SmoothStepper Product Details Page

 


 

Differences between the Ethernet SmoothStepper (ESS) and USB SmoothStepper (USS)

When comparing the USS to the ESS there are a few significant differences to be aware of:

1) Plugin Support: The ESS runs with Mach4 and Mach3, but we strongly recommend all new users use Mach4.  The USS only runs with Mach3.  Please remember that the USS only works with Mach3 and NOT Mach4.  While we still produce replacement USSs for existing installs, the USS should not be used for new builds.  The ESS is the recommended product for all new builds.

2)The USS can be powered directly via USB. However, you need to make sure that you are using a quality USB cable. Some inferior USB cables can't carry a sufficient amount of current, in which case the 5V logic of the USS may perform erratically. If desired, the USS may be supplied by a separate 5 V power supply. The ESS MUST have a 5 V power supply in order to operate (For more details, please see the "5V Power for Ethernet SmoothStepper" section of this FAQ.

2) The ESS has a larger FPGA than the USS, which means it is capable of more features than the USS.  Design updates are also easier to make because of the additional capacity.  The ESS also has a microcontroller, which is used for additional processing that the USS would be unable to do.

3) The ESS uses Ethernet, which by its design, electrically isolates your PC from your CNC equipment. This means noise and voltage spikes from your motors will not flow back into your PC. The ground of the USS is directly coupled to your PC. USB isolators are available that provide isolation similar to that of Ethernet.

4) Pin out: It is important to note that Port 2 on the USS and both Ports 2 & 3 on the ESS are functionally different than Port 1.  Pins 2-9 of Port 1 are always outputs, whereas Pins 2-9 of the other port(s) may be used as inputs or outputs. The direction of these bits is set in the SmoothStepper’s configuration dialog. These pins have weak (47k) pull down resistors.  If a pull-up resistor is desired instead of a pull-down, a pull-up resistor with a maximum value of 4.7k can be added and it will behave similar to the dedicated inputs of each port (pins 10, 11, 12, 13, and 15).  When using a breakout board that uses logic ICs to drive those pins (most breakout boards), the resistor becomes irrelevant.

We recommend the ESS for all new builds.

 


 

 Product Details of the USB and the Ethernet SmoothSteppers (USS and ESS)

Since the SmoothStepper outputs 5V signals (with currents limited to 24 or 32 mA, dependent on the selected output pin), you will need a motor driver between the SmoothStepper and the motor itself.  For your axes (X, Y, Z, A, B and C), the SmoothSteppers can control stepper motor drivers and digital servo motor drivers.   We do not support analog servo motor drivers or PWM servo motor drivers. 

 

*SmoothStepper Motor signal outputs are only 5V and 24 mA or 32 mA. This will not drive a Stepper Motor directly, and you will need a Motor Driver for each stepper motor.

Digital Servo Motors typically have a motor driver built into their controller.

For a Spindle that is controlled by a 0V to 10V Analog signal, you will need a Break Out Board that can convert a PWM, Step/Dir, CW/CCW or Quadrature signals into a 0V to 10V analog signal (and also provide one or two relays to control the VFD).

**Requires that your USB port supplies a stable 5V (+/- 10% minimum, but +/- 5% preferable).

*** With the use of a 5V power supply that is isolated from your PC.
**** Assuming the USB Isolator also provides power isolation in addition to isolation of the data signals.
CNC Motion Controller

ESS

(Ethernet SmoothStepper)

Recommended for new builds

USS

(USB SmoothStepper)

Not recommended for new builds

Image
Price (USD) $219.00 $219.00
PC Interface Ethernet USB
Documentation ESS Manual USS Manual
Mach4 Plugin Yes No
Mach3 Plugin Yes Yes
I/O
  • Parallel Port #1: 12 Outputs, 5 Inputs
  • Parallel Port #2: 4 Dedicated Outputs, 5 Dedicated Inputs, and 8 block assignable as input or output
  • Parallel Port #3: 4 Dedicated Outputs, 5 Dedicated Inputs, and 8 block assignable as input or output
  • Parallel Port #1: 12 Outputs, 5 Inputs
  • Parallel Port #2: 4 Dedicated Outputs, 5 Dedicated Inputs, and 8 block assignable as input or output
  • Parallel Port #3: 3 Differential inputs and 3 single-ended inputs
Current Drive Output

All pins are rated for 0V to 5V.

The following output pins have a drive (sink) of +(-) 32mA:

  • Port 2 pins 2 through 9
  • Port 3 pins 2 through 9
The following output pins have a drive (sink) of +(-) 24mA:
  • Port 1 pins 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 16, 17
  • Port 2 pins 1, 14, 16, 17
  • Port 3 pins 1, 14, 16, 17

Click here for more details.

All pins are rated for 0V to 5V.

All output pins have a drive (sink) of +(-) 32mA.

 

Pulse Output Capabilities Up to 4 MHz, Step and Direction, Quadrature, CW/CCW Up to 4 MHz, Step and Direction, Quadrature
Motor Control Capability *

Up to 6 Motors (Step and Direction, Quadrature, or CW/CCW)

Plus a Spindle (Relay, PWM, Step and Direction, Quadrature, or CW/CCW).

Up to 6 Motors (Step and Direction or Quadrature)

Plus a Spindle (Relay, PWM or Step and Direction)

 

Encoders/MPG

> 4 MHz capture rate

Mach3: Up to 5 total

Mach4: 7 Encoders, 3 MPGs

Mach3: Up to 5 total (Encoders + MPGs)
Configurable Noise Filtering per Class of Input

Mach3 Input Classes: Limits, home, probe, E-Stop, Jog, Encoders/MPGs

Mach4: Each input individually configurable

Mach3 Classes: Limits, home, probe, E-Stop, Jog, Encoders/MPGs

 

 

Features
  • Threading for lathes (single pulse per rev for RPM, or encoder A for RPM.  Index pulse required for synchronization)
  • Laser Vector (lines) and Laser Raster (bmp image) support with Mach4
  • M62/M63 support for lasers/water jets/plasma applications in Mach4
  • M10/M11 support for lasers/ water jets in Mach3
  • Backlash Compensation
  • THC for Plasma Cutting
  • Runs with Mach3 and Mach4
  • Auto Squaring of a 2 motor (master/Slave) axis if two home switches are used (Mach4 and Mach3).
  • Threading for lathes (single pulse per rev for timing)
  • NO Backlash Compensation
  • Does NOT support THC.  USB is not industrial enough for plasma applications.  Please use Ethernet instead.
  • Runs with Mach3 only, No plans for  Mach4 support.
  • Auto Squaring of a 2 motor (master/Slave) axis if two home switches are used (Mach3).
Power Source External 5V Power Supply Required USB Cable** or optional External 5V Power Supply
Electrical Isolation Full Electrical and Noise isolation for your PC*** Electrical and Noise isolation for your PC when a USB Isolator is used ****
PC Configuration Utility The System Configuration Utility is provided to configure your PC for use with the ESS in as few as 3 mouse clicks. No configuration utility needed.
Windows Drivers

No Drivers for the ESS.

(Your computer should already have drivers installed for your Ethernet Card.)
A Warp9TD USB SmoothStepper driver is provided for Windows XP through Windows_10

 

 

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