Visual Basic .NET - Silent Stepper Brick¶

Configuration¶

Download (ExampleConfiguration.vb)

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Imports System
Imports System.Threading
Imports Tinkerforge

Module ExampleConfiguration
    Const HOST As String = "localhost"
    Const PORT As Integer = 4223
    Const UID As String = "XXYYZZ" ' Change XXYYZZ to the UID of your Silent Stepper Brick

    Sub Main()
        Dim ipcon As New IPConnection() ' Create IP connection
        Dim ss As New BrickSilentStepper(UID, ipcon) ' Create device object

        ipcon.Connect(HOST, PORT) ' Connect to brickd
        ' Don't use device before ipcon is connected

        ss.SetMotorCurrent(800) ' 800 mA
        ss.SetStepConfiguration(BrickSilentStepper.STEP_RESOLUTION_8, _
                                True) ' 1/8 steps (interpolated)
        ss.SetMaxVelocity(2000) ' Velocity 2000 steps/s

        ' Slow acceleration (500 steps/s^2),
        ' Fast deacceleration (5000 steps/s^2)
        ss.SetSpeedRamping(500, 5000)

        ss.Enable() ' Enable motor power
        ss.SetSteps(60000) ' Drive 60000 steps forward

        Console.WriteLine("Press key to exit")
        Console.ReadLine()

        ' Stop motor before disabling motor power
        ss.Stop() ' Request motor stop
        ss.SetSpeedRamping(500, _
                           5000) ' Fast deacceleration (5000 steps/s^2) for stopping
        Thread.Sleep(400) ' Wait for motor to actually stop: max velocity (2000 steps/s) / decceleration (5000 steps/s^2) = 0.4 s
        ss.Disable() ' Disable motor power

        ipcon.Disconnect()
    End Sub
End Module

Callback¶

Download (ExampleCallback.vb)

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Imports System
Imports System.Threading
Imports Tinkerforge

Module ExampleCallback
    Const HOST As String = "localhost"
    Const PORT As Integer = 4223
    Const UID As String = "XXYYZZ" ' Change XXYYZZ to the UID of your Silent Stepper Brick

    Dim rand As Random = New Random()

    ' Use position reached callback to program random movement
    Sub PositionReachedCB(ByVal sender As BrickSilentStepper, ByVal position As Integer)
        Dim steps As Integer

        If rand.Next(0, 2) = 0 Then
            steps = rand.Next(1000, 5001) ' steps (forward)
            Console.WriteLine("Driving forward: " + steps.ToString() + " steps")
        Else
            steps = rand.Next(-5000, -999) ' steps (backward)
            Console.WriteLine("Driving backward: " + steps.ToString() + " steps")
        End If

        Dim vel As Integer = rand.Next(200, 2001) ' steps/s
        Dim acc As Integer = rand.Next(100, 1001) ' steps/s^2
        Dim dec As Integer = rand.Next(100, 1001) ' steps/s^2

        Console.WriteLine("Configuration (vel, acc, dec): (" + vel.ToString() + ", " + _
                          acc.ToString() + ", " + dec.ToString() + ")")

        sender.SetSpeedRamping(acc, dec)
        sender.SetMaxVelocity(vel)
        sender.SetSteps(steps)
    End Sub

    Sub Main()
        Dim ipcon As New IPConnection() ' Create IP connection
        Dim ss As New BrickSilentStepper(UID, ipcon) ' Create device object

        ipcon.Connect(HOST, PORT) ' Connect to brickd
        ' Don't use device before ipcon is connected

        ' Register position reached callback to subroutine PositionReachedCB
        AddHandler ss.PositionReachedCallback, AddressOf PositionReachedCB

        ss.SetStepConfiguration(BrickSilentStepper.STEP_RESOLUTION_8, _
                                True) ' 1/8 steps (interpolated)
        ss.Enable() ' Enable motor power
        ss.SetSteps(1) ' Drive one step forward to get things going

        Console.WriteLine("Press key to exit")
        Console.ReadLine()

        ' Stop motor before disabling motor power
        ss.Stop() ' Request motor stop
        ss.SetSpeedRamping(500, _
                           5000) ' Fast deacceleration (5000 steps/s^2) for stopping
        Thread.Sleep(400) ' Wait for motor to actually stop: max velocity (2000 steps/s) / decceleration (5000 steps/s^2) = 0.4 s
        ss.Disable() ' Disable motor power

        ipcon.Disconnect()
    End Sub
End Module

Basic Functions¶

Class BrickSilentStepper(ByVal uid As String, ByVal ipcon As IPConnection)¶

Creates an object with the unique device ID uid:

Dim silentStepper As New BrickSilentStepper("YOUR_DEVICE_UID", ipcon)

This object can then be used after the IP Connection is connected.

Sub BrickSilentStepper.SetMaxVelocity(ByVal velocity As Integer)¶

Parameters:	velocity – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s, Range: [0 to 216 - 1]

Sets the maximum velocity of the stepper motor. This function does not start the motor, it merely sets the maximum velocity the stepper motor is accelerated to. To get the motor running use either SetTargetPosition(), SetSteps(), DriveForward() or DriveBackward().

Function BrickSilentStepper.GetMaxVelocity() As Integer¶

Returns:	velocity – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s, Range: [0 to 216 - 1]

Returns the velocity as set by SetMaxVelocity().

Function BrickSilentStepper.GetCurrentVelocity() As Integer¶

Returns:	velocity – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s, Range: [0 to 216 - 1]

Returns the current velocity of the stepper motor.

Sub BrickSilentStepper.SetSpeedRamping(ByVal acceleration As Integer, ByVal deacceleration As Integer)¶

Parameters:	acceleration – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s², Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 1000 deacceleration – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s², Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 1000

Sets the acceleration and deacceleration of the stepper motor. An acceleration of 1000 means, that every second the velocity is increased by 1000 steps/s.

For example: If the current velocity is 0 and you want to accelerate to a velocity of 8000 steps/s in 10 seconds, you should set an acceleration of 800 steps/s².

An acceleration/deacceleration of 0 means instantaneous acceleration/deacceleration (not recommended)

Sub BrickSilentStepper.GetSpeedRamping(ByRef acceleration As Integer, ByRef deacceleration As Integer)¶

Output Parameters:	acceleration – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s², Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 1000 deacceleration – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s², Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 1000

Returns the acceleration and deacceleration as set by SetSpeedRamping().

Sub BrickSilentStepper.FullBrake()¶

Executes an active full brake.

Warning

This function is for emergency purposes, where an immediate brake is necessary. Depending on the current velocity and the strength of the motor, a full brake can be quite violent.

Call Stop() if you just want to stop the motor.

Sub BrickSilentStepper.SetSteps(ByVal steps As Integer)¶

Parameters:	steps – Type: Integer, Range: [-231 to 231 - 1]

Sets the number of steps the stepper motor should run. Positive values will drive the motor forward and negative values backward. The velocity, acceleration and deacceleration as set by SetMaxVelocity() and SetSpeedRamping() will be used.

