NanoPro software

Download/Manual

The current version of NanoPro and the associated manual can be downloaded here: NanoPro download

The current manual of NanoPro

Manual v 2.2 for NanoPro (v1.70)
Manual v 2.1 for NanoPro (v1.60)
Manual v 2.0 for NanoPro (v1.53)

Modes

Users can select different operating modes in NanoPro. This means the positioning control can be operated easily and unproblematically with an analog signal (0-10 V) or also like a conventional step motor drive with clock direction signals, or to call up previously stored travel profiles via digital inputs. The different modes are described in detail in a separate chapter

Motor settings

The operating behavior of the motor can be set and optimized according to individual requirements by setting the motor-related parameters such as phase current (selectable in 1% increments ), step resolution (from full step to 1/64 microstep) as well as the adaptive microstep (automatic adaption of step width).

Both stepper motors with 1.8° as well as 0.9° step angles can be operated with the positioning controls.
The reverse clearance is also adjustable in this menu item. This setting is useful on gears mounted on the motor that have play when reversing.

Machine settings

Machine-related parameters can be set using the NanoPro software which significantly simplifies commissioning and reduces the commissioning time:

• Distance in steps, degrees or mm
• Speed in Hertz, rpm or mm/s
• Feed constant in mm/revolution
• Gear reduction (also the reverse clearance is adjustable)

Limit switch behavior

Three adjustable reference modes (external and internal) enable automatic machine settings where external reference switches may even be unnecessary with a shift < 360° due to the index signal of the internal encoder. This functionality is described here once again in more detail.

Position error detection and correction

The stepper motor positioning controls of the SMCI/ PDx series from Nanotec have integrated encoder signal analysis. If the motor loses more than half a step (0.9° with a 1.8° stepper motor), output 2 signals an error.
It is possible to compensate for this error at the end of or during the run. The user can select a record for the error correction and the motor then travels with the corresponding travel profile to the actual target position.

During the run, a position check is only possible in ClosedLoop operation.

I/O and status

NanoPro enables users to parameterize the analog input of the positioning control with regard to the voltage threshold, the dead area (around the zero point) and the software filter that smoothes the voltage signal.
Furthermore, it is possible to check the status of the inputs (high/low) on the basis of software LEDs, the switching threshold to change a positive flank into a negative flank, and even to mask the inputs for a user-controlled analysis.
With the aid of this masking, it is then possible to read the status of the inputs (high/low) via the interface.

The "Status" register in NanoPro provides users with a quick overview of the last error that occurred, the current status of the positioning control (running through the travel profile, ready, error, reference position reached), and if an encoder is connected, the current encoder position is also shown in steps.
These data are constantly updated with the "enable polling" command.

ClosedLoop settings

In ClosedLoop mode the motor is not controlled like a conventional stepper motor drive, but like a servomotor via the encoder signal. The control contains cascaded speed and positioning controls which can both be set in separate parameters.
The settings for the ClosedLoop current control are made on the "CL-Parameter" tab.
To simplify commissioning, Nanotec has already stored default settings for the three motor sizes 42 mm, 56 mm and 86 mm.
In any case, a calibration run must then be carried out in order to determine the exact rotor position in comparison to the encoder.

Communication settings

The controls communicate with the PC via its COM ports. Before communication is achieved, the correct COM port as well as the correct Baud rate must be set in NanoPro. If the control is operated in a RS485 network, the motor address must also be set.

Distance display