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API-SMC(PC)NT

Windows device driver (Windows NT) for SMC
  • Hersteller Contec
  • Kategorie: Contec Driver, Software
  • The CONTEC API‑SMC(PC)NT is a dedicated Windows NT‑compatible device driver designed to enable full control and integration of CONTEC’s SMC‑series motion control boards within Windows‑based automation and measurement systems. It forms part of CONTEC’s API‑PAC (Application Programming Interface – Programmable Automation Control) software suite, which provides unified driver libraries for analog, digital, counter, communication, and motion control interfaces.
- Windows NT Compatibility: Fully compliant with Windows NT Workstation 4.0 (Service Pack 3 or later), ensuring stable operation in industrial and laboratory environments.
- Multi‑Board Control: Supports up to 16 motor control boards simultaneously, allowing complex multi‑axis motion systems to be configured and managed from a single host PC.
- Comprehensive Motion Control: Provides complete control of stepping motors and servo motors, including position, speed, and acceleration parameters.
- Easy Setup Utility: Includes a Setup Wizard for initial configuration of board parameters, simplifying installation and reducing commissioning time.
- Diagnostic Utility: Built‑in diagnostic tools identify hardware and software issues, facilitating smooth application development and debugging.
- Flexible Motion Modes: Supports PTP (Point‑to‑Point) motion, JOG operation, and origin return modes.
- Bank Motion Function: Enables pre‑programmed motion sequences for high‑speed, repetitive operations.
- Event‑Driven Control: Provides event functions for synchronization, error detection, and motion completion notifications.
- Multi‑Axis Synchronization: Allows N‑axis interpolation for coordinated motion across multiple motors.
- API‑PAC Integration: Operates within the unified API‑PAC(W32) framework, ensuring consistent programming interfaces across all CONTEC I/O and control products.
- Sample Programs Included: Demonstrates driver usage and accelerates application development in supported programming languages.

Ursprungsland: Japan

Comprehensive Product Summary – CONTEC API‑SMC(PC)NT Windows NT Device Driver




### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: API‑SMC(PC)NT
Model / Series: API‑PAC Series – Motor Control Driver Library
Article Number: API‑SMC(PC)NT
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd.
Product Type: Windows NT Device Driver for Stepping and Servo Motor Controllers
Supported Hardware: CONTEC SMC‑2P(PCI), SMC‑3(PC), and SMC‑4P(PCI) motor control boards

The CONTEC API‑SMC(PC)NT is a dedicated Windows NT‑compatible device driver designed to enable full control and integration of CONTEC’s SMC‑series motion control boards within Windows‑based automation and measurement systems. It forms part of CONTEC’s API‑PAC (Application Programming Interface – Programmable Automation Control) software suite, which provides unified driver libraries for analog, digital, counter, communication, and motion control interfaces.




### 2. Key Features

- Windows NT Compatibility: Fully compliant with Windows NT Workstation 4.0 (Service Pack 3 or later), ensuring stable operation in industrial and laboratory environments.
- Multi‑Board Control: Supports up to 16 motor control boards simultaneously, allowing complex multi‑axis motion systems to be configured and managed from a single host PC.
- Comprehensive Motion Control: Provides complete control of stepping motors and servo motors, including position, speed, and acceleration parameters.
- Easy Setup Utility: Includes a Setup Wizard for initial configuration of board parameters, simplifying installation and reducing commissioning time.
- Diagnostic Utility: Built‑in diagnostic tools identify hardware and software issues, facilitating smooth application development and debugging.
- Flexible Motion Modes: Supports PTP (Point‑to‑Point) motion, JOG operation, and origin return modes.
- Bank Motion Function: Enables pre‑programmed motion sequences for high‑speed, repetitive operations.
- Event‑Driven Control: Provides event functions for synchronization, error detection, and motion completion notifications.
- Multi‑Axis Synchronization: Allows N‑axis interpolation for coordinated motion across multiple motors.
- API‑PAC Integration: Operates within the unified API‑PAC(W32) framework, ensuring consistent programming interfaces across all CONTEC I/O and control products.
- Sample Programs Included: Demonstrates driver usage and accelerates application development in supported programming languages.




### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Supported Boards | SMC‑2P(PCI), SMC‑3(PC), SMC‑4P(PCI) |
| Bus Interface | PCI (SMC‑2P, SMC‑4P), ISA (SMC‑3) |
| Maximum Boards per System | 16 |
| Supported Motors | Stepping and Servo Motors |
| Supported OS | Windows NT Workstation 4.0 (SP3 or later), Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional/Home Edition |
| Driver Type | Win32 API‑based DLL (Dynamic Link Library) |
| Programming Interface | API‑PAC(W32) unified function library |
| Installation Media | Included with CONTEC PCI/ISA motor control boards |
| Diagnostic Tools | API‑TOOL Configuration Utility, Diagnostic Program |
| Setup Tools | Setup Wizard for board initialization |
| Motion Types | PTP, JOG, Origin Return, Bank Motion, N‑Axis Interpolation |
| Event Functions | Motion Complete, Error Detection, Synchronization Events |
| Language Support | Visual C++, Visual Basic, Visual C#.NET, Visual Basic.NET, Borland C++ Builder, Delphi |
| Library Format | DLL (Win32 API) |
| Compliance | IEEE‑488.2 (for communication consistency within API‑PAC framework) |
| Distribution | Included with hardware purchase or downloadable via CONTEC Global Portal |

Physical dimensions and weight are determined by the associated hardware boards (SMC‑2P, SMC‑3, SMC‑4P), as the driver itself is software‑based.




### 4. Functionality

The API‑SMC(PC)NT driver provides a software interface between the Windows operating system and CONTEC’s SMC‑series motor control boards. It translates high‑level motion commands into low‑level hardware instructions, enabling precise control of motor position, velocity, and acceleration.

Core Functional Operations:
- Initialization: The driver detects installed SMC boards and loads corresponding device instances.
- Configuration: Through the Setup Utility, users define motor parameters such as pulse output mode, acceleration profile, and limit switch behavior.
- Motion Execution: Commands such as “Move to Position,” “Start JOG,” or “Return to Origin” are issued via API functions.
- Monitoring: Real‑time feedback on motor position, speed, and status is available through driver queries.
- Event Handling: The driver generates events for motion completion, limit detection, or error conditions, enabling responsive control logic.
- Multi‑Axis Coordination: Supports synchronous control of multiple motors for applications requiring interpolation or coordinated motion paths.

Typical Applications:
- Semiconductor manufacturing equipment
- Precision positioning systems
- Automated inspection and measurement setups
- Robotics and assembly automation
- Laboratory motion control experiments

Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with other CONTEC API‑PAC drivers (API‑AIO, API‑DIO, API‑CNT, API‑GPIB, API‑SIO, API‑TIMER).
- Can be integrated into LabVIEW environments via CONTEC’s VI‑DAQ or API‑GPLV(W32) interfaces for unified data acquisition and motion control.




### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Software Components:
- API‑SMC(PC)NT Driver Library (DLL)
- Setup Utility (Configuration Wizard)
- Diagnostic Utility (API‑TOOL Configuration)
- Sample Programs for Visual C++, Visual Basic, and Delphi
- Documentation: Function reference manual and installation guide

Optional Add‑Ons:
- API‑PAC(W32) unified driver library (included with most CONTEC boards)
- LabVIEW Support Software (VI‑DAQ, API‑GPLV(W32)) for integration with National Instruments LabVIEW
- API‑TIMER(W32) for high‑precision timing control
- API‑CNT(98/PC)NT for counter input synchronization with motion control

Connectors and Interfaces:
- The driver communicates with hardware via PCI or ISA bus interfaces; physical connectors depend on the SMC board model (e.g., 50‑pin or 68‑pin headers for motor and I/O connections).




### 6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- IBM‑compatible PC with available PCI or ISA slot (depending on board type)
- Windows NT 4.0 (SP3 or later), Windows 2000, or Windows XP
- Administrator privileges for driver installation
- Minimum 64 MB RAM and 50 MB free disk space

Installation Procedure:
1. Insert the CONTEC installation media or download the latest driver package from [www.contec.com/apipac/](http://www.contec.com/apipac/).
2. Launch the API‑PAC Setup Program.
3. Select the target board (SMC‑2P, SMC‑3, or SMC‑4P) from the list.
4. The installer automatically registers the appropriate DLLs and configuration files.
5. Reboot the system to complete driver registration.
6. Use the Setup Utility to configure board parameters (motor type, pulse mode, acceleration, etc.).
7. Verify installation using the Diagnostic Utility, which performs communication and motion tests.