Function BrickSilentStepper.GetSteps() As Integer¶

Returns:	steps – Type: Integer, Range: [-231 to 231 - 1]

Returns the last steps as set by SetSteps().

Function BrickSilentStepper.GetRemainingSteps() As Integer¶

Returns:	steps – Type: Integer, Range: [-231 to 231 - 1]

Returns the remaining steps of the last call of SetSteps(). For example, if SetSteps() is called with 2000 and GetRemainingSteps() is called after the motor has run for 500 steps, it will return 1500.

Sub BrickSilentStepper.DriveForward()¶

Drives the stepper motor forward until DriveBackward() or Stop() is called. The velocity, acceleration and deacceleration as set by SetMaxVelocity() and SetSpeedRamping() will be used.

Sub BrickSilentStepper.DriveBackward()¶

Drives the stepper motor backward until DriveForward() or Stop() is triggered. The velocity, acceleration and deacceleration as set by SetMaxVelocity() and SetSpeedRamping() will be used.

Sub BrickSilentStepper.Stop()¶

Stops the stepper motor with the deacceleration as set by SetSpeedRamping().

Sub BrickSilentStepper.SetMotorCurrent(ByVal current As Integer)¶

Parameters:	current – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mA, Range: [360 to 1640], Default: 800

Sets the current with which the motor will be driven.

Warning

Do not set this value above the specifications of your stepper motor. Otherwise it may damage your motor.

Function BrickSilentStepper.GetMotorCurrent() As Integer¶

Returns:	current – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mA, Range: [360 to 1640], Default: 800

Returns the current as set by SetMotorCurrent().

Sub BrickSilentStepper.Enable()¶

Enables the driver chip. The driver parameters can be configured (maximum velocity, acceleration, etc) before it is enabled.

Sub BrickSilentStepper.Disable()¶

Disables the driver chip. The configurations are kept (maximum velocity, acceleration, etc) but the motor is not driven until it is enabled again.

Warning

Disabling the driver chip while the motor is still turning can damage the driver chip. The motor should be stopped calling Stop() function before disabling the motor power. The Stop() function will not wait until the motor is actually stopped. You have to explicitly wait for the appropriate time after calling the Stop() function before calling the Disable() function.

Function BrickSilentStepper.IsEnabled() As Boolean¶

Returns:	enabled – Type: Boolean, Default: false

Returns true if the driver chip is enabled, false otherwise.

Sub BrickSilentStepper.SetBasicConfiguration(ByVal standstillCurrent As Integer, ByVal motorRunCurrent As Integer, ByVal standstillDelayTime As Integer, ByVal powerDownTime As Integer, ByVal stealthThreshold As Integer, ByVal coolstepThreshold As Integer, ByVal classicThreshold As Integer, ByVal highVelocityChopperMode As Boolean)¶

Parameters:

standstillCurrent – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mA, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 200 motorRunCurrent – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mA, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 800 standstillDelayTime – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 ms, Range: [0 to 307], Default: 0 powerDownTime – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 ms, Range: [0 to 5222], Default: 1000 stealthThreshold – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 500 coolstepThreshold – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 500 classicThreshold – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 1000 highVelocityChopperMode – Type: Boolean, Default: false

Sets the basic configuration parameters for the different modes (Stealth, Coolstep, Classic).

• Standstill Current: This value can be used to lower the current during stand still. This might be reasonable to reduce the heating of the motor and the Brick. When the motor is in standstill the configured motor phase current will be driven until the configured Power Down Time is elapsed. After that the phase current will be reduced to the standstill current. The elapsed time for this reduction can be configured with the Standstill Delay Time. The maximum allowed value is the configured maximum motor current (see SetMotorCurrent()).
• Motor Run Current: The value sets the motor current when the motor is running. Use a value of at least one half of the global maximum motor current for a good microstep performance. The maximum allowed value is the current motor current. The API maps the entered value to 1/32 ... 32/32 of the maximum motor current. This value should be used to change the motor current during motor movement, whereas the global maximum motor current should not be changed while the motor is moving (see SetMotorCurrent()).
• Standstill Delay Time: Controls the duration for motor power down after a motion as soon as standstill is detected and the Power Down Time is expired. A high Standstill Delay Time results in a smooth transition that avoids motor jerk during power down.
• Power Down Time: Sets the delay time after a stand still.
• Stealth Threshold: Sets the upper threshold for Stealth mode. If the velocity of the motor goes above this value, Stealth mode is turned off. Otherwise it is turned on. In Stealth mode the torque declines with high speed.
• Coolstep Threshold: Sets the lower threshold for Coolstep mode. The Coolstep Threshold needs to be above the Stealth Threshold.
• Classic Threshold: Sets the lower threshold for classic mode. In classic mode the stepper becomes more noisy, but the torque is maximized.
• High Velocity Chopper Mode: If High Velocity Chopper Mode is enabled, the stepper control is optimized to run the stepper motors at high velocities.

If you want to use all three thresholds make sure that Stealth Threshold < Coolstep Threshold < Classic Threshold.

Sub BrickSilentStepper.GetBasicConfiguration(ByRef standstillCurrent As Integer, ByRef motorRunCurrent As Integer, ByRef standstillDelayTime As Integer, ByRef powerDownTime As Integer, ByRef stealthThreshold As Integer, ByRef coolstepThreshold As Integer, ByRef classicThreshold As Integer, ByRef highVelocityChopperMode As Boolean)¶

Output Parameters:

standstillCurrent – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mA, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 200 motorRunCurrent – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mA, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 800 standstillDelayTime – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 ms, Range: [0 to 307], Default: 0 powerDownTime – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 ms, Range: [0 to 5222], Default: 1000 stealthThreshold – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 500 coolstepThreshold – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 500 classicThreshold – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 1000 highVelocityChopperMode – Type: Boolean, Default: false

Returns the configuration as set by SetBasicConfiguration().

Advanced Functions¶

Sub BrickSilentStepper.SetCurrentPosition(ByVal position As Integer)¶

Parameters:	position – Type: Integer, Range: [-231 to 231 - 1]

Sets the current steps of the internal step counter. This can be used to set the current position to 0 when some kind of starting position is reached (e.g. when a CNC machine reaches a corner).

Function BrickSilentStepper.GetCurrentPosition() As Integer¶

Returns:	position – Type: Integer, Range: [-231 to 231 - 1]

Returns the current position of the stepper motor in steps. On startup the position is 0. The steps are counted with all possible driving functions (SetTargetPosition(), SetSteps(), DriveForward() or DriveBackward()). It also is possible to reset the steps to 0 or set them to any other desired value with SetCurrentPosition().

