What is the PT500's programmable CPU for?
The PT500 carries a processor running software that can be customised for the user. This lets the A, B, C, D digital inputs and the E analogue input be assigned to application-specific functions, and the operating logic be taken beyond that of a standard direction/speed driver. Speed is set with the SPEED pot and the ramp with the RMP pot.
In a fixed-function driver the meaning of the inputs and outputs is determined at the factory. Since the software on the PT500 can be customised for the user, how the module responds to the inputs can be defined according to the application.
The available interface is as follows:
- 4 digital inputs: A, B, C, D.
- 1 analogue input: E - customisable.
- Pots: A1 (clockwise AntiSwitch current limit), A2 (reverse AntiSwitch current limit), HIZ (motor speed setting), RMP (ramp).
This flexibility is valuable where the logic of an off-the-shelf driver does not fit your application exactly: needs such as the priority order of the inputs, different behaviour on a particular input combination, or interpreting the analogue E input according to an application-specific sensor can be met this way.
The hardware side, on the other hand, is fixed and sets the design limits: 12-24V DC, 30 A continuous, 40 A maximum (15 seconds), IP67 protection and an independent AntiSwitch limit for each direction. If you have a customisation requirement, describe the input and output logic of the application in writing and talk to the support team.
Full topic: DC Motor Driver Selection Guide