XMatrix Features × MSP Hardware
You turn on a function in XMatrix. What does the site have to wire? This page splits the common functions into items: which controller, which parts, and which terminal. Selection and comparison are in the XMatrix software overview. Operating detail is in each section. This page only answers wiring and parts.
- 14 itemsCommon functions
- 3 controllersShared software
- 1 tableNo more page-turning
- TerminalsFollow the device silkscreen
Function map
“Which section” is where the function is configured. “Controller” means one of the three MSP controllers. “Parts” lists optional matching parts. If you do not have the part, you do not have to connect it.
| Software function / parameter | Which section | Controller | Parts | Where it connects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homing (find the origin) | XMatrix Online/Offline · Command Interface · DMX512 Interface | Any of the three | Slotted optical sensor ×1 | Controller HM |
| Positive / negative limit | XMatrix Online/Offline · Command Interface · DMX512 Interface | Any of the three | Slotted optical sensors ×2 | Controller LIM+, LIM− |
| Software limits | XMatrix Online/Offline · Command Interface | Any of the three | None (software only) | — |
| Microstepping | Controller DIP + each software | Integrated stepper drive | None | — (DIP SW3–SW6 on the drive) |
| Current setting | Controller DIP | Integrated stepper drive | None | — |
| Open-loop / closed-loop select | Controller DIP | Integrated stepper drive | Closed-loop needs an encoder motor | Encoder cable (with the closed-loop motor) |
| Brake output | XMatrix Online/Offline · Command Interface | Any of the three | Brake motor + 24 V relay + brake cable | One DO (open-collector) |
| Direction / pulse interface | Single-axis controller | MSP1001 Single-Axis Motion Controller | Third-party drive + signal cable | 5 V direction / pulse, 100 kHz |
| Absolute, no homing at power-up | XMatrix Online/Offline · Command Interface | Integrated servo drive | Absolute-encoder motor + absolute cable | Encoder port |
| DMX channel map (P / PV / PPV / V) | DMX512 | Slave = any controller; master = DMX master board | DMX cable + terminator; add a converter if the console has only a network port | RS485 / DMX port |
| Loss of signal (return to 0 after 5 seconds) | DMX512 | Slave | None | — |
| Multi-axis daisy chain | All | Any of the three | Ethernet cable | Ethernet ports, daisy-chained |
| Offline input trigger | XMatrix Offline · DMX offline master | The matching controller | Button / PLC dry contact | Stepper DI0–DI3; servo DI-00–DI-03; MSP1001 X0–X3 |
| Gear-ratio scaling (revolutions ↔ travel) | XMatrix Online/Offline · Command Interface | Any of the three | Gearbox + (leadscrew or stage) | — (parameters only) |
The three questions asked most often are the bold rows. Homing and limits decide whether power-up can be safe. The brake output decides whether a vertical axis drops when power is removed. The multi-axis daisy chain decides whether one PC can run several axes. All three need matching parts, so they are listed here.
Three wiring lists
Minimum wiring for each controller path. A “+” marks an option.
Stepper path
| Cable | From / to | Required |
|---|---|---|
| 2 power wires | DC 24–48V → V+ / GND | Required |
| 4 motor phase wires | A+ / A− / B+ / B− → stepper motor | Required |
| Ethernet cable | Host, or the next unit in the chain | Required |
| Encoder cable | Closed-loop motor → controller | Required for closed-loop |
| Home + positive and negative limits | Slotted optical sensors → HM, LIM+, LIM− | When homing / limits are required |
| Brake cable + 24 V relay | Brake motor → DO through a relay | Option for a vertical axis |
Servo path
| Cable | From / to | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Power | AC 220V → L / N / PE | Required |
| Power cable U/V/W | Controller → servo motor | Required |
| Encoder cable | Servo motor → controller (incremental or absolute) | Required |
| Ethernet cable | Host, or the next unit in the chain | Required |
| Home + positive and negative limits | Slotted optical sensors → HM, LIM+, LIM− | Required for an incremental motor |
| Brake cable + 24 V relay | Brake motor → DO through a relay | Option for a vertical axis |
Single-axis controller path (existing drive + motor)
| Cable | From / to | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Power | AC 110–220V | Required |
| Direction / pulse signals | Controller → third-party drive (5 V, 100 kHz) | Required |
| Ethernet cable | Host, or the next unit in the chain | Required |
| Home + positive and negative limits | Slotted optical sensors → HM, LIM+, LIM− | When homing / limits are required |
Where to read about parts
Parts in the table above are matching parts. They are selected per project and are not crossed into the configurator by default. Categories and models are in Accessories and matching parts. Selection scope and ordering are handled commercially.
Accessories wiki: the eight planetary units and NMRV, sensor SX674-WR, and the usual tables for rail and belt stages are in
Accessories and matching parts. This table only says where to connect, and what to change in software.
Common questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I leave the limits unwired? | The motor can still turn, but leaving limits unwired is not recommended: a crash then has no protection. Fit at least a home sensor, then set software limits from the travel. |
| Can the brake connect directly to the drive? | No. The brake is a 24 V inductive load. It must go through a 24 V relay, driven by an open-collector DO. |
| The servo is absolute. Is a home sensor still required? | An absolute encoder remembers position with power removed and does not need homing at power-up, but the first installation still calibrates the mechanical home once. After that, homing can be skipped. |
| Does a DMX slave need an Ethernet cable? | Ethernet is for parameters and the daisy chain. Channel data still comes from the DMX cable. Ethernet alone cannot stand in for DMX. |
| How are several axes distinguished? | Daisy-chain the Ethernet cables and separate axes by station address. A DMX slave is also separated by its start-channel address. |
Related pages
- XMatrix software overview — choose the function, then open that section
- Hardware products — ratings and wiring of the three controllers
- Stepper motor ratings — supported motors by MSP stepper model
- Servo motor ratings — supported motors by MSP servo model
- Accessories and matching parts — loose-part categories and models