User Manual
MCP Series
Brushed DC Motor Controllers
MCP Series User Manual
61
2.0 Communications
2.0.1 Communication and Input Types
The MCP offers several methods of communications. User generated MCL programs can access
each type. During initial development USB is best suited due to its simplicity and speed. USB is
not immune to electrically noisy environments and RS-232 serial or CANopen are recommended
for the nal application.
• USB Packet Serial - A USB connection can be used to control the MCP controller an interface
to an MCL program. Ion Studio uses packet serial communications over USB to congure the
controller.
• RS-232 Packet Serial - (+/- 12v) For high noise environments RS-232 communications may be
used. RS-232 has a robust signaling voltage which prevents almost all forms of electrical noise
from interfering with communications.
• TTL Packet Serial - (0v to 5v) Same as RS-232 without the level translator. This allows easy
integration with devices such as the Arduino or Raspberry-Pi microcontrollers.
• CANopen - Open industry standard that allows multiple types of controls to be synchronously
controlled from a single master controller.
• Digital Signals - Used for inputting limit and/or home switches as well as custom uses in user
generated MCL programs.
• Analog Signals - Used for inputting analog voltages from many types of sensors for use as
position encoders or in user generated MCL programs.
• PWM Signals - Inputs for different sensor types including magnetic linear and rotatory. Sensor
can be used for position and velocity control or in user generated MCL programs.
• RC Pulse Signals - Control inputs from a R/C Radio receiver. Can be used for motor control or in
user generated MCL programs.
• Quadrature Pulse Signals - Used for velocity and position control as well as for jog control or
user generated MCL programs.