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Software / API Bindings / Visual Basic .NET / API Reference and Examples / Bricklets / Silent Stepper Bricklet 2.0

Visual Basic .NET - Silent Stepper Bricklet 2.0

This is the description of the Visual Basic .NET API bindings for the Silent Stepper Bricklet 2.0. General information and technical specifications for the Silent Stepper Bricklet 2.0 are summarized in its hardware description.

An installation guide for the Visual Basic .NET API bindings is part of their general description.

Examples

The example code below is Public Domain (CC0 1.0).

Configuration

Download (ExampleConfiguration.vb)

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Imports System
Imports System.Threading
Imports Tinkerforge

Module ExampleConfiguration
    Const HOST As String = "localhost"
    Const PORT As Integer = 4223
    Const UID As String = "XYZ" ' Change XYZ to the UID of your Silent Stepper Bricklet 2.0

    Sub Main()
        Dim ipcon As New IPConnection() ' Create IP connection
        Dim ss As New BrickletSilentStepperV2(UID, ipcon) ' Create device object

        ipcon.Connect(HOST, PORT) ' Connect to brickd
        ' Don't use device before ipcon is connected

        ss.SetMotorCurrent(800) ' 800 mA
        ss.SetStepConfiguration(BrickletSilentStepperV2.STEP_RESOLUTION_8, _
                                True) ' 1/8 steps (interpolated)
        ss.SetMaxVelocity(2000) ' Velocity 2000 steps/s

        ' Slow acceleration (500 steps/s^2),
        ' Fast deacceleration (5000 steps/s^2)
        ss.SetSpeedRamping(500, 5000)

        ss.SetEnabled(True) ' Enable motor power
        ss.SetSteps(60000) ' Drive 60000 steps forward

        Console.WriteLine("Press key to exit")
        Console.ReadLine()

        ' Stop motor before disabling motor power
        ss.Stop() ' Request motor stop
        ss.SetSpeedRamping(500, _
                           5000) ' Fast deacceleration (5000 steps/s^2) for stopping
        Thread.Sleep(400) ' Wait for motor to actually stop: max velocity (2000 steps/s) / decceleration (5000 steps/s^2) = 0.4 s
        ss.SetEnabled(False) ' Disable motor power

        ipcon.Disconnect()
    End Sub
End Module

Callback

Download (ExampleCallback.vb)

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Imports System
Imports System.Threading
Imports Tinkerforge

Module ExampleCallback
    Const HOST As String = "localhost"
    Const PORT As Integer = 4223
    Const UID As String = "XYZ" ' Change XYZ to the UID of your Silent Stepper Bricklet 2.0

    Dim rand As Random = New Random()

    ' Use position reached callback to program random movement
    Sub PositionReachedCB(ByVal sender As BrickletSilentStepperV2, ByVal position As Integer)
        Dim steps As Integer

        If rand.Next(0, 2) = 0 Then
            steps = rand.Next(1000, 5001) ' steps (forward)
            Console.WriteLine("Driving forward: " + steps.ToString() + " steps")
        Else
            steps = rand.Next(-5000, -999) ' steps (backward)
            Console.WriteLine("Driving backward: " + steps.ToString() + " steps")
        End If

        Dim vel As Integer = rand.Next(200, 2001) ' steps/s
        Dim acc As Integer = rand.Next(100, 1001) ' steps/s^2
        Dim dec As Integer = rand.Next(100, 1001) ' steps/s^2

        Console.WriteLine("Configuration (vel, acc, dec): (" + vel.ToString() + ", " + _
                          acc.ToString() + ", " + dec.ToString() + ")")

        sender.SetSpeedRamping(acc, dec)
        sender.SetMaxVelocity(vel)
        sender.SetSteps(steps)
    End Sub

    Sub Main()
        Dim ipcon As New IPConnection() ' Create IP connection
        Dim ss As New BrickletSilentStepperV2(UID, ipcon) ' Create device object

        ipcon.Connect(HOST, PORT) ' Connect to brickd
        ' Don't use device before ipcon is connected

        ' Register position reached callback to subroutine PositionReachedCB
        AddHandler ss.PositionReachedCallback, AddressOf PositionReachedCB

        ss.SetStepConfiguration(BrickletSilentStepperV2.STEP_RESOLUTION_8, _
                                True) ' 1/8 steps (interpolated)
        ss.SetEnabled(True) ' Enable motor power
        ss.SetSteps(1) ' Drive one step forward to get things going

        Console.WriteLine("Press key to exit")
        Console.ReadLine()

        ' Stop motor before disabling motor power
        ss.Stop() ' Request motor stop
        ss.SetSpeedRamping(500, _
                           5000) ' Fast deacceleration (5000 steps/s^2) for stopping
        Thread.Sleep(400) ' Wait for motor to actually stop: max velocity (2000 steps/s) / decceleration (5000 steps/s^2) = 0.4 s
        ss.SetEnabled(False) ' Disable motor power

        ipcon.Disconnect()
    End Sub
End Module

API

Since Visual Basic .NET does not support multiple return values directly, we use the ByRef keyword to return multiple values from a function.

All functions and procedures listed below are thread-safe.

Basic Functions

Class BrickletSilentStepperV2(ByVal uid As String, ByVal ipcon As IPConnection)

Creates an object with the unique device ID uid:

Dim silentStepperV2 As New BrickletSilentStepperV2("YOUR_DEVICE_UID", ipcon)

This object can then be used after the IP Connection is connected.

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.SetMaxVelocity(ByVal velocity As Integer)
Parameters:
  • velocity – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s, Range: [0 to 216 - 1]

Sets the maximum velocity of the stepper motor. This function does not start the motor, it merely sets the maximum velocity the stepper motor is accelerated to. To get the motor running use either SetTargetPosition(), SetSteps(), DriveForward() or DriveBackward().

Function BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetMaxVelocity() As Integer
Returns:
  • velocity – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s, Range: [0 to 216 - 1]

Returns the velocity as set by SetMaxVelocity().

