
PoKeys Pulse engine v2 documentation
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Pulse engine v2 operating principles
PoKeys Pulse engine v2 (upgrade of the original PoKeys Pulse engine) is available on PoKeys56U and
PoKeys56E devices and enables a direct control of a positioning systems that accepts step/direction
signals (stepper motors, servo systems, etc.).
PoKeys Pulse engine divides the operations into 1 millisecond time slots, during which the pulse
frequency is held constant, and supports the generation of up to 25 pulses per 1 millisecond time slot
using integrated pulse generator or up to 125 pulses per 1 millisecond time slot using external pulse
generator circuit (which equates to 25/125 kHz maximum pulse frequency supported).
At each time slot beginning, the selected limit and home switches are read and evaluated. If
emergency switch or any activated limit switch (enabled in the configuration) is tripped, the pulse
engine is put into Error mode and no more pulses are generated (with hard-stop mechanism). Limit
switches can be disabled using the ‘Limit override’ function. In addition, PoKeys pulse engine also
supports ‘Soft-limit’ function, which limits the machine motion using the virtual limit switches.
Figure 4: Pulse engine configuration window in PoKeys configuration software