Sub BrickSilentStepper.SetTargetPosition(ByVal position As Integer)¶

Parameters:	position – Type: Integer, Range: [-231 to 231 - 1]

Sets the target position of the stepper motor in steps. For example, if the current position of the motor is 500 and SetTargetPosition() is called with 1000, the stepper motor will drive 500 steps forward. It will use the velocity, acceleration and deacceleration as set by SetMaxVelocity() and SetSpeedRamping().

A call of SetTargetPosition() with the parameter x is equivalent to a call of SetSteps() with the parameter (x - GetCurrentPosition()).

Function BrickSilentStepper.GetTargetPosition() As Integer¶

Returns:	position – Type: Integer, Range: [-231 to 231 - 1]

Returns the last target position as set by SetTargetPosition().

Sub BrickSilentStepper.SetStepConfiguration(ByVal stepResolution As Byte, ByVal interpolation As Boolean)¶

Parameters:	stepResolution – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0 interpolation – Type: Boolean, Default: true

Sets the step resolution from full-step up to 1/256-step.

If interpolation is turned on, the Silent Stepper Brick will always interpolate your step inputs as 1/256-step. If you use full-step mode with interpolation, each step will generate 256 1/256 steps.

For maximum torque use full-step without interpolation. For maximum resolution use 1/256-step. Turn interpolation on to make the Stepper driving less noisy.

If you often change the speed with high acceleration you should turn the interpolation off.

The following constants are available for this function:

For stepResolution:

• BrickSilentStepper.STEP_RESOLUTION_1 = 8
• BrickSilentStepper.STEP_RESOLUTION_2 = 7
• BrickSilentStepper.STEP_RESOLUTION_4 = 6
• BrickSilentStepper.STEP_RESOLUTION_8 = 5
• BrickSilentStepper.STEP_RESOLUTION_16 = 4
• BrickSilentStepper.STEP_RESOLUTION_32 = 3
• BrickSilentStepper.STEP_RESOLUTION_64 = 2
• BrickSilentStepper.STEP_RESOLUTION_128 = 1
• BrickSilentStepper.STEP_RESOLUTION_256 = 0

Sub BrickSilentStepper.GetStepConfiguration(ByRef stepResolution As Byte, ByRef interpolation As Boolean)¶

Output Parameters:	stepResolution – Type: Byte, Range: See constants interpolation – Type: Boolean, Default: true

Returns the step mode as set by SetStepConfiguration().

The following constants are available for this function:

For stepResolution:

• BrickSilentStepper.STEP_RESOLUTION_1 = 8
• BrickSilentStepper.STEP_RESOLUTION_2 = 7
• BrickSilentStepper.STEP_RESOLUTION_4 = 6
• BrickSilentStepper.STEP_RESOLUTION_8 = 5
• BrickSilentStepper.STEP_RESOLUTION_16 = 4
• BrickSilentStepper.STEP_RESOLUTION_32 = 3
• BrickSilentStepper.STEP_RESOLUTION_64 = 2
• BrickSilentStepper.STEP_RESOLUTION_128 = 1
• BrickSilentStepper.STEP_RESOLUTION_256 = 0

Function BrickSilentStepper.GetStackInputVoltage() As Integer¶

Returns:	voltage – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mV, Range: [0 to 216 - 1]

Returns the stack input voltage. The stack input voltage is the voltage that is supplied via the stack, i.e. it is given by a Step-Down or Step-Up Power Supply.

Function BrickSilentStepper.GetExternalInputVoltage() As Integer¶

Returns:	voltage – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mV, Range: [0 to 216 - 1]

Returns the external input voltage. The external input voltage is given via the black power input connector on the Silent Stepper Brick.

If there is an external input voltage and a stack input voltage, the motor will be driven by the external input voltage. If there is only a stack voltage present, the motor will be driven by this voltage.

Warning

This means, if you have a high stack voltage and a low external voltage, the motor will be driven with the low external voltage. If you then remove the external connection, it will immediately be driven by the high stack voltage

Sub BrickSilentStepper.SetSpreadcycleConfiguration(ByVal slowDecayDuration As Byte, ByVal enableRandomSlowDecay As Boolean, ByVal fastDecayDuration As Byte, ByVal hysteresisStartValue As Byte, ByVal hysteresisEndValue As Short, ByVal sineWaveOffset As Short, ByVal chopperMode As Byte, ByVal comparatorBlankTime As Byte, ByVal fastDecayWithoutComparator As Boolean)¶

Parameters:

slowDecayDuration – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 15], Default: 4 enableRandomSlowDecay – Type: Boolean, Default: false fastDecayDuration – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 15], Default: 0 hysteresisStartValue – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 7], Default: 0 hysteresisEndValue – Type: Short, Range: [-3 to 12], Default: 0 sineWaveOffset – Type: Short, Range: [-3 to 12], Default: 0 chopperMode – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0 comparatorBlankTime – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 3], Default: 1 fastDecayWithoutComparator – Type: Boolean, Default: false

Note: If you don't know what any of this means you can very likely keep all of the values as default!

Sets the Spreadcycle configuration parameters. Spreadcycle is a chopper algorithm which actively controls the motor current flow. More information can be found in the TMC2130 datasheet on page 47 (7 spreadCycle and Classic Chopper).

• Slow Decay Duration: Controls duration of off time setting of slow decay phase. 0 = driver disabled, all bridges off. Use 1 only with Comparator Blank time >= 2.

• Enable Random Slow Decay: Set to false to fix chopper off time as set by Slow Decay Duration. If you set it to true, Decay Duration is randomly modulated.

• Fast Decay Duration: Sets the fast decay duration. This parameters is only used if the Chopper Mode is set to Fast Decay.

• Hysteresis Start Value: Sets the hysteresis start value. This parameter is only used if the Chopper Mode is set to Spread Cycle.

• Hysteresis End Value: Sets the hysteresis end value. This parameter is only used if the Chopper Mode is set to Spread Cycle.

• Sine Wave Offset: Sets the sine wave offset. This parameters is only used if the Chopper Mode is set to Fast Decay. 1/512 of the value becomes added to the absolute value of the sine wave.

• Chopper Mode: 0 = Spread Cycle, 1 = Fast Decay.

• Comparator Blank Time: Sets the blank time of the comparator. Available values are

  • 0 = 16 clocks,
  • 1 = 24 clocks,
  • 2 = 36 clocks and
  • 3 = 54 clocks.

  A value of 1 or 2 is recommended for most applications.

• Fast Decay Without Comparator: If set to true the current comparator usage for termination of the fast decay cycle is disabled.