Configuration Options:
- Axis assignment and naming
- Limit switch polarity and function
- Origin return method (mechanical, sensor‑based, or encoder reference)
- Acceleration/deceleration profiles
- Event notification settings




### 7. Performance & Capabilities

Control Capacity:
- Up to 16 boards, each controlling multiple axes (depending on hardware model).
- Supports multi‑axis interpolation for coordinated motion.

Motion Performance:
- High‑speed pulse output for precise motor control.
- Smooth acceleration and deceleration curves configurable via software.
- Real‑time feedback and event‑driven control for responsive motion sequences.

Efficiency:
- Optimized for low CPU overhead under Windows NT.
- Event‑driven architecture allows background operation while maintaining foreground responsiveness.
- Unified API structure minimizes code complexity and enhances maintainability.

Limitations:
- ISA board auto‑detection not supported under Windows NT 4.0/3.51.
- Cannot be used simultaneously with older API‑GPIB(98/PC) drivers on the same hardware.
- Requires Windows NT SP3 or later for stable operation.




### 8. Standards & Compliance

- Operating System Compliance: Windows NT Workstation 4.0 (SP3+), Windows 2000, Windows XP
- Programming Interface: Win32 API standard
- Hardware Interface: PCI and ISA bus compliant
- IEEE‑488.2 Compatibility: Ensures consistent communication protocol across CONTEC’s API‑PAC family
- Plug and Play Support: Automatic board detection for PCI devices
- Industrial Standards: Designed for industrial automation and measurement control applications
- Regulatory Compliance: Conforms to CE and FCC standards when used with certified CONTEC hardware




### 9. Additional Information

Warranty & Support:
- Standard CONTEC warranty applies to software distributed with hardware products.
- Free technical support via CONTEC’s global support portal.
- Diagnostic utilities and setup tools included to assist in troubleshooting.

Maintenance & Updates:
- Free software upgrades available through the CONTEC API‑PAC Developer’s Site.
- Regular updates ensure compatibility with new operating systems and hardware revisions.
- Sample programs and documentation are periodically refreshed to reflect new API functions.

Documentation & Resources:
- Online manuals and API references available at [www.contec.com/apipac/](http://www.contec.com/apipac/).
- Developer resources, including sample code and configuration guides, are downloadable free of charge.
- Integration examples for LabVIEW, Visual Basic, and C/C++ environments are provided.

Related Products:
- API‑AIO(WDM): High‑performance analog I/O driver
- API‑DIO(98/PC)NT: Digital I/O driver
- API‑CNT(98/PC)NT: Counter input driver
- API‑SIO(98/PC)NT: Serial communication driver
- API‑GPIB(98/PC)NT: GPIB communication driver
- API‑TIMER(W32): High‑precision timer control library

Global Portal: [www.contec.com](http://www.contec.com)
Developer’s Site: [www.contec.com/apipac/](http://www.contec.com/apipac/)




### Summary

The CONTEC API‑SMC(PC)NT driver is a robust, Windows NT‑compatible software component that provides comprehensive motion control capabilities for CONTEC’s SMC‑series motor control boards. It enables precise, synchronized control of stepping and servo motors across multiple axes, supporting up to 16 boards per system. Integrated within the API‑PAC(W32) framework, it offers a unified programming interface consistent with CONTEC’s analog, digital, counter, and communication drivers.

With its intuitive setup wizard, diagnostic utilities, and extensive sample programs, API‑SMC(PC)NT simplifies the development of motion control applications in industrial automation, robotics, and measurement systems. Its event‑driven architecture, multi‑axis synchronization, and compatibility with major programming languages make it a versatile and reliable solution for developers seeking high‑performance motor control under Windows NT and related operating systems.




End of Product Summary – API‑SMC(PC)NT (CONTEC Co., Ltd.)

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