Configuring KFlop IO pins for serial communication when KStep is connected

[georgep]

Hello,

I have KFlop connected to KStep via JP7 to JP36. I need to configure KFlop for serial communication and have a few questions regarding the use of IO pins when KStep is connected:

Serial Communication with KStep connected: Can IO 44 and IO 45 on the KFlop still be used for serial comms after connecting KStep through JP7? These pins are labeled PWM_IN and ENABLE_IN in this configuration. I'm considering using J6 to enable KStep. Is additional configuration required to free these pins to function for serial comms?

Physical Access to Serial Pins: What's the best method to access IO 44 and IO 45 for serial connections when the JP7 to JP36 ribbon cable is in place? Is rerouting these pins to another header feasible, or should I create a breakout for pins 5 and 6 from the ribbon cable?
I thought about using JP26 instead of JP36 for the connection to KFlop, but I don't think this works, since I'm also using the isolated inputs on KStep for limit switches.

Thank you.

[TomKerekes]

Hi George,

This:

Code: Select all

FPGA(KAN_TRIG_REG)=4;  	// Mux PWM0 to JP7 Pin5 IO 44 for KSTEP 

Is what connects PWM0 to Bit 44. Don't do this and Bit 44 should work normally.

Correct if you use JP26 the Opto IO and such on KStep will not be functional.

I can't think of a clean way to physically to break out IO 44 and 45. Exacto knife out those wires? The signals to Kanalog over the ribbon cable are fairly fast so the cable shouldn't be excessively long.

Yes you could use some other 3.3V Output to the KStep Enable on J6.

If you connect PWM0 from KFLOP JP6 to the ribbon cable as IO 44 was then the Analog Output on KStep should be functional.

[georgep]

Great, thanks Tom.
It's helpful to know that there is a way to keep the Analog Output on KStep too.

[TomKerekes]

btw another option would be to use our Kogna Controller which is hardware/software compatible with KFLOP but has a faster RS422/485 port on its JP12 Connector.

[georgep]

That does sound ideal and a good reason to upgrade, thank you.