The following constants are available for this function:

For chopperMode:

• BrickSilentStepper.CHOPPER_MODE_SPREAD_CYCLE = 0
• BrickSilentStepper.CHOPPER_MODE_FAST_DECAY = 1

Sub BrickSilentStepper.GetSpreadcycleConfiguration(ByRef slowDecayDuration As Byte, ByRef enableRandomSlowDecay As Boolean, ByRef fastDecayDuration As Byte, ByRef hysteresisStartValue As Byte, ByRef hysteresisEndValue As Short, ByRef sineWaveOffset As Short, ByRef chopperMode As Byte, ByRef comparatorBlankTime As Byte, ByRef fastDecayWithoutComparator As Boolean)¶

Output Parameters:

slowDecayDuration – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 15], Default: 4 enableRandomSlowDecay – Type: Boolean, Default: false fastDecayDuration – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 15], Default: 0 hysteresisStartValue – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 7], Default: 0 hysteresisEndValue – Type: Short, Range: [-3 to 12], Default: 0 sineWaveOffset – Type: Short, Range: [-3 to 12], Default: 0 chopperMode – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0 comparatorBlankTime – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 3], Default: 1 fastDecayWithoutComparator – Type: Boolean, Default: false

Returns the configuration as set by SetBasicConfiguration().

The following constants are available for this function:

For chopperMode:

• BrickSilentStepper.CHOPPER_MODE_SPREAD_CYCLE = 0
• BrickSilentStepper.CHOPPER_MODE_FAST_DECAY = 1

Sub BrickSilentStepper.SetStealthConfiguration(ByVal enableStealth As Boolean, ByVal amplitude As Byte, ByVal gradient As Byte, ByVal enableAutoscale As Boolean, ByVal forceSymmetric As Boolean, ByVal freewheelMode As Byte)¶

Parameters:	enableStealth – Type: Boolean, Default: true amplitude – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255], Default: 128 gradient – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255], Default: 4 enableAutoscale – Type: Boolean, Default: true forceSymmetric – Type: Boolean, Default: false freewheelMode – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0

Note: If you don't know what any of this means you can very likely keep all of the values as default!

Sets the configuration relevant for Stealth mode.

• Enable Stealth: If set to true the stealth mode is enabled, if set to false the stealth mode is disabled, even if the speed is below the threshold set in SetBasicConfiguration().
• Amplitude: If autoscale is disabled, the PWM amplitude is scaled by this value. If autoscale is enabled, this value defines the maximum PWM amplitude change per half wave.
• Gradient: If autoscale is disabled, the PWM gradient is scaled by this value. If autoscale is enabled, this value defines the maximum PWM gradient. With autoscale a value above 64 is recommended, otherwise the regulation might not be able to measure the current.
• Enable Autoscale: If set to true, automatic current control is used. Otherwise the user defined amplitude and gradient are used.
• Force Symmetric: If true, A symmetric PWM cycle is enforced. Otherwise the PWM value may change within each PWM cycle.
• Freewheel Mode: The freewheel mode defines the behavior in stand still if the Standstill Current (see SetBasicConfiguration()) is set to 0.

The following constants are available for this function:

For freewheelMode:

• BrickSilentStepper.FREEWHEEL_MODE_NORMAL = 0
• BrickSilentStepper.FREEWHEEL_MODE_FREEWHEELING = 1
• BrickSilentStepper.FREEWHEEL_MODE_COIL_SHORT_LS = 2
• BrickSilentStepper.FREEWHEEL_MODE_COIL_SHORT_HS = 3

Sub BrickSilentStepper.GetStealthConfiguration(ByRef enableStealth As Boolean, ByRef amplitude As Byte, ByRef gradient As Byte, ByRef enableAutoscale As Boolean, ByRef forceSymmetric As Boolean, ByRef freewheelMode As Byte)¶

Output Parameters:	enableStealth – Type: Boolean, Default: true amplitude – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255], Default: 128 gradient – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255], Default: 4 enableAutoscale – Type: Boolean, Default: true forceSymmetric – Type: Boolean, Default: false freewheelMode – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0

Returns the configuration as set by SetStealthConfiguration().

The following constants are available for this function:

For freewheelMode:

• BrickSilentStepper.FREEWHEEL_MODE_NORMAL = 0
• BrickSilentStepper.FREEWHEEL_MODE_FREEWHEELING = 1
• BrickSilentStepper.FREEWHEEL_MODE_COIL_SHORT_LS = 2
• BrickSilentStepper.FREEWHEEL_MODE_COIL_SHORT_HS = 3

Sub BrickSilentStepper.SetCoolstepConfiguration(ByVal minimumStallguardValue As Byte, ByVal maximumStallguardValue As Byte, ByVal currentUpStepWidth As Byte, ByVal currentDownStepWidth As Byte, ByVal minimumCurrent As Byte, ByVal stallguardThresholdValue As Short, ByVal stallguardMode As Byte)¶

Parameters:

minimumStallguardValue – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 15], Default: 2 maximumStallguardValue – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 15], Default: 10 currentUpStepWidth – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0 currentDownStepWidth – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0 minimumCurrent – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0 stallguardThresholdValue – Type: Short, Range: [-64 to 63], Default: 0 stallguardMode – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0

Note: If you don't know what any of this means you can very likely keep all of the values as default!

Sets the configuration relevant for Coolstep.

• Minimum Stallguard Value: If the Stallguard result falls below this value*32, the motor current is increased to reduce motor load angle. A value of 0 turns Coolstep off.
• Maximum Stallguard Value: If the Stallguard result goes above (Min Stallguard Value + Max Stallguard Value + 1) * 32, the motor current is decreased to save energy.
• Current Up Step Width: Sets the up step increment per Stallguard value. The value range is 0-3, corresponding to the increments 1, 2, 4 and 8.
• Current Down Step Width: Sets the down step decrement per Stallguard value. The value range is 0-3, corresponding to the decrements 1, 2, 8 and 16.
• Minimum Current: Sets the minimum current for Coolstep current control. You can choose between half and quarter of the run current.
• Stallguard Threshold Value: Sets the level for stall output (see GetDriverStatus()). A lower value gives a higher sensitivity. You have to find a suitable value for your motor by trial and error, 0 works for most motors.
• Stallguard Mode: Set to 0 for standard resolution or 1 for filtered mode. In filtered mode the Stallguard signal will be updated every four full-steps.

