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3.3V Logic Isn't Enough

A project log for Propeller Based CNC Router Controller

A relatively simple controller for my CNC router using a Propeller Microcontroller.

duane-degnDuane Degn 03/16/2015 at 04:170 Comments

I began work on this project again today after having set it aside for about a year.

My first attempt to drive a stepper motor wasn't successful. After checking the wiring to make sure the signals from the Propeller were reaching the drive electronics, I then monitored the signal while the program was running but without connecting the Propeller to the drive electronics. While disconnected, the step signals from the Propeller were a nice 0V to 3.3V pulse. When the signal was connected to the drive electronics I found the signal line no longer produced a nice consistent pulse. I'm pretty sure the optocouplers can't be driven with a 3.3V signal.

I'll need to use some sort of level shifter to boost the 3.3V signal from the Propeller to a 5V output the drive electronics can use.

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