Function BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetCurrentVelocity() As Integer
Returns:
  • velocity – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s, Range: [0 to 216 - 1]

Returns the current velocity of the stepper motor.

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.SetSpeedRamping(ByVal acceleration As Integer, ByVal deacceleration As Integer)
Parameters:
  • acceleration – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s², Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 1000
  • deacceleration – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s², Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 1000

Sets the acceleration and deacceleration of the stepper motor. An acceleration of 1000 means, that every second the velocity is increased by 1000 steps/s.

For example: If the current velocity is 0 and you want to accelerate to a velocity of 8000 steps/s in 10 seconds, you should set an acceleration of 800 steps/s².

An acceleration/deacceleration of 0 means instantaneous acceleration/deacceleration (not recommended)

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetSpeedRamping(ByRef acceleration As Integer, ByRef deacceleration As Integer)
Output Parameters:
  • acceleration – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s², Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 1000
  • deacceleration – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s², Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 1000

Returns the acceleration and deacceleration as set by SetSpeedRamping().

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.FullBrake()

Executes an active full brake.

Warning

This function is for emergency purposes, where an immediate brake is necessary. Depending on the current velocity and the strength of the motor, a full brake can be quite violent.

Call Stop() if you just want to stop the motor.

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.SetSteps(ByVal steps As Integer)
Parameters:
  • steps – Type: Integer, Range: [-231 to 231 - 1]

Sets the number of steps the stepper motor should run. Positive values will drive the motor forward and negative values backward. The velocity, acceleration and deacceleration as set by SetMaxVelocity() and SetSpeedRamping() will be used.

Function BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetSteps() As Integer
Returns:
  • steps – Type: Integer, Range: [-231 to 231 - 1]

Returns the last steps as set by SetSteps().

Function BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetRemainingSteps() As Integer
Returns:
  • steps – Type: Integer, Range: [-231 to 231 - 1]

Returns the remaining steps of the last call of SetSteps(). For example, if SetSteps() is called with 2000 and GetRemainingSteps() is called after the motor has run for 500 steps, it will return 1500.

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.DriveForward()

Drives the stepper motor forward until DriveBackward() or Stop() is called. The velocity, acceleration and deacceleration as set by SetMaxVelocity() and SetSpeedRamping() will be used.

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.DriveBackward()

Drives the stepper motor backward until DriveForward() or Stop() is triggered. The velocity, acceleration and deacceleration as set by SetMaxVelocity() and SetSpeedRamping() will be used.

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.Stop()

Stops the stepper motor with the deacceleration as set by SetSpeedRamping().

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.SetMotorCurrent(ByVal current As Integer)
Parameters:
  • current – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mA, Range: [360 to 1640], Default: 800

Sets the current with which the motor will be driven.

Warning

Do not set this value above the specifications of your stepper motor. Otherwise it may damage your motor.

Function BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetMotorCurrent() As Integer
Returns:
  • current – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mA, Range: [360 to 1640], Default: 800

Returns the current as set by SetMotorCurrent().

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.SetEnabled(ByVal enabled As Boolean)
Parameters:
  • enabled – Type: Boolean, Default: false

Enables/Disables the driver chip. The driver parameters can be configured (maximum velocity, acceleration, etc) before it is enabled.

Warning

Disabling the driver chip while the motor is still turning can damage the driver chip. The motor should be stopped calling Stop() function before disabling the motor power. The Stop() function will not wait until the motor is actually stopped. You have to explicitly wait for the appropriate time after calling the Stop() function before calling the SetEnabled() with false function.

Function BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetEnabled() As Boolean
Returns:
  • enabled – Type: Boolean, Default: false

Returns true if the stepper driver is enabled, false otherwise.

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.SetBasicConfiguration(ByVal standstillCurrent As Integer, ByVal motorRunCurrent As Integer, ByVal standstillDelayTime As Integer, ByVal powerDownTime As Integer, ByVal stealthThreshold As Integer, ByVal coolstepThreshold As Integer, ByVal classicThreshold As Integer, ByVal highVelocityChopperMode As Boolean)
Parameters:
  • standstillCurrent – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mA, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 200
  • motorRunCurrent – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mA, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 800
  • standstillDelayTime – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 ms, Range: [0 to 307], Default: 0
  • powerDownTime – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 ms, Range: [0 to 5222], Default: 1000
  • stealthThreshold – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 500
  • coolstepThreshold – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 500
  • classicThreshold – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 1000
  • highVelocityChopperMode – Type: Boolean, Default: false

Sets the basic configuration parameters for the different modes (Stealth, Coolstep, Classic).

  • Standstill Current: This value can be used to lower the current during stand still. This might be reasonable to reduce the heating of the motor and the Bricklet 2.0. When the motor is in standstill the configured motor phase current will be driven until the configured Power Down Time is elapsed. After that the phase current will be reduced to the standstill current. The elapsed time for this reduction can be configured with the Standstill Delay Time. The maximum allowed value is the configured maximum motor current (see SetMotorCurrent()).
  • Motor Run Current: The value sets the motor current when the motor is running. Use a value of at least one half of the global maximum motor current for a good microstep performance. The maximum allowed value is the current motor current. The API maps the entered value to 1/32 ... 32/32 of the maximum motor current. This value should be used to change the motor current during motor movement, whereas the global maximum motor current should not be changed while the motor is moving (see SetMotorCurrent()).
  • Standstill Delay Time: Controls the duration for motor power down after a motion as soon as standstill is detected and the Power Down Time is expired. A high Standstill Delay Time results in a smooth transition that avoids motor jerk during power down.
  • Power Down Time: Sets the delay time after a stand still.
  • Stealth Threshold: Sets the upper threshold for Stealth mode. If the velocity of the motor goes above this value, Stealth mode is turned off. Otherwise it is turned on. In Stealth mode the torque declines with high speed.
  • Coolstep Threshold: Sets the lower threshold for Coolstep mode. The Coolstep Threshold needs to be above the Stealth Threshold.
  • Classic Threshold: Sets the lower threshold for classic mode. In classic mode the stepper becomes more noisy, but the torque is maximized.
  • High Velocity Chopper Mode: If High Velocity Chopper Mode is enabled, the stepper control is optimized to run the stepper motors at high velocities.