The following constants are available for this function:

For currentUpStepWidth:

• BrickSilentStepper.CURRENT_UP_STEP_INCREMENT_1 = 0
• BrickSilentStepper.CURRENT_UP_STEP_INCREMENT_2 = 1
• BrickSilentStepper.CURRENT_UP_STEP_INCREMENT_4 = 2
• BrickSilentStepper.CURRENT_UP_STEP_INCREMENT_8 = 3

For currentDownStepWidth:

• BrickSilentStepper.CURRENT_DOWN_STEP_DECREMENT_1 = 0
• BrickSilentStepper.CURRENT_DOWN_STEP_DECREMENT_2 = 1
• BrickSilentStepper.CURRENT_DOWN_STEP_DECREMENT_8 = 2
• BrickSilentStepper.CURRENT_DOWN_STEP_DECREMENT_32 = 3

For minimumCurrent:

• BrickSilentStepper.MINIMUM_CURRENT_HALF = 0
• BrickSilentStepper.MINIMUM_CURRENT_QUARTER = 1

For stallguardMode:

• BrickSilentStepper.STALLGUARD_MODE_STANDARD = 0
• BrickSilentStepper.STALLGUARD_MODE_FILTERED = 1

Sub BrickSilentStepper.GetCoolstepConfiguration(ByRef minimumStallguardValue As Byte, ByRef maximumStallguardValue As Byte, ByRef currentUpStepWidth As Byte, ByRef currentDownStepWidth As Byte, ByRef minimumCurrent As Byte, ByRef stallguardThresholdValue As Short, ByRef stallguardMode As Byte)¶

Output Parameters:

minimumStallguardValue – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 15], Default: 2 maximumStallguardValue – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 15], Default: 10 currentUpStepWidth – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0 currentDownStepWidth – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0 minimumCurrent – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0 stallguardThresholdValue – Type: Short, Range: [-64 to 63], Default: 0 stallguardMode – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0

Returns the configuration as set by SetCoolstepConfiguration().

The following constants are available for this function:

For currentUpStepWidth:

• BrickSilentStepper.CURRENT_UP_STEP_INCREMENT_1 = 0
• BrickSilentStepper.CURRENT_UP_STEP_INCREMENT_2 = 1
• BrickSilentStepper.CURRENT_UP_STEP_INCREMENT_4 = 2
• BrickSilentStepper.CURRENT_UP_STEP_INCREMENT_8 = 3

For currentDownStepWidth:

• BrickSilentStepper.CURRENT_DOWN_STEP_DECREMENT_1 = 0
• BrickSilentStepper.CURRENT_DOWN_STEP_DECREMENT_2 = 1
• BrickSilentStepper.CURRENT_DOWN_STEP_DECREMENT_8 = 2
• BrickSilentStepper.CURRENT_DOWN_STEP_DECREMENT_32 = 3

For minimumCurrent:

• BrickSilentStepper.MINIMUM_CURRENT_HALF = 0
• BrickSilentStepper.MINIMUM_CURRENT_QUARTER = 1

For stallguardMode:

• BrickSilentStepper.STALLGUARD_MODE_STANDARD = 0
• BrickSilentStepper.STALLGUARD_MODE_FILTERED = 1

Sub BrickSilentStepper.SetMiscConfiguration(ByVal disableShortToGroundProtection As Boolean, ByVal synchronizePhaseFrequency As Byte)¶

Parameters:	disableShortToGroundProtection – Type: Boolean, Default: false synchronizePhaseFrequency – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 15], Default: 0

Note: If you don't know what any of this means you can very likely keep all of the values as default!

Sets miscellaneous configuration parameters.

• Disable Short To Ground Protection: Set to false to enable short to ground protection, otherwise it is disabled.
• Synchronize Phase Frequency: With this parameter you can synchronize the chopper for both phases of a two phase motor to avoid the occurrence of a beat. The value range is 0-15. If set to 0, the synchronization is turned off. Otherwise the synchronization is done through the formula f_sync = f_clk/(value*64). In Classic Mode the synchronization is automatically switched off. f_clk is 12.8MHz.

Sub BrickSilentStepper.GetMiscConfiguration(ByRef disableShortToGroundProtection As Boolean, ByRef synchronizePhaseFrequency As Byte)¶

Output Parameters:	disableShortToGroundProtection – Type: Boolean, Default: false synchronizePhaseFrequency – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 15], Default: 0

Returns the configuration as set by SetMiscConfiguration().

Sub BrickSilentStepper.GetDriverStatus(ByRef openLoad As Byte, ByRef shortToGround As Byte, ByRef overTemperature As Byte, ByRef motorStalled As Boolean, ByRef actualMotorCurrent As Byte, ByRef fullStepActive As Boolean, ByRef stallguardResult As Byte, ByRef stealthVoltageAmplitude As Byte)¶

Output Parameters:	openLoad – Type: Byte, Range: See constants shortToGround – Type: Byte, Range: See constants overTemperature – Type: Byte, Range: See constants motorStalled – Type: Boolean actualMotorCurrent – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 31] fullStepActive – Type: Boolean stallguardResult – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255] stealthVoltageAmplitude – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255]

Returns the current driver status.

• Open Load: Indicates if an open load is present on phase A, B or both. This could mean that there is a problem with the wiring of the motor. False detection can occur in fast motion as well as during stand still.
• Short To Ground: Indicates if a short to ground is present on phase A, B or both. If this is detected the driver automatically becomes disabled and stays disabled until it is enabled again manually.
• Over Temperature: The over temperature indicator switches to "Warning" if the driver IC warms up. The warning flag is expected during long duration stepper uses. If the temperature limit is reached the indicator switches to "Limit". In this case the driver becomes disabled until it cools down again.
• Motor Stalled: Is true if a motor stall was detected.
• Actual Motor Current: Indicates the actual current control scaling as used in Coolstep mode. It represents a multiplier of 1/32 to 32/32 of the Motor Run Current as set by SetBasicConfiguration(). Example: If a Motor Run Current of 1000mA was set and the returned value is 15, the Actual Motor Current is 16/32*1000mA = 500mA.
• Stallguard Result: Indicates the load of the motor. A lower value signals a higher load. Per trial and error you can find out which value corresponds to a suitable torque for the velocity used in your application. After that you can use this threshold value to find out if a motor stall becomes probable and react on it (e.g. decrease velocity). During stand still this value can not be used for stall detection, it shows the chopper on-time for motor coil A.
• Stealth Voltage Amplitude: Shows the actual PWM scaling. In Stealth mode it can be used to detect motor load and stall if autoscale is enabled (see SetStealthConfiguration()).

The following constants are available for this function:

For openLoad:

• BrickSilentStepper.OPEN_LOAD_NONE = 0
• BrickSilentStepper.OPEN_LOAD_PHASE_A = 1
• BrickSilentStepper.OPEN_LOAD_PHASE_B = 2
• BrickSilentStepper.OPEN_LOAD_PHASE_AB = 3

For shortToGround:

• BrickSilentStepper.SHORT_TO_GROUND_NONE = 0
• BrickSilentStepper.SHORT_TO_GROUND_PHASE_A = 1
• BrickSilentStepper.SHORT_TO_GROUND_PHASE_B = 2
• BrickSilentStepper.SHORT_TO_GROUND_PHASE_AB = 3

For overTemperature:

• BrickSilentStepper.OVER_TEMPERATURE_NONE = 0
• BrickSilentStepper.OVER_TEMPERATURE_WARNING = 1
• BrickSilentStepper.OVER_TEMPERATURE_LIMIT = 2

Sub BrickSilentStepper.SetTimeBase(ByVal timeBase As Long)¶

Parameters:	timeBase – Type: Long, Unit: 1 s, Range: [0 to 232 - 1], Default: 1

Sets the time base of the velocity and the acceleration of the Silent Stepper Brick.

