ADLINK Technology PCI-8174, User Manual

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Introduction 1
1 Introduction
The PCI-8174 is an advanced DSP-based 4-axis motion control
card with a PCI interface. Unlike other dummy pulse motion con-
trollers, the PCI-8174 provides DSP kernel for high level machine
makers to integrate time-critical motion procedure into a motion
controller and eliminates the timing issue in traditional PC-based
controllers.
For high-end systems, timing is very important for high throughput
demands. Using traditional polling and event-driven methods, all
production procedures must be programmed on a PC. It contents
many “check” and “do” procedures, wasting CPU time and missing
“checks” if the CPU is busy. Even it is checked, the “do” action will
be delayed when CPU is busy, which can result in serious conse-
quences.
The PCI-8174 was designed to improve timing issues in traditional
PC-based controllers. It reserves the flexibility of PC-based con-
troller for open architecture and enhances the time-critical applica-
tion capability by a built-in DSP. A real-time OS is not necessary
either.
The PCI-8174 unique by different DSP kernels. One DSP kernel
contains one specific feature and can be used for one specific
application field or for one specific customer. Loading a different
DSP kernel gives the PCI-8174 different features. The DSP kernel
could also be customized to help speed up and stabilize systems.
The PCI-8174 has various terminal boards for connecting to many
kinds of AC servos. The pin definitions are the same as ADLINK 4-
axis stepper/servo motion controller, such as the PCI-8134 or PCI-
8164. If you currently use such ADLINK product, simply transfer
your old design to new one. The PCI-8174 also provides the same
traditional motion functions to migrate from old 4-axis board to
new PCI-8174.
Figure 1-1 shows the functional block diagram of the PCI-8174
card. A DSP as a main chip. Around the DSP are the major motion
ASIC, PCL6045, and some necessary components for DSP, such
as SDRAM and DPRAM.