If you want to use all three thresholds make sure that Stealth Threshold < Coolstep Threshold < Classic Threshold.

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetBasicConfiguration(ByRef standstillCurrent As Integer, ByRef motorRunCurrent As Integer, ByRef standstillDelayTime As Integer, ByRef powerDownTime As Integer, ByRef stealthThreshold As Integer, ByRef coolstepThreshold As Integer, ByRef classicThreshold As Integer, ByRef highVelocityChopperMode As Boolean)
Output Parameters:
  • standstillCurrent – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mA, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 200
  • motorRunCurrent – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mA, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 800
  • standstillDelayTime – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 ms, Range: [0 to 307], Default: 0
  • powerDownTime – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 ms, Range: [0 to 5222], Default: 1000
  • stealthThreshold – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 500
  • coolstepThreshold – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 500
  • classicThreshold – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 1000
  • highVelocityChopperMode – Type: Boolean, Default: false

Returns the configuration as set by SetBasicConfiguration().

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.SetGPIOConfiguration(ByVal channel As Byte, ByVal debounce As Integer, ByVal stopDeceleration As Integer)
Parameters:
  • channel – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 1]
  • debounce – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 ms, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 200
  • stopDeceleration – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s², Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 216 - 1

Sets the GPIO configuration for the given channel. You can configure a debounce and the deceleration that is used if the action is configured as normal stop. See SetGPIOAction().

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetGPIOConfiguration(ByVal channel As Byte, ByRef debounce As Integer, ByRef stopDeceleration As Integer)
Parameters:
  • channel – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 1]
Output Parameters:
  • debounce – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 ms, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 200
  • stopDeceleration – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s², Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 216 - 1

Returns the GPIO configuration for a channel as set by SetGPIOConfiguration().

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.SetGPIOAction(ByVal channel As Byte, ByVal action As Long)
Parameters:
  • channel – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 1]
  • action – Type: Long, Range: See constants, Default: 0

Sets the GPIO action for the given channel.

The action can be a normal stop, a full brake or a callback. Each for a rising edge or falling edge. The actions are a bitmask they can be used at the same time. You can for example trigger a full brake and a callback at the same time or for rising and falling edge.

The deceleration speed for the normal stop can be configured with SetGPIOConfiguration().

The following constants are available for this function:

For action:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.GPIO_ACTION_NONE = 0
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.GPIO_ACTION_NORMAL_STOP_RISING_EDGE = 1
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.GPIO_ACTION_NORMAL_STOP_FALLING_EDGE = 2
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.GPIO_ACTION_FULL_BRAKE_RISING_EDGE = 4
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.GPIO_ACTION_FULL_BRAKE_FALLING_EDGE = 8
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.GPIO_ACTION_CALLBACK_RISING_EDGE = 16
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.GPIO_ACTION_CALLBACK_FALLING_EDGE = 32
Function BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetGPIOAction(ByVal channel As Byte) As Long
Parameters:
  • channel – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 1]
Returns:
  • action – Type: Long, Range: See constants, Default: 0

Returns the GPIO action for a channel as set by SetGPIOAction().

The following constants are available for this function:

For action:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.GPIO_ACTION_NONE = 0
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.GPIO_ACTION_NORMAL_STOP_RISING_EDGE = 1
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.GPIO_ACTION_NORMAL_STOP_FALLING_EDGE = 2
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.GPIO_ACTION_FULL_BRAKE_RISING_EDGE = 4
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.GPIO_ACTION_FULL_BRAKE_FALLING_EDGE = 8
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.GPIO_ACTION_CALLBACK_RISING_EDGE = 16
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.GPIO_ACTION_CALLBACK_FALLING_EDGE = 32
Function BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetGPIOState() As Boolean()
Returns:
  • gpioState – Type: Boolean Array, Length: 2

Returns the GPIO state for both channels. True if the state is high and false if the state is low.

Advanced Functions

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.SetCurrentPosition(ByVal position As Integer)
Parameters:
  • position – Type: Integer, Range: [-231 to 231 - 1]

Sets the current steps of the internal step counter. This can be used to set the current position to 0 when some kind of starting position is reached (e.g. when a CNC machine reaches a corner).

Function BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetCurrentPosition() As Integer
Returns:
  • position – Type: Integer, Range: [-231 to 231 - 1]

Returns the current position of the stepper motor in steps. On startup the position is 0. The steps are counted with all possible driving functions (SetTargetPosition(), SetSteps(), DriveForward() or DriveBackward()). It also is possible to reset the steps to 0 or set them to any other desired value with SetCurrentPosition().

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.SetTargetPosition(ByVal position As Integer)
Parameters:
  • position – Type: Integer, Range: [-231 to 231 - 1]

Sets the target position of the stepper motor in steps. For example, if the current position of the motor is 500 and SetTargetPosition() is called with 1000, the stepper motor will drive 500 steps forward. It will use the velocity, acceleration and deacceleration as set by SetMaxVelocity() and SetSpeedRamping().

A call of SetTargetPosition() with the parameter x is equivalent to a call of SetSteps() with the parameter (x - GetCurrentPosition()).

Function BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetTargetPosition() As Integer
Returns:
  • position – Type: Integer, Range: [-231 to 231 - 1]

Returns the last target position as set by SetTargetPosition().

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.SetStepConfiguration(ByVal stepResolution As Byte, ByVal interpolation As Boolean)
Parameters:
  • stepResolution – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0
  • interpolation – Type: Boolean, Default: true

Sets the step resolution from full-step up to 1/256-step.

If interpolation is turned on, the Silent Stepper Bricklet 2.0 will always interpolate your step inputs as 1/256-step. If you use full-step mode with interpolation, each step will generate 256 1/256 steps.

For maximum torque use full-step without interpolation. For maximum resolution use 1/256-step. Turn interpolation on to make the Stepper driving less noisy.

If you often change the speed with high acceleration you should turn the interpolation off.

