Motion-Control Chips Lighten CPU’s Burden

A family of motion-control ICs, the PCL61x3 are designed to reduce the workload of a microprocessor by generating pulse and directional signals to create various motions for stepper and digital servo drivers. Three chips comprise the family: the PCL6113 (1 axis), PCL6123 (2 axes) and PCL6143 (4 axes). All versions operate from a 3.3 V supply and offer output speeds up to 15 Mpps. Features include linear interpolation, operation status confirmation, a look- ahead buffer and various homing modes. All types are housed in a quad flat pack (QFP) with pin counts depending on the number of axes: PCL6113, 80 pins, PCL6123, 128 pins and PCL6143, 176 pins. Applications are in medical/ biotech stages and lab automation equipment. Unit prices in 100-piece quantities are: PCL6113, $20.89, PCL6123, $30.82, and PCL6143, $47.71. NIPPON PULSE AMERICA, INC., Radford, VA. (540) 633-1675.