Pulse and direction

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Pulse and direction signals and a setpoint value (reference)

Pulse and direction, step and direction or pulse train refers to digital signaling type used in position control. Pulse & dir is famous from stepping motor drives but it also can be used in many servo drives as position or velocity setpoint signal.

Principle[edit | edit source]

Pulse and direction signals

Pulse & dir contains two digital signal lines:

  • Pulse (or step) - a signal that will control motion distance & speed
  • Direction - a signal that will control direction of motion

Position setpoint is changed by one count by rising edge of pulse signal and the direction of change is determined by the state of direction signal during the edge. Pulse has constant distance increment, i.e. 1/1000 of revolution. So to rotate motor one revolution it takes 1000 pulses. To rotate in reverse direction, direction signal state is changed.


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