The following constants are available for this function:

For stepResolution:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STEP_RESOLUTION_1 = 8
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STEP_RESOLUTION_2 = 7
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STEP_RESOLUTION_4 = 6
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STEP_RESOLUTION_8 = 5
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STEP_RESOLUTION_16 = 4
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STEP_RESOLUTION_32 = 3
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STEP_RESOLUTION_64 = 2
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STEP_RESOLUTION_128 = 1
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STEP_RESOLUTION_256 = 0
Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetStepConfiguration(ByRef stepResolution As Byte, ByRef interpolation As Boolean)
Output Parameters:
  • stepResolution – Type: Byte, Range: See constants
  • interpolation – Type: Boolean, Default: true

Returns the step mode as set by SetStepConfiguration().

The following constants are available for this function:

For stepResolution:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STEP_RESOLUTION_1 = 8
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STEP_RESOLUTION_2 = 7
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STEP_RESOLUTION_4 = 6
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STEP_RESOLUTION_8 = 5
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STEP_RESOLUTION_16 = 4
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STEP_RESOLUTION_32 = 3
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STEP_RESOLUTION_64 = 2
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STEP_RESOLUTION_128 = 1
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STEP_RESOLUTION_256 = 0
Function BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetInputVoltage() As Integer
Returns:
  • voltage – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mV, Range: [0 to 216 - 1]

Returns the external input voltage. The external input voltage is given via the black power input connector on the Silent Stepper Bricklet 2.0.

If there is an external input voltage and a stack input voltage, the motor will be driven by the external input voltage. If there is only a stack voltage present, the motor will be driven by this voltage.

Warning

This means, if you have a high stack voltage and a low external voltage, the motor will be driven with the low external voltage. If you then remove the external connection, it will immediately be driven by the high stack voltage

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.SetSpreadcycleConfiguration(ByVal slowDecayDuration As Byte, ByVal enableRandomSlowDecay As Boolean, ByVal fastDecayDuration As Byte, ByVal hysteresisStartValue As Byte, ByVal hysteresisEndValue As Short, ByVal sineWaveOffset As Short, ByVal chopperMode As Byte, ByVal comparatorBlankTime As Byte, ByVal fastDecayWithoutComparator As Boolean)
Parameters:
  • slowDecayDuration – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 15], Default: 4
  • enableRandomSlowDecay – Type: Boolean, Default: false
  • fastDecayDuration – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 15], Default: 0
  • hysteresisStartValue – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 7], Default: 0
  • hysteresisEndValue – Type: Short, Range: [-3 to 12], Default: 0
  • sineWaveOffset – Type: Short, Range: [-3 to 12], Default: 0
  • chopperMode – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0
  • comparatorBlankTime – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 3], Default: 1
  • fastDecayWithoutComparator – Type: Boolean, Default: false

Note: If you don't know what any of this means you can very likely keep all of the values as default!

Sets the Spreadcycle configuration parameters. Spreadcycle is a chopper algorithm which actively controls the motor current flow. More information can be found in the TMC2130 datasheet on page 47 (7 spreadCycle and Classic Chopper).

  • Slow Decay Duration: Controls duration of off time setting of slow decay phase. 0 = driver disabled, all bridges off. Use 1 only with Comparator Blank time >= 2.

  • Enable Random Slow Decay: Set to false to fix chopper off time as set by Slow Decay Duration. If you set it to true, Decay Duration is randomly modulated.

  • Fast Decay Duration: Sets the fast decay duration. This parameters is only used if the Chopper Mode is set to Fast Decay.

  • Hysteresis Start Value: Sets the hysteresis start value. This parameter is only used if the Chopper Mode is set to Spread Cycle.

  • Hysteresis End Value: Sets the hysteresis end value. This parameter is only used if the Chopper Mode is set to Spread Cycle.

  • Sine Wave Offset: Sets the sine wave offset. This parameters is only used if the Chopper Mode is set to Fast Decay. 1/512 of the value becomes added to the absolute value of the sine wave.

  • Chopper Mode: 0 = Spread Cycle, 1 = Fast Decay.

  • Comparator Blank Time: Sets the blank time of the comparator. Available values are

    • 0 = 16 clocks,
    • 1 = 24 clocks,
    • 2 = 36 clocks and
    • 3 = 54 clocks.

    A value of 1 or 2 is recommended for most applications.

  • Fast Decay Without Comparator: If set to true the current comparator usage for termination of the fast decay cycle is disabled.

The following constants are available for this function:

For chopperMode:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.CHOPPER_MODE_SPREAD_CYCLE = 0
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.CHOPPER_MODE_FAST_DECAY = 1
Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetSpreadcycleConfiguration(ByRef slowDecayDuration As Byte, ByRef enableRandomSlowDecay As Boolean, ByRef fastDecayDuration As Byte, ByRef hysteresisStartValue As Byte, ByRef hysteresisEndValue As Short, ByRef sineWaveOffset As Short, ByRef chopperMode As Byte, ByRef comparatorBlankTime As Byte, ByRef fastDecayWithoutComparator As Boolean)
Output Parameters:
  • slowDecayDuration – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 15], Default: 4
  • enableRandomSlowDecay – Type: Boolean, Default: false
  • fastDecayDuration – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 15], Default: 0
  • hysteresisStartValue – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 7], Default: 0
  • hysteresisEndValue – Type: Short, Range: [-3 to 12], Default: 0
  • sineWaveOffset – Type: Short, Range: [-3 to 12], Default: 0
  • chopperMode – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0
  • comparatorBlankTime – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 3], Default: 1
  • fastDecayWithoutComparator – Type: Boolean, Default: false

Returns the configuration as set by SetBasicConfiguration().

