Technical Note
The Intelligent Picomotor (iPico™) control modules include the Model 8753 iPico driver, the Model 8751-CL iPico closed-loop driver and the Model 8752 iPico Ethernet controller. The Model 8753 driver can control up to three individual Picomotor actuators asynchronously through three 4-pin (RJ-22) single-channel output ports. For multi-axis devices like the mounts and stages that have 6-pin (RJ-11) connectors, you will need to use a Model 8725 multi-axis adapter. The Model 8751-CL closed-loop driver can drive only a single Picomotor actuator.
Both controllers allow you to build a network of up to 31 Model 8753 drivers to control up to 93 Picomotor actuators. The Model 8752 Ethernet controller can also be used with up to 31 Model 8751-CL closed-loop drivers. With the controllers, you can move the Picomotor actuators through a joystick (Model 8754), or computer (RS-232). The Model 8752 Ethernet controller also offers control through TCP/IP Ethernet or the handpad (Model 8757)—an ASCII terminal providing both preprogrammed shortcut keys and a standard keypad for inputting individual MCL commands. When using
drivers with controllers, use the Model 8760 driver/controller assembly kit which includes a mounting bracket and Models 8724 and 8726 cables for daisy chaining power and communication connections. The Models LS-784 open-emitter and LS-773 open-collector I/O modules provide expanded input/output capability with multiple general-purpose digital and analog inputs, and open-collector or open-emitter digital outputs.
All iPico modules are part of the Distributed Control Network (DCN) and can communicate with each other over a multi-drop full-duplex RS-485 network. Standard RJ-45 connectors and commercially available cables connect the modules into the network (daisy chained).
Communication Options
Ethernet: with Ethernet controller.RS-232: with Ethernet and network controllers; and when using the Model 8761 computer-interface kit, drivers, I/O modules and joysticks.
Software Options
Motion-Control Language (MCL): host commands that control the controllers through HyperTerminal/MCL Terminal, LabVIEW™, C++, or Visual Basic. Interface through a computer (RS-232 and Ethernet) or handpad.
Distributed Control Network (DCN) Utility:
a Windows-based application for set up and diagnostic of drivers, I/O modules, and joysticks. Available on the Web. Interface through a computer (RS-232) via the RS-485 interface using the Model 8761 computer-interface kit.
Dynamic Link Library (DLL): function library for custom low-level programming in LabVIEW, C++ or Visual Basic to control drivers, I/O modules, and joysticks. Available on the Web. Interface through a computer (RS-232) via the RS-485 interface using the Model 8761 computer-interface kit.
NOTE: DLL/DCN utilities do not work with the Model 8750 network controller or Model 8752 Ethernet controller.
Interface Options
Manual Joystick Control: with Ethernet controller or network controller.
Handpad Control: with Ethernet controller using MCL commands and preprogrammed shortcut keys.
Computer Control: with network or Ethernet controller using MCL commands (RS-232 or Ethernet); with drivers, I/O modules, and joysticks using DCN/DLL utilities (RS-232) through the RS-485
interface using the Model 8761 computer-interface kit.