Tiny Controls · Own design
TNC-G12 : Stepper Motor Pulse Generator
Standalone single-axis pulse generator for a stepper or servo drive, set entirely by jumpers for four manual modes and four step-rate ranges to 40 kHz, with differential outputs.
Overview
The TNC-G12 is a standalone pulse generator for a single stepper or servo axis, set up entirely with jumpers and onboard potentiometers — there is no serial link or PC software involved.
Two inputs, IN1 and IN2, take the run signal; which behaviour they follow is set by mode jumpers JP1 and JP2: Start CW/Start CCW with IN1 or IN2 taking priority, Start/Stop plus Direction, or a plain Start-Stop pair. A third input, IN3, is reserved for an emergency or limit switch. All three are opto-isolated.
Step rate is set in two stages. Starting speed and acceleration are preset on the board, and a potentiometer sets the maximum speed within whichever of four ranges is selected by jumpers JP3 and JP4 — 1667 Hz, 6667 Hz, 16667 Hz or 40000 Hz. The pulse train ramps linearly between starting and maximum speed, which is what keeps the motor from stalling at the top of the range. Outputs are differential step and direction, for direct connection to a stepper or servo drive.
It runs from 8-24 V DC at up to 2.5 W, and measures 70 x 40 mm at 20 g.
If the same job needs a live frequency readout and external speed/acceleration pots, the TNC-G12D is the same board with those added.
Designed and built by Tiny Controls in India.
Specifications
| Max step frequency | 40 kHz |
|---|---|
| Supply voltage | 8 - 24 V DC |
| Max power consumption | 2.5 W |
| Processor | 32 bit |
| Axes | 1 |
| Digital inputs | 3 |
Downloads
Questions
Do I need any PC or software to set this up, or is it purely hardware?
Purely hardware — set up entirely with jumpers and onboard potentiometers, no serial link or PC software involved.
How do I choose what the run inputs actually do?
Mode jumpers JP1 and JP2 select between Start CW/Start CCW, a Start/Stop plus Direction pair, or a plain Start-Stop pair.
What speed ranges does it cover, and how do I pick one?
Four ranges selectable by jumpers JP3 and JP4 — 1667 Hz, 6667 Hz, 16667 Hz or 40000 Hz — with a potentiometer setting the actual maximum speed within whichever range is selected.
Will the motor stall if it ramps up to full speed too quickly?
No — the pulse train ramps linearly between starting and maximum speed specifically to prevent that.
I need to actually see the running frequency on a display, plus external speed/acceleration pots — does this do that?
Not this one — the TNC-G12D is the same board with a live frequency readout and external pots added.