The following constants are available for this function:

For chopperMode:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.CHOPPER_MODE_SPREAD_CYCLE = 0
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.CHOPPER_MODE_FAST_DECAY = 1
Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.SetStealthConfiguration(ByVal enableStealth As Boolean, ByVal amplitude As Byte, ByVal gradient As Byte, ByVal enableAutoscale As Boolean, ByVal forceSymmetric As Boolean, ByVal freewheelMode As Byte)
Parameters:
  • enableStealth – Type: Boolean, Default: true
  • amplitude – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255], Default: 128
  • gradient – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255], Default: 4
  • enableAutoscale – Type: Boolean, Default: true
  • forceSymmetric – Type: Boolean, Default: false
  • freewheelMode – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0

Note: If you don't know what any of this means you can very likely keep all of the values as default!

Sets the configuration relevant for Stealth mode.

  • Enable Stealth: If set to true the stealth mode is enabled, if set to false the stealth mode is disabled, even if the speed is below the threshold set in SetBasicConfiguration().
  • Amplitude: If autoscale is disabled, the PWM amplitude is scaled by this value. If autoscale is enabled, this value defines the maximum PWM amplitude change per half wave.
  • Gradient: If autoscale is disabled, the PWM gradient is scaled by this value. If autoscale is enabled, this value defines the maximum PWM gradient. With autoscale a value above 64 is recommended, otherwise the regulation might not be able to measure the current.
  • Enable Autoscale: If set to true, automatic current control is used. Otherwise the user defined amplitude and gradient are used.
  • Force Symmetric: If true, A symmetric PWM cycle is enforced. Otherwise the PWM value may change within each PWM cycle.
  • Freewheel Mode: The freewheel mode defines the behavior in stand still if the Standstill Current (see SetBasicConfiguration()) is set to 0.

The following constants are available for this function:

For freewheelMode:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FREEWHEEL_MODE_NORMAL = 0
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FREEWHEEL_MODE_FREEWHEELING = 1
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FREEWHEEL_MODE_COIL_SHORT_LS = 2
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FREEWHEEL_MODE_COIL_SHORT_HS = 3
Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetStealthConfiguration(ByRef enableStealth As Boolean, ByRef amplitude As Byte, ByRef gradient As Byte, ByRef enableAutoscale As Boolean, ByRef forceSymmetric As Boolean, ByRef freewheelMode As Byte)
Output Parameters:
  • enableStealth – Type: Boolean, Default: true
  • amplitude – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255], Default: 128
  • gradient – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255], Default: 4
  • enableAutoscale – Type: Boolean, Default: true
  • forceSymmetric – Type: Boolean, Default: false
  • freewheelMode – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0

Returns the configuration as set by SetStealthConfiguration().

The following constants are available for this function:

For freewheelMode:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FREEWHEEL_MODE_NORMAL = 0
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FREEWHEEL_MODE_FREEWHEELING = 1
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FREEWHEEL_MODE_COIL_SHORT_LS = 2
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FREEWHEEL_MODE_COIL_SHORT_HS = 3
Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.SetCoolstepConfiguration(ByVal minimumStallguardValue As Byte, ByVal maximumStallguardValue As Byte, ByVal currentUpStepWidth As Byte, ByVal currentDownStepWidth As Byte, ByVal minimumCurrent As Byte, ByVal stallguardThresholdValue As Short, ByVal stallguardMode As Byte)
Parameters:
  • minimumStallguardValue – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 15], Default: 2
  • maximumStallguardValue – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 15], Default: 10
  • currentUpStepWidth – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0
  • currentDownStepWidth – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0
  • minimumCurrent – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0
  • stallguardThresholdValue – Type: Short, Range: [-64 to 63], Default: 0
  • stallguardMode – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0

Note: If you don't know what any of this means you can very likely keep all of the values as default!

Sets the configuration relevant for Coolstep.

  • Minimum Stallguard Value: If the Stallguard result falls below this value*32, the motor current is increased to reduce motor load angle. A value of 0 turns Coolstep off.
  • Maximum Stallguard Value: If the Stallguard result goes above (Min Stallguard Value + Max Stallguard Value + 1) * 32, the motor current is decreased to save energy.
  • Current Up Step Width: Sets the up step increment per Stallguard value. The value range is 0-3, corresponding to the increments 1, 2, 4 and 8.
  • Current Down Step Width: Sets the down step decrement per Stallguard value. The value range is 0-3, corresponding to the decrements 1, 2, 8 and 16.
  • Minimum Current: Sets the minimum current for Coolstep current control. You can choose between half and quarter of the run current.
  • Stallguard Threshold Value: Sets the level for stall output (see GetDriverStatus()). A lower value gives a higher sensitivity. You have to find a suitable value for your motor by trial and error, 0 works for most motors.
  • Stallguard Mode: Set to 0 for standard resolution or 1 for filtered mode. In filtered mode the Stallguard signal will be updated every four full-steps.

The following constants are available for this function:

For currentUpStepWidth:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.CURRENT_UP_STEP_INCREMENT_1 = 0
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.CURRENT_UP_STEP_INCREMENT_2 = 1
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.CURRENT_UP_STEP_INCREMENT_4 = 2
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.CURRENT_UP_STEP_INCREMENT_8 = 3

For currentDownStepWidth:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.CURRENT_DOWN_STEP_DECREMENT_1 = 0
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.CURRENT_DOWN_STEP_DECREMENT_2 = 1
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.CURRENT_DOWN_STEP_DECREMENT_8 = 2
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.CURRENT_DOWN_STEP_DECREMENT_32 = 3

For minimumCurrent:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.MINIMUM_CURRENT_HALF = 0
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.MINIMUM_CURRENT_QUARTER = 1

For stallguardMode:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STALLGUARD_MODE_STANDARD = 0
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STALLGUARD_MODE_FILTERED = 1
Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetCoolstepConfiguration(ByRef minimumStallguardValue As Byte, ByRef maximumStallguardValue As Byte, ByRef currentUpStepWidth As Byte, ByRef currentDownStepWidth As Byte, ByRef minimumCurrent As Byte, ByRef stallguardThresholdValue As Short, ByRef stallguardMode As Byte)
Output Parameters:
  • minimumStallguardValue – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 15], Default: 2
  • maximumStallguardValue – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 15], Default: 10
  • currentUpStepWidth – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0
  • currentDownStepWidth – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0
  • minimumCurrent – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0
  • stallguardThresholdValue – Type: Short, Range: [-64 to 63], Default: 0
  • stallguardMode – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 0

Returns the configuration as set by SetCoolstepConfiguration().

