7i90 questions

I think its really a driver bug
The driver should either complain that there's no config string
or work without one (like hm2_pci and hm2_eth do ) not load OK but not function

I agree

Id like to use this 7i90 with a 7i44 and 7i84.

would it be possible to get a bit file for 4 steppers and ssi for epp and the same config for spi? I didnt see any in the list.

7i90_spi_sssvst8_8_8.bit
7i90_epp_sssvst8_8_8.bit
should do though the stepgen pinout may be a bit strange

i have very little experience with step motors and drives. From what i can tell from the pin out generated by dmesg and the manual, I shouldn't need any kind of a special board to run the steppers, COMMX2 block should work? Maybe some sort of protection for the fpga? maybe 7i42a?

You can drive most step motor drive step/dir inputs directly from the FPGA

If this is done its much better to use active low outputs if the motor drive allows it
(active low meaning the common optoisolator +input on the drive is tied to +5V
and the FPGA drives the - input)

The advantage of active low mode is that a full 5V drive is available

Im not having any luck with the above specified bit file(7i90_epp_sssvst8_8_8.bit). no step gens come up in halshow, nor ssi.

From hal file
# load low-level driver
loadrt hm2_7i90 config="num_encoders=0 num_pwmgens=0 num_stepgens=3 sserial_port_0=002xxx num_leds=0"

from dmesg



with 7i90_epp_svst4_8.bit

Ahh that looks like a config that didn't fit so is actually a different config

What I/O do you really need?

I can try an make a smaller config with a more reasonable pinout

Right now i will be needing 2 step generators , a smart serial interface and the the rest can be i/o. I'll need one for epp and one for spi, as after this is proven out on the desktop, it will be put on a Rpi3. I intend to use a 7i44 and 7i84 for my i/o and either the 7i47 or common block for the stepper. Which spi driver should be used for the pi3? 7i90 spi or the 7i90 raspberry? Eventually I envision needing a bit file with 3 encoders, 3pwms, ssi for another small Harding lathe. It's a bit off though..

PCW, have you had a chance to do the new bit files?