Programming IDC SmartDrives

The programming language for the IDC SmartDrives is "BASIC-like", meaning that it functions like BASIC programming.  However, the language and syntax is a simplified variation of BASIC.  Each drive has either 200 or 400 programs depending on the memory size option.  Each program can be run discretely or as a subroutine within another program.  The programs can be written using either the FP220 keypad or the Application Developer software.  The drive manuals and the software help file provide information about the programming commands.

The IDC SmartDrives include the following drive models:

Servo: B8961, B8962

Stepper: S6961, S6962, SmartStep

​The language consists of simple commands, most of which are either two letters or two letters followed by a numeric value.  For example, the command "DA" is for "Distance Absolute".  It has a value in user units, like DA5.29 specifies a target position of 5.29 user units.  The user units are set up in the drive configuration.  Another example is "GO", which executes the most recently defined motion profile.  For the 2-axis SmartDrives, the value of a command consists of the value of axis 1 and the value of axis 2 separated by a comma, like DA28.4,30 (axis 1 has a target position of 28.4 units and axis 2 has a target position of 30 units).  Both axis 1 and axis 2 will execute the move simultaneously.  If you want to command only one axis, then leave the other value blank, like DA28.4 (axis 1 only) or DA,30 (axis 2 only).

Some simple programs to command motion are as follows:

AC.02 DE.02 VE50 DA9 GO  (absolute move defined by acceleration, deceleration, velocity, and absolute target position)

AC0.02 DE5.1 VE51.3 DI9 GO  (incremental move defined by acceleration, deceleration, velocity, and an incremental distance)

IF3,1 AC1 DE1 VE4 DI150 GO EB  (If input 3 is ON, then define and execute the move)

AC1 DE1 VE4 IF3,0 DI150 GO EB IF3,1 DA0 GO EB  (If input 3 is OFF, then move 150 units.  If input 3 is ON, then move to zero position)