The following constants are available for this function:

For currentUpStepWidth:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.CURRENT_UP_STEP_INCREMENT_1 = 0
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.CURRENT_UP_STEP_INCREMENT_2 = 1
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.CURRENT_UP_STEP_INCREMENT_4 = 2
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.CURRENT_UP_STEP_INCREMENT_8 = 3

For currentDownStepWidth:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.CURRENT_DOWN_STEP_DECREMENT_1 = 0
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.CURRENT_DOWN_STEP_DECREMENT_2 = 1
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.CURRENT_DOWN_STEP_DECREMENT_8 = 2
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.CURRENT_DOWN_STEP_DECREMENT_32 = 3

For minimumCurrent:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.MINIMUM_CURRENT_HALF = 0
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.MINIMUM_CURRENT_QUARTER = 1

For stallguardMode:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STALLGUARD_MODE_STANDARD = 0
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STALLGUARD_MODE_FILTERED = 1
Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.SetMiscConfiguration(ByVal disableShortToGroundProtection As Boolean, ByVal synchronizePhaseFrequency As Byte)
Parameters:
  • disableShortToGroundProtection – Type: Boolean, Default: false
  • synchronizePhaseFrequency – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 15], Default: 0

Note: If you don't know what any of this means you can very likely keep all of the values as default!

Sets miscellaneous configuration parameters.

  • Disable Short To Ground Protection: Set to false to enable short to ground protection, otherwise it is disabled.
  • Synchronize Phase Frequency: With this parameter you can synchronize the chopper for both phases of a two phase motor to avoid the occurrence of a beat. The value range is 0-15. If set to 0, the synchronization is turned off. Otherwise the synchronization is done through the formula f_sync = f_clk/(value*64). In Classic Mode the synchronization is automatically switched off. f_clk is 12.8MHz.
Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetMiscConfiguration(ByRef disableShortToGroundProtection As Boolean, ByRef synchronizePhaseFrequency As Byte)
Output Parameters:
  • disableShortToGroundProtection – Type: Boolean, Default: false
  • synchronizePhaseFrequency – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 15], Default: 0

Returns the configuration as set by SetMiscConfiguration().

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.SetErrorLEDConfig(ByVal config As Byte)
Parameters:
  • config – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 3

Configures the error LED to be either turned off, turned on, blink in heartbeat mode or show an error.

If the LED is configured to show errors it has three different states:

  • Off: No error present.
  • 250ms interval blink: Overtemperature warning.
  • 1s interval blink: Input voltage too small.
  • full red: motor disabled because of short to ground in phase a or b or because of overtemperature.

The following constants are available for this function:

For config:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.ERROR_LED_CONFIG_OFF = 0
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.ERROR_LED_CONFIG_ON = 1
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.ERROR_LED_CONFIG_SHOW_HEARTBEAT = 2
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.ERROR_LED_CONFIG_SHOW_ERROR = 3
Function BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetErrorLEDConfig() As Byte
Returns:
  • config – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 3

Returns the LED configuration as set by SetErrorLEDConfig()

The following constants are available for this function:

For config:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.ERROR_LED_CONFIG_OFF = 0
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.ERROR_LED_CONFIG_ON = 1
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.ERROR_LED_CONFIG_SHOW_HEARTBEAT = 2
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.ERROR_LED_CONFIG_SHOW_ERROR = 3
Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetDriverStatus(ByRef openLoad As Byte, ByRef shortToGround As Byte, ByRef overTemperature As Byte, ByRef motorStalled As Boolean, ByRef actualMotorCurrent As Byte, ByRef fullStepActive As Boolean, ByRef stallguardResult As Byte, ByRef stealthVoltageAmplitude As Byte)
Output Parameters:
  • openLoad – Type: Byte, Range: See constants
  • shortToGround – Type: Byte, Range: See constants
  • overTemperature – Type: Byte, Range: See constants
  • motorStalled – Type: Boolean
  • actualMotorCurrent – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 31]
  • fullStepActive – Type: Boolean
  • stallguardResult – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255]
  • stealthVoltageAmplitude – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255]

Returns the current driver status.

  • Open Load: Indicates if an open load is present on phase A, B or both. This could mean that there is a problem with the wiring of the motor. False detection can occur in fast motion as well as during stand still.
  • Short To Ground: Indicates if a short to ground is present on phase A, B or both. If this is detected the driver automatically becomes disabled and stays disabled until it is enabled again manually.
  • Over Temperature: The over temperature indicator switches to "Warning" if the driver IC warms up. The warning flag is expected during long duration stepper uses. If the temperature limit is reached the indicator switches to "Limit". In this case the driver becomes disabled until it cools down again.
  • Motor Stalled: Is true if a motor stall was detected.
  • Actual Motor Current: Indicates the actual current control scaling as used in Coolstep mode. It represents a multiplier of 1/32 to 32/32 of the Motor Run Current as set by SetBasicConfiguration(). Example: If a Motor Run Current of 1000mA was set and the returned value is 15, the Actual Motor Current is 16/32*1000mA = 500mA.
  • Stallguard Result: Indicates the load of the motor. A lower value signals a higher load. Per trial and error you can find out which value corresponds to a suitable torque for the velocity used in your application. After that you can use this threshold value to find out if a motor stall becomes probable and react on it (e.g. decrease velocity). During stand still this value can not be used for stall detection, it shows the chopper on-time for motor coil A.
  • Stealth Voltage Amplitude: Shows the actual PWM scaling. In Stealth mode it can be used to detect motor load and stall if autoscale is enabled (see SetStealthConfiguration()).

