Connect multiple Commander Cores 

The Commander core allows for up to 64 devices to be connected to the same host. If multiple devices are connected to the host, the identification number for each device should be unique. It is possible to use an external trigger to allow synchronization across multiple Commander cores, or to start a defined motion profile on one or more Commander cores.

On this page


Identification Number

The Commander core allows for each device to have a unique identification number, allowing up to 64 devices to be connected to the same host. If multiple devices are connected to the host, the identification number for each device should be unique.

By default, all Commander cores are shipped from the factory with identification number 01. The current identification number of a device can be found by reading the ID command. Also, the device name will always include the current identification number. For USB communication, the device name will be "CMD-4CR-xx" where xx is the identification number of the device. For serial communication, the “DeviceName” is the identification number of the device.

In order to change the identification number of the device, first store the desired number using the ID command. Note that this value must be within the range [00-99].

For example, the command ID=02 can be sent to change the identification number to 02. To save a modified identification number to the flash memory of the device, use the STORE command. The new identification number will not take effect until after a power cycle.

The current version of firmware can be found with the VER command.

ASCII

ID

STORE

VER

Standalone

-

STORE

-



Synchronization with external trigger

It is possible to use an external trigger to start a defined motion profile.  This is done by connecting the /CSTA pins as shown in the figure below.  The /CSTA line needs an external pull-up resistor to VDD.

By default, the external start input is disabled (EXSTA=0), which will allow motion to start immediately upon receipt of any motion command.  If the external start input is enabled (EXSTA=1), then any motion command sent will wait for the /CSTA input to go low before motion is started.  The Commander core can buffer up to three movements on a first-in first-out order; they will start one at a time each time the /CSTA input goes low.

The logical input of the /CSTA input cannot be changed.

ASCII

EXSTA

Standalone

-


JC add section about EXSTP /CSTP

< Previous Section | Topic Home | Home |  Next Section  >