What is New: Commander V3xx Gen 5 Firmware Updater V1.1 now available for download. | V304BL Firmware is now available.
Your partner in motion control
Welcome to the Commander Ecosystem—Nippon Pulse's unified motion control solution where flexibility meets performance. The family includes programmable motion control ICs for embedded design, standalone controllers for ready-to-deploy applications, and the new Control Max series, which integrates a servo controller and driver into a single system-level unit. All Commander products share a common software platform, so code written for one transfers seamlessly to another—empowering you to prototype with agility and scale to production with confidence. Explore the Commander Ecosystem and discover motion control that adapts to your vision.
Positioning Motors Basics
Do you want to learn the basics of positioning motors? Where are stepping motors and servo motors used and how do they work? Is a stepping motor or a servo motor best for your application? Why use a Motion Control LSI? Is the Commander Motion Core perfect for your needs? Find answers to these questions and much more in our new training module "Basics of Positioning Motors".
Basics of Positioning MotorsNippon Pulse offers online manuals, software downloads and support for the Commander series of products:
Click on a tab below for more information.
Commander
Commander motion controller core (CMD-4CR) is a first-in-class, advanced 4-axis standalone-programmable motion controller hybrid IC. The Commander core design provides OEMs with the convenience of an off-the-shelf controller and the technology of a designed-from-scratch controller. As such, it exhibits the best qualities of both types of controllers:
The operation manual for the Commander Family of products. It provides an overall introduction to the Commander motion controller, its theory of operation, basic communication, and programming language overview. The operation manual also includes mechanical and electrical specifications.
Commander manualThe command reference for the Commander Family of products. Provides details and examples of every command.
NPA Command ReferenceThe communication guide, covers USB and use of the DLL/API, as well as RS485 communication for the Commander Family of products.
Commander CommunicationThe Firmware Update guide, covers the process of updating the firmware for the Commander Family of products.
CMD Firmware Update GuideDevelopment Kits
Nippon Pulse offers a range of development kits to help engineers quickly evaluate and integrate the Commander motion control core into their applications.
CMD-4CR-EV manual
CMD-4CR-EV is an advanced 4-axis evaluation board, designed to allow quick testing of the 2 and 4 axes Commander core (CMD-2CR and CMD-4CR) motion controller’s features. (Together the Commander core and evaluation board make up the Commander Development Kit.) Communication to the CMD-4CR-EV and thus CMD-4CR, is established over USB or RS-485 network.
CMD-4CR-EV manualCMD-4CR-EV Online Advanced Development Kit
The CMD-4CR-EV-Advanced (Advanced development kit) includes the Commander 4CR evaluation board, a CMD-4CR Commander core, development kit (with reference designs), and complete cable set for all connectors (NPA cable kit part number Z3-210-120-01). You can access the online section of this kit with the link below.
CMD-4CR-EV Advanced Development KitStandalone Controller Series - Commander Ecosystem
The Standalone Controller Series within the Commander Ecosystem provides a family of fully integrated motion controllers designed for precise, multi-axis control with minimal system integration effort. Built on the proven Commander motion control core, these controllers combine high-performance motion capability with flexible communication options and standalone program execution.
All standalone controllers support USB and RS-485 communication and can execute downloaded programs independently of a host system, making them ideal for embedded and distributed motion applications. Mechanical and electrical specifications are provided in each product manual, while command structure and operational behavior are common across the Commander platform and documented in the main Commander reference materials.
CMD-4EX-SA — 4-Axis Standalone Motion Controller
The CMD-4EX-SA is a next-generation 4-axis stepper/servo standalone programmable motion controller based on the Commander core (CMD-4CR). It is designed for applications requiring coordinated multi-axis control with reduced integration complexity.
The CMD-4EX-SA is available with multiple top board configurations:
• TBB / TBS: Controller-only configurations (no integrated motor drivers)
• TBD: Controller with integrated stepper motor drivers
These options allow users to select the appropriate level of system integration based on application requirements.
CMD-4EX-SA manualCMD-2EX-SA — 2-Axis Standalone Motion Controller
The CMD-2EX-SA is a 2-axis standalone motion controller designed for applications that require compact, high-performance motion control without integrated motor drivers. It delivers full Commander functionality in a simplified, easy-to-integrate form factor.