The following constants are available for this function:

For openLoad:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.OPEN_LOAD_NONE = 0
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.OPEN_LOAD_PHASE_A = 1
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.OPEN_LOAD_PHASE_B = 2
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.OPEN_LOAD_PHASE_AB = 3

For shortToGround:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.SHORT_TO_GROUND_NONE = 0
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.SHORT_TO_GROUND_PHASE_A = 1
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.SHORT_TO_GROUND_PHASE_B = 2
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.SHORT_TO_GROUND_PHASE_AB = 3

For overTemperature:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.OVER_TEMPERATURE_NONE = 0
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.OVER_TEMPERATURE_WARNING = 1
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.OVER_TEMPERATURE_LIMIT = 2
Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.SetTimeBase(ByVal timeBase As Long)
Parameters:
  • timeBase – Type: Long, Unit: 1 s, Range: [0 to 232 - 1], Default: 1

Sets the time base of the velocity and the acceleration of the Silent Stepper Bricklet 2.0.

For example, if you want to make one step every 1.5 seconds, you can set the time base to 15 and the velocity to 10. Now the velocity is 10steps/15s = 1steps/1.5s.

Function BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetTimeBase() As Long
Returns:
  • timeBase – Type: Long, Unit: 1 s, Range: [0 to 232 - 1], Default: 1

Returns the time base as set by SetTimeBase().

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetAllData(ByRef currentVelocity As Integer, ByRef currentPosition As Integer, ByRef remainingSteps As Integer, ByRef inputVoltage As Integer, ByRef currentConsumption As Integer)
Output Parameters:
  • currentVelocity – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s, Range: [0 to 216 - 1]
  • currentPosition – Type: Integer, Range: [-231 to 231 - 1]
  • remainingSteps – Type: Integer, Range: [-231 to 231 - 1]
  • inputVoltage – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mV, Range: [0 to 216 - 1]
  • currentConsumption – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mA, Range: [0 to 216 - 1]

Returns the following parameters: The current velocity, the current position, the remaining steps, the stack voltage, the external voltage and the current consumption of the stepper motor.

The current consumption is calculated by multiplying the Actual Motor Current value (see SetBasicConfiguration()) with the Motor Run Current (see GetDriverStatus()). This is an internal calculation of the driver, not an independent external measurement.

The current consumption calculation was broken up to firmware 2.0.1, it is fixed since firmware 2.0.2.

There is also a callback for this function, see AllDataCallback callback.

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetSPITFPErrorCount(ByRef errorCountAckChecksum As Long, ByRef errorCountMessageChecksum As Long, ByRef errorCountFrame As Long, ByRef errorCountOverflow As Long)
Output Parameters:
  • errorCountAckChecksum – Type: Long, Range: [0 to 232 - 1]
  • errorCountMessageChecksum – Type: Long, Range: [0 to 232 - 1]
  • errorCountFrame – Type: Long, Range: [0 to 232 - 1]
  • errorCountOverflow – Type: Long, Range: [0 to 232 - 1]

Returns the error count for the communication between Brick and Bricklet.

The errors are divided into

  • ACK checksum errors,
  • message checksum errors,
  • framing errors and
  • overflow errors.

The errors counts are for errors that occur on the Bricklet side. All Bricks have a similar function that returns the errors on the Brick side.

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.SetStatusLEDConfig(ByVal config As Byte)
Parameters:
  • config – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 3

Sets the status LED configuration. By default the LED shows communication traffic between Brick and Bricklet, it flickers once for every 10 received data packets.

You can also turn the LED permanently on/off or show a heartbeat.

If the Bricklet is in bootloader mode, the LED is will show heartbeat by default.

The following constants are available for this function:

For config:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STATUS_LED_CONFIG_OFF = 0
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STATUS_LED_CONFIG_ON = 1
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STATUS_LED_CONFIG_SHOW_HEARTBEAT = 2
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STATUS_LED_CONFIG_SHOW_STATUS = 3
Function BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetStatusLEDConfig() As Byte
Returns:
  • config – Type: Byte, Range: See constants, Default: 3

Returns the configuration as set by SetStatusLEDConfig()

The following constants are available for this function:

For config:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STATUS_LED_CONFIG_OFF = 0
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STATUS_LED_CONFIG_ON = 1
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STATUS_LED_CONFIG_SHOW_HEARTBEAT = 2
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STATUS_LED_CONFIG_SHOW_STATUS = 3
Function BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetChipTemperature() As Short
Returns:
  • temperature – Type: Short, Unit: 1 °C, Range: [-215 to 215 - 1]

Returns the temperature as measured inside the microcontroller. The value returned is not the ambient temperature!

The temperature is only proportional to the real temperature and it has bad accuracy. Practically it is only useful as an indicator for temperature changes.

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.Reset()

Calling this function will reset the Bricklet. All configurations will be lost.

After a reset you have to create new device objects, calling functions on the existing ones will result in undefined behavior!

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetIdentity(ByRef uid As String, ByRef connectedUid As String, ByRef position As Char, ByRef hardwareVersion() As Byte, ByRef firmwareVersion() As Byte, ByRef deviceIdentifier As Integer)
Output Parameters:
  • uid – Type: String, Length: up to 8
  • connectedUid – Type: String, Length: up to 8
  • position – Type: Char, Range: ["a"C to "h"C, "z"C]
  • hardwareVersion – Type: Byte Array, Length: 3
    • 0: major – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255]
    • 1: minor – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255]
    • 2: revision – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255]
  • firmwareVersion – Type: Byte Array, Length: 3
    • 0: major – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255]
    • 1: minor – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255]
    • 2: revision – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255]
  • deviceIdentifier – Type: Integer, Range: [0 to 216 - 1]

Returns the UID, the UID where the Bricklet is connected to, the position, the hardware and firmware version as well as the device identifier.

The position can be 'a', 'b', 'c', 'd', 'e', 'f', 'g' or 'h' (Bricklet Port). A Bricklet connected to an Isolator Bricklet is always at position 'z'.

The device identifier numbers can be found here. There is also a constant for the device identifier of this Bricklet.

Callback Configuration Functions

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.SetMinimumVoltage(ByVal voltage As Integer)
Parameters:
  • voltage – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mV, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 8000

Sets the minimum voltage, below which the UnderVoltageCallback callback is triggered. The minimum possible value that works with the Silent Stepper Bricklet 2.0 is 8V. You can use this function to detect the discharge of a battery that is used to drive the stepper motor. If you have a fixed power supply, you likely do not need this functionality.

