When connecting a third party stepper motor to a Newport XPS controller, what are the minimum and maximum of microstepping?
XPS controllers have two types of MotorDriverInterface : AnalogStepperPosition or PulseDir / PulsePulse.  In both cases, XPS controllers do not need a MicroStepping Factor to calculate the output voltage to PP motors. Microstepping is calculated based on internal algorithms so that the customer does not need to worry about defining it.

What are the advantages of the XPS-Qx controller?
The XPS-Qx is based on the QNX real time operating system. The QNX has been used in the Newport Hexapod controller since 2009 and is now extended to the XPS universal motion controller, providing a proven, robust platform with a number of advantages. The new dual-core processor enables not only a faster boot cycle, but also more stable performance as motion processes are executed seperately from all of the other CPU tasks. TCP/IP communication and error handling process are improved for better user access and control. For more demanding OEM applications, the new firmware allows expansion to Precision Platform for extended features.

Will XPS-Qx require any change in existing setups for XPS-Cx?
The XPS-Qx provides the same web interface and the same powerful functions used in existing XPS-Cx controllers. All the hardware dimensions, connectors, TCL commands and driver cards are the same as before. To make programming integration easy, the XPS-Qx continues to include software drivers for LabVIEW, Python, Matlab, TCL, C++, C#, and Visual Basic. To enjoy the benefit of the QNX operating system with existing XPS-Cx controllers, XPS-QKIT allows users to make a full conversion, without having to return units to factory for an upgrade.

Can the XPS read G-Code?
XPS-GCODE was developed to execute G-Code files on a 3-axis positioning system controlled by an XPS Universal Controller. XPS-GCODE converts G-Code source files into XPS native “*.TCL” and “.PVT” file formats. This conversion allows the user to take full advantage of advanced motion capabilities of the XPS controller, including multi-axis motion defined along lines and arcs, as well as tool (on/off) control, speed control and Digital/Analog output control of shutters, as an example .