For example, if you want to make one step every 1.5 seconds, you can set the time base to 15 and the velocity to 10. Now the velocity is 10steps/15s = 1steps/1.5s.

Function BrickSilentStepper.GetTimeBase() As Long¶

Returns:	timeBase – Type: Long, Unit: 1 s, Range: [0 to 232 - 1], Default: 1

Returns the time base as set by SetTimeBase().

Sub BrickSilentStepper.GetAllData(ByRef currentVelocity As Integer, ByRef currentPosition As Integer, ByRef remainingSteps As Integer, ByRef stackVoltage As Integer, ByRef externalVoltage As Integer, ByRef currentConsumption As Integer)¶

Output Parameters:	currentVelocity – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s, Range: [0 to 216 - 1] currentPosition – Type: Integer, Range: [-231 to 231 - 1] remainingSteps – Type: Integer, Range: [-231 to 231 - 1] stackVoltage – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mV, Range: [0 to 216 - 1] externalVoltage – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mV, Range: [0 to 216 - 1] currentConsumption – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mA, Range: [0 to 216 - 1]

Returns the following parameters: The current velocity, the current position, the remaining steps, the stack voltage, the external voltage and the current consumption of the stepper motor.

The current consumption is calculated by multiplying the Actual Motor Current value (see SetBasicConfiguration()) with the Motor Run Current (see GetDriverStatus()). This is an internal calculation of the driver, not an independent external measurement.

The current consumption calculation was broken up to firmware 2.0.1, it is fixed since firmware 2.0.2.

There is also a callback for this function, see AllDataCallback callback.

Sub BrickSilentStepper.SetSPITFPBaudrateConfig(ByVal enableDynamicBaudrate As Boolean, ByVal minimumDynamicBaudrate As Long)¶

Parameters:	enableDynamicBaudrate – Type: Boolean, Default: true minimumDynamicBaudrate – Type: Long, Unit: 1 Bd, Range: [400000 to 2000000], Default: 400000

The SPITF protocol can be used with a dynamic baudrate. If the dynamic baudrate is enabled, the Brick will try to adapt the baudrate for the communication between Bricks and Bricklets according to the amount of data that is transferred.

The baudrate will be increased exponentially if lots of data is sent/received and decreased linearly if little data is sent/received.

This lowers the baudrate in applications where little data is transferred (e.g. a weather station) and increases the robustness. If there is lots of data to transfer (e.g. Thermal Imaging Bricklet) it automatically increases the baudrate as needed.

In cases where some data has to transferred as fast as possible every few seconds (e.g. RS485 Bricklet with a high baudrate but small payload) you may want to turn the dynamic baudrate off to get the highest possible performance.

The maximum value of the baudrate can be set per port with the function SetSPITFPBaudrate(). If the dynamic baudrate is disabled, the baudrate as set by SetSPITFPBaudrate() will be used statically.

New in version 2.0.4 (Firmware).

Sub BrickSilentStepper.GetSPITFPBaudrateConfig(ByRef enableDynamicBaudrate As Boolean, ByRef minimumDynamicBaudrate As Long)¶

Output Parameters:	enableDynamicBaudrate – Type: Boolean, Default: true minimumDynamicBaudrate – Type: Long, Unit: 1 Bd, Range: [400000 to 2000000], Default: 400000

Returns the baudrate config, see SetSPITFPBaudrateConfig().

New in version 2.0.4 (Firmware).

Function BrickSilentStepper.GetSendTimeoutCount(ByVal communicationMethod As Byte) As Long¶

Parameters:	communicationMethod – Type: Byte, Range: See constants
Returns:	timeoutCount – Type: Long, Range: [0 to 232 - 1]

Returns the timeout count for the different communication methods.

The methods 0-2 are available for all Bricks, 3-7 only for Master Bricks.

This function is mostly used for debugging during development, in normal operation the counters should nearly always stay at 0.

The following constants are available for this function:

For communicationMethod:

• BrickSilentStepper.COMMUNICATION_METHOD_NONE = 0
• BrickSilentStepper.COMMUNICATION_METHOD_USB = 1
• BrickSilentStepper.COMMUNICATION_METHOD_SPI_STACK = 2
• BrickSilentStepper.COMMUNICATION_METHOD_CHIBI = 3
• BrickSilentStepper.COMMUNICATION_METHOD_RS485 = 4
• BrickSilentStepper.COMMUNICATION_METHOD_WIFI = 5
• BrickSilentStepper.COMMUNICATION_METHOD_ETHERNET = 6
• BrickSilentStepper.COMMUNICATION_METHOD_WIFI_V2 = 7

Sub BrickSilentStepper.SetSPITFPBaudrate(ByVal brickletPort As Char, ByVal baudrate As Long)¶

Parameters:	brickletPort – Type: Char, Range: ["a"C to "b"C] baudrate – Type: Long, Unit: 1 Bd, Range: [400000 to 2000000], Default: 1400000

Sets the baudrate for a specific Bricklet port.

If you want to increase the throughput of Bricklets you can increase the baudrate. If you get a high error count because of high interference (see GetSPITFPErrorCount()) you can decrease the baudrate.

If the dynamic baudrate feature is enabled, the baudrate set by this function corresponds to the maximum baudrate (see SetSPITFPBaudrateConfig()).

Regulatory testing is done with the default baudrate. If CE compatibility or similar is necessary in your applications we recommend to not change the baudrate.

Function BrickSilentStepper.GetSPITFPBaudrate(ByVal brickletPort As Char) As Long¶

Parameters:	brickletPort – Type: Char, Range: ["a"C to "b"C]
Returns:	baudrate – Type: Long, Unit: 1 Bd, Range: [400000 to 2000000], Default: 1400000

Returns the baudrate for a given Bricklet port, see SetSPITFPBaudrate().

Sub BrickSilentStepper.GetSPITFPErrorCount(ByVal brickletPort As Char, ByRef errorCountACKChecksum As Long, ByRef errorCountMessageChecksum As Long, ByRef errorCountFrame As Long, ByRef errorCountOverflow As Long)¶

Parameters:	brickletPort – Type: Char, Range: ["a"C to "b"C]
Output Parameters:	errorCountACKChecksum – Type: Long, Range: [0 to 232 - 1] errorCountMessageChecksum – Type: Long, Range: [0 to 232 - 1] errorCountFrame – Type: Long, Range: [0 to 232 - 1] errorCountOverflow – Type: Long, Range: [0 to 232 - 1]

Returns the error count for the communication between Brick and Bricklet.

The errors are divided into

• ACK checksum errors,
• message checksum errors,
• framing errors and
• overflow errors.

The errors counts are for errors that occur on the Brick side. All Bricklets have a similar function that returns the errors on the Bricklet side.

Sub BrickSilentStepper.EnableStatusLED()¶

Enables the status LED.

