control stepper motor with plc

[syd_b]

hi, what do i need (software and hardware) to control a stepper motor(unipolar or bipolar) with labview and a plc (allen bradley). what´s the easiest way to do it, do anyone have an idea it will be very helpful.

thanks.

[BeCeGa]

Hi Syd, to make this easier we can separate the question in two parts, Comunicating with the PLC, and Steeper motor control.

To communicate with the PLC there are several options, the most simple way to do it is using an OPC Server and LabVIEW DSC Module.  Here the OPC server will handle the communication with the PLC and the DSC module will be the bridge between LabVIEW and the OPC Server. Beside this option you could use the OPC server and communicate through Datasocket. Or if your PLC supports you could instead of using the OPC Server use the DSC Module with the Modbus Server or use the Modbus Library.

Links with more information about this:

Connecting to OPC Systems Using LabVIEW (Windows Only) - LabVIEW Help

Creating OPC Client I/O Servers (DSC Module) - LabVIEW Datalogging and Supervisory Control

On the second part the Stepper motor control. In general terms you will need to create the control signal, and you will need amplify this signal to meet the power specs of your motor. IF your PLC already had a driver unit you will just need to connect the motor to it.

Other options to control a stepper motor is using a drive like the P70360 and you could control it with your PLC, your a DAQ Card. If you don't have a driver you could build one with transistors and amplifiers. 

This links might be useful:

Using SW-Timed Digital I/O to Control a Stepper Motor with DAQmx 

https://forums.ni.com/t5/Discusiones-sobre-Productos-NI/secuencia-de-salida-de-voltaje/m-p/784426?ju...

http://www.todorobot.com.ar/informacion/tutorial%20stepper/stepper-tutorial.htm

Best Regards

[syd_b]

thanks for the information