Mach-DSP User’s Manual
Document Number: MACH-DSP-9021
Page 3
www.ScannerMAX.com
1.0 Introduction
Pangolin has been using the word “Mach” (pronounced mock) as a model designation
for our industrial-grade servo drivers since 1998. Back then, we introduced a unique
servo amplifier having four separate coil drivers for a custom industrial galvanometer,
and dubbed the project “Mach 4”.
Completely setting aside the fact that the word Mach is a cool word – one which
conjures images of the fastest fighter jet airplanes, the word is actually entirely
applicable to the field of galvanometer scanning. Indeed, ScannerMAX scanners utilize
unusual materials and techniques in their rotor construction, and while choosing these
materials we often consider the speed of sound through these materials (i.e. the Mach
number). For this reason, we continue to use the word Mach for our servo drivers.
The Mach-DSP servo driver is Pangolin’s latest and most advanced development in
servo control technology. By taking advantage of high-speed floating-point digital signal
processors, 16-bit data converters, direct digital command input, and highly-
configurable servo algorithms, the Mach-DSP provides full-function, two-axis servo
driver electronics in a cost-effective and compact package. Many advanced techniques
and user-customizable features are embodied within the Mach-DSP hardware and
software which, when combined with Pangolin’s ScannerMAX scanners, provide a level
of speed, accuracy and convenience that were unattainable before now.
The Mach-DSP can be accessed and configured using a PC-based Graphical User
Interface software package, where the built-in Test Signal Generator, Oscilloscope and
Dynamic Signal Analyzer can be used to monitor and adjust the more than 50
performance parameters per axis. These performance parameters can be stored in four
separate memory areas (called “tunings”) for instant access and recall at any time.
Additional features and behavioral customizations can be added via firmware updates
that take only a few minutes to download using the PC-based software, helping to make
the Mach-DSP a “future-proof” product. Moreover, since the current version of Mach-
DSP firmware uses only a fraction of the on-board memory and only around half of the
CPU bandwidth, it is possible that customized applications may also be loaded into the
Mach-DSP, helping to reduce the size, power consumption and cost of an overall laser
system. (Contact us about how customization could be done for your application.)
The Mach-DSP servo driver was created with OEMs in mind, incorporating a simple yet
comprehensive and flexible interface structure. This, together with the modest power
requirement and compact size allows laser system manufactures to package the servo
driver electronics, the scanners, and often the power supply as well, directly into the
laser projector head.
The purpose of this manual is to familiarize you with the functionality of the Mach-DSP
servo driver. This manual also provides a brief introduction to the process of servo
tuning, although when buying a complete system (scanners, mirrors, mount, servo
driver, and cables) the Mach-DSP should arrive already tuned at the Pangolin factory.
We also offer tutorial videos on our website that provide more in-depth information.
