Quadra-4 USB Interface for 4 Quadrature Encoders
Quadra-4   by Versalent

This small USB 2.0 compatible (Full Speed) servo interface module provides feedback and drive signals to support up to 4 independent servo loops. Offers 4 incremental (quadrature) encoder interfaces which accept differential, single-ended or open-collector signals and each encoder can be independently configured for X1, X2 or X4 operation. Operates with 2V to 12V encoder signals. Each axis offers a 32-bit up/down counter with digital filtering that can accept encoder signals up to 3 MHz. Programmable 100 ohm terminations on each differential input pair. The 32-bit counter value at which the encoder index pulse occurs can be stored, or optionally the up/down counter can be cleared when the index occurs. Quadra-4 also offers 4 analog outputs which can be used to drive motors or other actuators as well as 8 general purpose digital I/Os which can be used for a variety of signaling functions. The digtial I/Os can be independently programmed as input or output. Each analog output is driven by a 10-bit DAC with range configurable as 0-10V, -5V to +5V, or -10V to +10V. Includes 6-foot detachable USB cable and 5V 1A AC wall-adapter. Optional DIN rail mount available.   Size -- 6.5" X 4.5" X 1.75"     Host Performance Considerations
Quadra-4 USB
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Serial Terminal
Quadra-4 .. USB interface for 4 quadrature encoders
Quadra-4 Datasheet by Versalent
Features
  • 4 quadrature encoder interfaces
  • 4 analog outputs with programmable ranges
  • 8 General Purpose digital I/O
  • Can provide power to encoders*
  • Screw Terminal connections
  • Windows .NET DLL provided for fast software devel
  • Standard HID USB interface (no drivers to load)
  • Sample C# servo controller w/full source provided
  • Sample VB6 servo controller w/full source provided
  • Diagnostic application provided
  • Connect up to 5+ to one host computer (20 axes+)
  • LEDs show operational status, USB communications, encoder movement, digital I/O voltage level
Applications
  • Multi-axis robotic feedback
  • Industrial servo systems
  • Laboratory control systems
  • Teaching aids for feedback systems theory
Operating System Compatibility:
  • WinXP/SP3/Vis Studio 2005, (framework 2.0) .. NOW!
  • Win7 framework 2.0 to 4.0 .. est. June 1 2010
  • Visual Studio 2008 validated est June 1 2010
  • Visual Studio 2010 validated est July 1 2010
Description

       QUADRA-4 is a small module that provides a complete interface to 4 standard incremental (quadrature) encoders via USB. It also provides four 10-bit analog DACs with selectable output ranges for use as servo drivers thus providing both feedback and drive for up to 4 axes of servo control. The 32-bit up/down counters offer over 4 billion counts (increments of position) which is generally enough to eliminate the complications associated with counter-rollover even with very high position resolution and long travel range. Encoder index pulses reset the counters automatically, or simply latch the counter values. The eight 5-volt tolerant digital IOs are individually programmable as in/out and the output level is selectable as 3 or 5 volts. Provided with both VB6 and dotNet fully functional PID demonstration code as well as a diagnostic program to exercise all module features. All features are software selectable so no switches or jumpers to set.
Full manual is available here.

Software applications provided can be used as-is providing instant servo loop control without writing any code, or source can be modified for your specialized servo control system. Can also be used as a guide to write your own from-scratch servo control. See
Windows Application and DLL description


Downloads
.net supportVB6 support
C# Demo Servo Application VB6 Demo Servo Application
C# Demo Servo App Source Code VB6 Demo Servo App Source Code
Quadra4 .net DLL 

Quadra4 Diagnostic Application
*Quadra-4 requires external power (+5VDC @ 150mA) to operate. Encoders require additional current. Please refer to the Quadra-4 manual in conjunction with your encoder power requirements.

Warranty
Questions:   sales@versalent.biz    Technical:  support@versalent.biz