This controller is best suited for systems utilizing external drives while maintaining access to the Commander command set and standalone execution capability.
CMD-2EX-SA manualCMD-2ED-SA — 2-Axis Standalone Controller with Integrated Drivers
The CMD-2ED-SA is a 2-axis standalone motion controller with integrated stepper motor drivers, providing a compact, all-in-one solution for motion systems.
By combining controller and driver functionality in a single unit, the CMD-2ED-SA reduces component count, simplifies system design, and accelerates deployment for stepper-based applications.
CMD-2ED-SA manualControl Max series h5
CMD-CM3-10
The CMD-CM3-10 is a part of the Control Max series of motion controllers, designed for precise control of multi-axis motion systems. It offers robust performance and easy integration into various applications.
The operation manual for the CMD-CM3-10.
CMD-CM3-10 manualSoftware
Commander Control Utility
Nippon Pulse has made two Windows GUI programs available for use with the Commander series of Motion Controllers.
The Commander Control Utility is a basic Windows GUI program that serves two main functions:
(1) Provides a shortcut to every ASCII command to assist in testing and troubleshooting the setup of the Commander core and your own interface code.
(2) Allows you to test, program, compile, download and debug the controller using the standalone language.
Commander Control UtilityNippon Pulse Terminal Utility
The Nippon Pulse Terminal Utility is intended for advanced users. It works with all Nippon Pulse controllers. It has three main functions:
(1) Terminal mode allows for quick testing of individual ASCII commands. It also shows total cycle timing of each ASCII command.
(2) ASCII Programs allows the creation of ASCII programs to test of the proposed code.
(3) Auto Control Programs provides the ability to write scripts that fully control of the terminal utility, including running of ASCII programs and logging the results.
NPA Terminal UtilityNPA Language Utility
The Nippon Pulse GUI programs are designed to support multiple languages. Nippon Pulse GUI programs can fully support any ASCII or Unicode language. It does this by using language packets. The NPA Language Utility can be used to edit a language pack.
NPA Language UtilityDownloads
For your convenience, here are links for downloading all the Software and drivers for the Commander Family of products.
| Type | Program | Description | Version | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GUI Software | Commander Control Software | GUI Software | 202a |  |
| GUI Software | NPA Terminal Utility | Terminal Utility install version | 2.49 | |
| GUI Software | NPA Terminal Utility | Terminal Utility portable version | 2.49-P | |
| Commander Firmware | V3xx Firmware updater | (Current) V3xx Firmware updater software | 1.1 | |
| Commander Firmware | V3xx Firmware files | V3xx Firmware files | --- |  |
| Commander DLL's | Commander DLL/API installer | Installs DLL and Development DLL pack | 1.3.170 | |
| Commander Help | Commander Off-Line Help files | Installs the offline help files for the Control Utility | 1.0.0 | |
| Support Installers | --- | The following links are to the official Microsoft downloads, are provided for your convenience. | --- | --- |
| Support Installers | mscomstl.ocx installer from Microsoft for A-Script compiler | Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 Common Controls | 1.0 | |
| Support Installers | Microsoft .NET Framework | Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2 Installer x86-x64 English | 4.7.2 | |
| Support Installers | VC++ 2017 redistributable x64 | The X64 Redistributable package contains both ARM64 and X64 binaries. | --- | |
| Support Installers | VC++ 2017 redistributable x86 | Link downloads from Microsoft | --- | |
old Downloads
Links for downloading old versions of Software.
| Type | Program | Description | Version | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commander Firmware | V2xx Firmware updater | (Current) V2xx Firmware updater software | 1.5.149 | |
| Commander Firmware | V2xx Firmware files | V2xx Firmware files | --- | |
| Commander Firmware | V1xx Firmware updater | (Old) V1xx Firmware updater software | 1.0.5 | |
| Commander Firmware | V1xx Firmware files | V1xx Firmware files | --- | |
Your partner in motion control
Welcome to the Commander Ecosystem—Nippon Pulse's unified motion control solution where flexibility meets performance. The family includes programmable motion control ICs for embedded design, standalone controllers for ready-to-deploy applications, and the new Control Max series, which integrates a servo controller and driver into a single system-level unit. All Commander products share a common software platform, so code written for one transfers seamlessly to another—empowering you to prototype with agility and scale to production with confidence. Explore the Commander Ecosystem and discover motion control that adapts to your vision.
