The National Instruments PXI-7350 is a high-performance motion controller for servo and stepper motor applications spanning 2 to 8 axes. Built on a dual-processor architecture with a dedicated DSP for closed-loop control and trajectory generation plus a custom FPGA for real-time I/O and encoder interfacing, the module offloads motion functions from the host PC to maximize throughput and system performance.
Technical Specifications
Axes and Motor Control
• Available in 2, 4, 6, and 8-axis configurations
• Supports brushed and brushless DC servo motors, servo hydraulics, servo valves, and closed-loop piezo motor systems
• Stepper motor operation in open or closed-loop mode with full, half, and microstepping
• Sinusoidal commutation for brushless motor drive
Motion Performance
• PID update rate: 62.5 µs per sample (up to two axes)
• Servo trajectory update rates: 62.5 µs to 5 ms
• Stepper trajectory update rates: 62.5 µs to 500 µs
• Maximum step frequency: 8 MHz
• Static-friction compensation for piezoelectric and friction-sensitive actuators
Interpolation and Trajectory Generation
• 3D linear and circular interpolation with 3D contouring
• Enhanced PID and PIVff control loops
• Multi-dimensional coordinated motion across independent axes
Analog I/O
• Eight channels of 16-bit analog input: ±10 V range
• Eight single-ended analog outputs: ±10 V range (industry standard)
• Supports potentiometer reading, analog sensor monitoring, and closed-loop feedback
Digital I/O and Motion-Specific Interfaces
• 64 bits of digital I/O
• Dedicated per-axis I/O: limit switches, home switches, breakpoint output, position capture input, hall effect sensor input, and encoder feedback
– Key Features
Dual-processor architecture separates real-time motion control from host communication, enabling deterministic performance. Encoder feedback and hall effect inputs support closed-loop stepper and servo operation. Analog command outputs interface directly with motor amplifiers and servo drives. Digital I/O handles discrete control signals for relays, valves, and sensor inputs.
– Typical Applications
Multi-axis positioning systems, robotic motion control, test automation requiring coordinated axis motion, piezoelectric actuator control with friction compensation, and hybrid stepper-servo configurations.
– Compatibility & Integration
Modular PXI form factor integrates with National Instruments software environments. Supports standard ±10 V analog interfaces and industry-standard encoder protocols.
