interface. Section 2 defines all AMS serial communication protocols and highlights the
specific protocol and hardware required for single and multi-axis operation.
Section 3: SMC-27X2 Software Commands. Section 3 details the software instructions and related
parameters of the SMC-27X2 micro-controller that powers the DCB-274.
Section 4: Addendum. Pertinent schematics, charts, etc. are contained in Section 4.
In addition to the Users Manual, a PC/AT compatible systems integration diskette (EASI) is supplied. This
powerful programming tool is an easy to use, menu driven utility file with on-line help screens and available
source code (Microsoft "C"). Used together, the Users Manual and EASI diskette will enable you to quickly
take advantage of the advanced programming features and system capabilities inherent in the system
design.
Although the DCB-274 and supporting documentation were designed to simplify the installation and on-
going operation of y our equipment, we recognize that the integration of motion control often requires
answers to many complex issues. Please feel free to take advantage of our technical expertise in this area by
calling one of our support personnel to discuss your application at 603-882-1447.
Limitations or Exceptions for the DCB-274
The SMC-27X2 micro-controller used on the DCB-274 has capabilities or functions that vary from product to
product. Therefore, some topics in this manual include descriptions of commands or hardware that may not
be pertinent to the DCB-274, such as:
Serial interface
While it is possible to use a simple 3 wire RS-232 design, the DCB-274 is designed for a 5-volt differential
RS-422 implementation only.
Current controls
The hold and run currents are adjusted with a software command (Y) that allows automatic hold current
setback.
Encoder input
The Encoder input option allows quadrature digital inputs to be converted to step and direction for jogging
or “shuttle” control. For encoder “feedback” or “closed-loop” control, AMS offers it’s MAX series
products. Encoder "feedback" is not possible with the DCB-274.
Moving signal
Some AMS products have a “moving” signal available on the serial connector. The signals from all axes are
combined to provide an “any-moving” signal. Determination of moving status, on the DCB-274, is better
done using the Read Moving Status (^) command.
For applications requiring this type of signal, a mode using the small “l” command is available to allow port 4
to become a hardware “moving” output.