Positioning Motors Basics
Do you want to learn the basics of positioning motors? Where are stepping motors and servo motors used and how do they work? Is a stepping motor or a servo motor best for your application? Why use a Motion Control LSI? Is the Commander Motion Core perfect for your needs? Find answers to these questions and much more in our new training module "Basics of Positioning Motors".
Basics of Positioning MotorsNippon Pulse offers online manuals, software downloads and support for the Commander series of products:
Click on a link below to open the desired online manual.
Commander
The operation manual for the Commander Family of products. It provides an overall introduction to the Commander motion controller, its theory of operation, basic communication, and programming language overview. The operation manual also includes mechanical and electrical specifications.
Commander manualThe command reference for the Commander Family of products. Provides details and examples of every command.
NPA Command ReferenceThe communication guide, covers USB and use of the DLL/API, as well as RS485 communication for the Commander Family of products.
Commander CommunicationThe Firmware Update guide, covers the process of updating the firmware for the Commander Family of products.
CMD Firmware Update GuideDevelopment Kits
CMD-4CR-EV manual
CMD-4CR-EV is an advanced 4-axis evaluation board, designed to allow quick testing of the Commander core (CMD-4CR) motion controller’s features. (Together the Commander core and evaluation board make up the Commander Development Kit.) Communication to the CMD-4CR-EV and thus CMD-4CR, is established over USB or RS-485 network.
CMD-4CR-EV manualCMD-4CR-EV Online Advanced Development Kit
The CMD-4CR-EV-Advanced (Advanced development kit) includes the Commander 4CR evaluation board, a CMD-4CR Commander core, development kit (with reference designs), and complete cable set for all connectors (NPA cable kit part number Z3-210-120-01). You can access the online section of this kit with the link below.
CMD-4CR-EV Advanced Development KitStandalone Controller Series
The Standalone Controller Series delivers integrated, multi-axis motion control based on the Commander platform. All models support USB/RS-485 communication and standalone program execution, reducing system complexity and enabling flexible deployment.
CMD-4EX-SA (4-Axis)
Advanced 4-axis standalone controller based on the Commander core.
Available configurations:
• TBB / TBS: Controller-only
• TBD: Controller with integrated stepper drivers
CMD-2EX-SA (2-Axis)
Compact 2-axis controller-only solution for systems using external drives.
CMD-2EX-SA manualCMD-2ED-SA (2-Axis + Drivers)
2-axis controller with integrated stepper motor drivers for simplified system design.
CMD-2ED-SA manualSoftware
Commander Control Utility
Nippon Pulse has made two Windows GUI programs available for use with the Commander series of Motion Controllers.
The Commander Control Utility is a basic Windows GUI program that serves two main functions:
(1) Provides a shortcut to every ASCII command to assist in testing and troubleshooting the setup of the Commander core and your own interface code.
(2) Allows you to test, program, compile, download and debug the controller using the standalone language.
Commander Control UtilityNippon Pulse Terminal Utility
The Nippon Pulse Terminal Utility is intended for advanced users. It works with all Nippon Pulse controllers. It has three main functions:
(1) Terminal mode allows for quick testing of individual ASCII commands. It also shows total cycle timing of each ASCII command.
(2) ASCII Programs allows the creation of ASCII programs to test of the proposed code.
(3) Auto Control Programs provides the ability to write scripts that fully control of the terminal utility, including running of ASCII programs and logging the results.
NPA Terminal UtilityNPA Language Utility
The Nippon Pulse GUI programs are designed to support multiple languages. Nippon Pulse GUI programs can fully support any ASCII or Unicode language. It does this by using language packets. The NPA Language Utility can be used to edit a language pack.
NPA Language UtilityDownloads
For your convenience, on the desktop version of this site we are providing links for downloading all the Software and drivers for the Commander Family of products. Please use the Desktop version of this site and click on the downloads tab to access all downloads.