The status LED is the blue LED next to the USB connector. If enabled is is on and it flickers if data is transfered. If disabled it is always off.

The default state is enabled.

Sub BrickSilentStepper.DisableStatusLED()¶

Disables the status LED.

The status LED is the blue LED next to the USB connector. If enabled is is on and it flickers if data is transfered. If disabled it is always off.

The default state is enabled.

Function BrickSilentStepper.IsStatusLEDEnabled() As Boolean¶

Returns:	enabled – Type: Boolean, Default: true

Returns true if the status LED is enabled, false otherwise.

Function BrickSilentStepper.GetChipTemperature() As Short¶

Returns:	temperature – Type: Short, Unit: 1/10 °C, Range: [-215 to 215 - 1]

Returns the temperature as measured inside the microcontroller. The value returned is not the ambient temperature!

The temperature is only proportional to the real temperature and it has an accuracy of ±15%. Practically it is only useful as an indicator for temperature changes.

Sub BrickSilentStepper.Reset()¶

Calling this function will reset the Brick. Calling this function on a Brick inside of a stack will reset the whole stack.

After a reset you have to create new device objects, calling functions on the existing ones will result in undefined behavior!

Sub BrickSilentStepper.GetIdentity(ByRef uid As String, ByRef connectedUid As String, ByRef position As Char, ByRef hardwareVersion() As Byte, ByRef firmwareVersion() As Byte, ByRef deviceIdentifier As Integer)¶

Output Parameters:

uid – Type: String, Length: up to 8 connectedUid – Type: String, Length: up to 8 position – Type: Char, Range: ["0"C to "8"C] hardwareVersion – Type: Byte Array, Length: 3 0: major – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255] 1: minor – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255] 2: revision – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255] firmwareVersion – Type: Byte Array, Length: 3 0: major – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255] 1: minor – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255] 2: revision – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255] deviceIdentifier – Type: Integer, Range: [0 to 216 - 1]

Returns the UID, the UID where the Brick is connected to, the position, the hardware and firmware version as well as the device identifier.

The position is the position in the stack from '0' (bottom) to '8' (top).

The device identifier numbers can be found here. There is also a constant for the device identifier of this Brick.

Callback Configuration Functions¶

Sub BrickSilentStepper.SetMinimumVoltage(ByVal voltage As Integer)¶

Parameters:	voltage – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mV, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 8000

Sets the minimum voltage, below which the UnderVoltageCallback callback is triggered. The minimum possible value that works with the Silent Stepper Brick is 8V. You can use this function to detect the discharge of a battery that is used to drive the stepper motor. If you have a fixed power supply, you likely do not need this functionality.

Function BrickSilentStepper.GetMinimumVoltage() As Integer¶

Returns:	voltage – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mV, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 8000

Returns the minimum voltage as set by SetMinimumVoltage().

Sub BrickSilentStepper.SetAllDataPeriod(ByVal period As Long)¶

Parameters:	period – Type: Long, Unit: 1 ms, Range: [0 to 232 - 1], Default: 0

Sets the period with which the AllDataCallback callback is triggered periodically. A value of 0 turns the callback off.

Function BrickSilentStepper.GetAllDataPeriod() As Long¶

Returns:	period – Type: Long, Unit: 1 ms, Range: [0 to 232 - 1], Default: 0

Returns the period as set by SetAllDataPeriod().

Callbacks¶

Callbacks can be registered to receive time critical or recurring data from the device. The registration is done by assigning a procedure to an callback property of the device object:

Sub MyCallback(ByVal sender As BrickSilentStepper, ByVal value As Short)
    Console.WriteLine("Value: {0}", value)
End Sub

AddHandler silentStepper.ExampleCallback, AddressOf MyCallback

The available callback property and their type of parameters are described below.

Event BrickSilentStepper.UnderVoltageCallback(ByVal sender As BrickSilentStepper, ByVal voltage As Integer)¶

Callback Parameters:	sender – Type: BrickSilentStepper voltage – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mV, Range: [0 to 216 - 1]

This callback is triggered when the input voltage drops below the value set by SetMinimumVoltage(). The parameter is the current voltage.

Event BrickSilentStepper.PositionReachedCallback(ByVal sender As BrickSilentStepper, ByVal position As Integer)¶

Callback Parameters:	sender – Type: BrickSilentStepper position – Type: Integer, Range: [-231 to 231 - 1]

This callback is triggered when a position set by SetSteps() or SetTargetPosition() is reached.

Note

Since we can't get any feedback from the stepper motor, this only works if the acceleration (see SetSpeedRamping()) is set smaller or equal to the maximum acceleration of the motor. Otherwise the motor will lag behind the control value and the callback will be triggered too early.

Event BrickSilentStepper.AllDataCallback(ByVal sender As BrickSilentStepper, ByVal currentVelocity As Integer, ByVal currentPosition As Integer, ByVal remainingSteps As Integer, ByVal stackVoltage As Integer, ByVal externalVoltage As Integer, ByVal currentConsumption As Integer)¶

Callback Parameters:

sender – Type: BrickSilentStepper currentVelocity – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s, Range: [0 to 216 - 1] currentPosition – Type: Integer, Range: [-231 to 231 - 1] remainingSteps – Type: Integer, Range: [-231 to 231 - 1] stackVoltage – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mV, Range: [0 to 216 - 1] externalVoltage – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mV, Range: [0 to 216 - 1] currentConsumption – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mA, Range: [0 to 216 - 1]

This callback is triggered periodically with the period that is set by SetAllDataPeriod(). The parameters are: the current velocity, the current position, the remaining steps, the stack voltage, the external voltage and the current consumption of the stepper motor.

Event BrickSilentStepper.NewStateCallback(ByVal sender As BrickSilentStepper, ByVal stateNew As Byte, ByVal statePrevious As Byte)¶

Callback Parameters:	sender – Type: BrickSilentStepper stateNew – Type: Byte, Range: See constants statePrevious – Type: Byte, Range: See constants

This callback is triggered whenever the Silent Stepper Brick enters a new state. It returns the new state as well as the previous state.

The following constants are available for this function:

For stateNew:

• BrickSilentStepper.STATE_STOP = 1
• BrickSilentStepper.STATE_ACCELERATION = 2
• BrickSilentStepper.STATE_RUN = 3
• BrickSilentStepper.STATE_DEACCELERATION = 4
• BrickSilentStepper.STATE_DIRECTION_CHANGE_TO_FORWARD = 5
• BrickSilentStepper.STATE_DIRECTION_CHANGE_TO_BACKWARD = 6

For statePrevious:

• BrickSilentStepper.STATE_STOP = 1
• BrickSilentStepper.STATE_ACCELERATION = 2
• BrickSilentStepper.STATE_RUN = 3
• BrickSilentStepper.STATE_DEACCELERATION = 4
• BrickSilentStepper.STATE_DIRECTION_CHANGE_TO_FORWARD = 5
• BrickSilentStepper.STATE_DIRECTION_CHANGE_TO_BACKWARD = 6

Virtual Functions¶

Virtual functions don't communicate with the device itself, but operate only on the API bindings device object. They can be called without the corresponding IP Connection object being connected.

Function BrickSilentStepper.GetAPIVersion() As Byte()¶

Output Parameters:	apiVersion – Type: Byte Array, Length: 3 0: major – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255] 1: minor – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255] 2: revision – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255]

Returns the version of the API definition implemented by this API bindings. This is neither the release version of this API bindings nor does it tell you anything about the represented Brick or Bricklet.

Function BrickSilentStepper.GetResponseExpected(ByVal functionId As Byte) As Boolean¶

Parameters:	functionId – Type: Byte, Range: See constants
Returns:	responseExpected – Type: Boolean

Returns the response expected flag for the function specified by the function ID parameter. It is true if the function is expected to send a response, false otherwise.

For getter functions this is enabled by default and cannot be disabled, because those functions will always send a response. For callback configuration functions it is enabled by default too, but can be disabled by SetResponseExpected(). For setter functions it is disabled by default and can be enabled.

Enabling the response expected flag for a setter function allows to detect timeouts and other error conditions calls of this setter as well. The device will then send a response for this purpose. If this flag is disabled for a setter function then no response is sent and errors are silently ignored, because they cannot be detected.

The following constants are available for this function:

For functionId:

• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_MAX_VELOCITY = 1
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_SPEED_RAMPING = 4
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_FULL_BRAKE = 6
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_CURRENT_POSITION = 7
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_TARGET_POSITION = 9
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_STEPS = 11
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_STEP_CONFIGURATION = 14
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_DRIVE_FORWARD = 16
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_DRIVE_BACKWARD = 17
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_STOP = 18
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_MOTOR_CURRENT = 22
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_ENABLE = 24
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_DISABLE = 25
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_BASIC_CONFIGURATION = 27
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_SPREADCYCLE_CONFIGURATION = 29
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_STEALTH_CONFIGURATION = 31
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_COOLSTEP_CONFIGURATION = 33
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_MISC_CONFIGURATION = 35
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_MINIMUM_VOLTAGE = 38
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_TIME_BASE = 42
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_ALL_DATA_PERIOD = 45
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_SPITFP_BAUDRATE_CONFIG = 231
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_SPITFP_BAUDRATE = 234
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_ENABLE_STATUS_LED = 238
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_DISABLE_STATUS_LED = 239
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_RESET = 243
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_WRITE_BRICKLET_PLUGIN = 246

Sub BrickSilentStepper.SetResponseExpected(ByVal functionId As Byte, ByVal responseExpected As Boolean)¶

Parameters:	functionId – Type: Byte, Range: See constants responseExpected – Type: Boolean

Changes the response expected flag of the function specified by the function ID parameter. This flag can only be changed for setter (default value: false) and callback configuration functions (default value: true). For getter functions it is always enabled.

Enabling the response expected flag for a setter function allows to detect timeouts and other error conditions calls of this setter as well. The device will then send a response for this purpose. If this flag is disabled for a setter function then no response is sent and errors are silently ignored, because they cannot be detected.

The following constants are available for this function:

For functionId:

• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_MAX_VELOCITY = 1
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_SPEED_RAMPING = 4
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_FULL_BRAKE = 6
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_CURRENT_POSITION = 7
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_TARGET_POSITION = 9
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_STEPS = 11
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_STEP_CONFIGURATION = 14
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_DRIVE_FORWARD = 16
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_DRIVE_BACKWARD = 17
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_STOP = 18
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_MOTOR_CURRENT = 22
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_ENABLE = 24
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_DISABLE = 25
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_BASIC_CONFIGURATION = 27
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_SPREADCYCLE_CONFIGURATION = 29
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_STEALTH_CONFIGURATION = 31
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_COOLSTEP_CONFIGURATION = 33
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_MISC_CONFIGURATION = 35
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_MINIMUM_VOLTAGE = 38
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_TIME_BASE = 42
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_ALL_DATA_PERIOD = 45
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_SPITFP_BAUDRATE_CONFIG = 231
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_SET_SPITFP_BAUDRATE = 234
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_ENABLE_STATUS_LED = 238
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_DISABLE_STATUS_LED = 239
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_RESET = 243
• BrickSilentStepper.FUNCTION_WRITE_BRICKLET_PLUGIN = 246

Sub BrickSilentStepper.SetResponseExpectedAll(ByVal responseExpected As Boolean)¶

Parameters:	responseExpected – Type: Boolean

Changes the response expected flag for all setter and callback configuration functions of this device at once.

Internal Functions¶

Internal functions are used for maintenance tasks such as flashing a new firmware of changing the UID of a Bricklet. These task should be performed using Brick Viewer instead of using the internal functions directly.

Sub BrickSilentStepper.GetProtocol1BrickletName(ByVal port As Char, ByRef protocolVersion As Byte, ByRef firmwareVersion() As Byte, ByRef name As String)¶

Parameters:	port – Type: Char, Range: ["a"C to "b"C]
Output Parameters:	protocolVersion – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255] firmwareVersion – Type: Byte Array, Length: 3 0: major – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255] 1: minor – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255] 2: revision – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255] name – Type: String, Length: up to 40

Returns the firmware and protocol version and the name of the Bricklet for a given port.

This functions sole purpose is to allow automatic flashing of v1.x.y Bricklet plugins.

Sub BrickSilentStepper.WriteBrickletPlugin(ByVal port As Char, ByVal offset As Byte, ByVal chunk() As Byte)¶

Parameters:	port – Type: Char, Range: ["a"C to "b"C] offset – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255] chunk – Type: Byte Array, Length: 32, Range: [0 to 255]

Writes 32 bytes of firmware to the bricklet attached at the given port. The bytes are written to the position offset * 32.

This function is used by Brick Viewer during flashing. It should not be necessary to call it in a normal user program.

Function BrickSilentStepper.ReadBrickletPlugin(ByVal port As Char, ByVal offset As Byte) As Byte()¶

Parameters:	port – Type: Char, Range: ["a"C to "b"C] offset – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255]
Returns:	chunk – Type: Byte Array, Length: 32, Range: [0 to 255]

Reads 32 bytes of firmware from the bricklet attached at the given port. The bytes are read starting at the position offset * 32.

This function is used by Brick Viewer during flashing. It should not be necessary to call it in a normal user program.

Constants¶

Const BrickSilentStepper.DEVICE_IDENTIFIER¶

This constant is used to identify a Silent Stepper Brick.

The GetIdentity() function and the IPConnection.EnumerateCallback callback of the IP Connection have a deviceIdentifier parameter to specify the Brick's or Bricklet's type.

Const BrickSilentStepper.DEVICE_DISPLAY_NAME¶

This constant represents the human readable name of a Silent Stepper Brick.