Function BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetMinimumVoltage() As Integer
Returns:
  • voltage – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mV, Range: [0 to 216 - 1], Default: 8000

Returns the minimum voltage as set by SetMinimumVoltage().

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.SetAllCallbackConfiguration(ByVal period As Long)
Parameters:
  • period – Type: Long, Unit: 1 ms, Range: [0 to 232 - 1], Default: 0

Sets the period with which the AllDataCallback callback is triggered periodically. A value of 0 turns the callback off.

Function BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetAllDataCallbackConfiguraton() As Long
Returns:
  • period – Type: Long, Unit: 1 ms, Range: [0 to 232 - 1], Default: 0

Returns the period as set by SetAllCallbackConfiguration().

Callbacks

Callbacks can be registered to receive time critical or recurring data from the device. The registration is done by assigning a procedure to an callback property of the device object:

Sub MyCallback(ByVal sender As BrickletSilentStepperV2, ByVal value As Short)
    Console.WriteLine("Value: {0}", value)
End Sub

AddHandler silentStepperV2.ExampleCallback, AddressOf MyCallback

The available callback property and their type of parameters are described below.

Note

Using callbacks for recurring events is always preferred compared to using getters. It will use less USB bandwidth and the latency will be a lot better, since there is no round trip time.

Event BrickletSilentStepperV2.UnderVoltageCallback(ByVal sender As BrickletSilentStepperV2, ByVal voltage As Integer)
Callback Parameters:
  • sender – Type: BrickletSilentStepperV2
  • voltage – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mV, Range: [0 to 216 - 1]

This callback is triggered when the input voltage drops below the value set by SetMinimumVoltage(). The parameter is the current voltage.

Event BrickletSilentStepperV2.PositionReachedCallback(ByVal sender As BrickletSilentStepperV2, ByVal position As Integer)
Callback Parameters:
  • sender – Type: BrickletSilentStepperV2
  • position – Type: Integer, Range: [-231 to 231 - 1]

This callback is triggered when a position set by SetSteps() or SetTargetPosition() is reached.

Note

Since we can't get any feedback from the stepper motor, this only works if the acceleration (see SetSpeedRamping()) is set smaller or equal to the maximum acceleration of the motor. Otherwise the motor will lag behind the control value and the callback will be triggered too early.

Event BrickletSilentStepperV2.AllDataCallback(ByVal sender As BrickletSilentStepperV2, ByVal currentVelocity As Integer, ByVal currentPosition As Integer, ByVal remainingSteps As Integer, ByVal inputVoltage As Integer, ByVal currentConsumption As Integer)
Callback Parameters:
  • sender – Type: BrickletSilentStepperV2
  • currentVelocity – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 1/s, Range: [0 to 216 - 1]
  • currentPosition – Type: Integer, Range: [-231 to 231 - 1]
  • remainingSteps – Type: Integer, Range: [-231 to 231 - 1]
  • inputVoltage – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mV, Range: [0 to 216 - 1]
  • currentConsumption – Type: Integer, Unit: 1 mA, Range: [0 to 216 - 1]

This callback is triggered periodically with the period that is set by SetAllCallbackConfiguration(). The parameters are: the current velocity, the current position, the remaining steps, the stack voltage, the external voltage and the current consumption of the stepper motor.

Event BrickletSilentStepperV2.NewStateCallback(ByVal sender As BrickletSilentStepperV2, ByVal stateNew As Byte, ByVal statePrevious As Byte)
Callback Parameters:
  • sender – Type: BrickletSilentStepperV2
  • stateNew – Type: Byte, Range: See constants
  • statePrevious – Type: Byte, Range: See constants

This callback is triggered whenever the Silent Stepper Bricklet 2.0 enters a new state. It returns the new state as well as the previous state.

The following constants are available for this function:

For stateNew:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STATE_STOP = 1
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STATE_ACCELERATION = 2
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STATE_RUN = 3
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STATE_DEACCELERATION = 4
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STATE_DIRECTION_CHANGE_TO_FORWARD = 5
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STATE_DIRECTION_CHANGE_TO_BACKWARD = 6

For statePrevious:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STATE_STOP = 1
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STATE_ACCELERATION = 2
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STATE_RUN = 3
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STATE_DEACCELERATION = 4
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STATE_DIRECTION_CHANGE_TO_FORWARD = 5
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.STATE_DIRECTION_CHANGE_TO_BACKWARD = 6
Event BrickletSilentStepperV2.GPIOStateCallback(ByVal sender As BrickletSilentStepperV2, ByVal gpioState() As Boolean)
Callback Parameters:
  • sender – Type: BrickletSilentStepperV2
  • gpioState – Type: Boolean Array, Length: 2

This callback is triggered by GPIO changes if it is activated through SetGPIOAction().

Virtual Functions

Virtual functions don't communicate with the device itself, but operate only on the API bindings device object. They can be called without the corresponding IP Connection object being connected.

Function BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetAPIVersion() As Byte()
Output Parameters:
  • apiVersion – Type: Byte Array, Length: 3
    • 0: major – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255]
    • 1: minor – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255]
    • 2: revision – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255]

Returns the version of the API definition implemented by this API bindings. This is neither the release version of this API bindings nor does it tell you anything about the represented Brick or Bricklet.

Function BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetResponseExpected(ByVal functionId As Byte) As Boolean
Parameters:
  • functionId – Type: Byte, Range: See constants
Returns:
  • responseExpected – Type: Boolean

Returns the response expected flag for the function specified by the function ID parameter. It is true if the function is expected to send a response, false otherwise.

For getter functions this is enabled by default and cannot be disabled, because those functions will always send a response. For callback configuration functions it is enabled by default too, but can be disabled by SetResponseExpected(). For setter functions it is disabled by default and can be enabled.

Enabling the response expected flag for a setter function allows to detect timeouts and other error conditions calls of this setter as well. The device will then send a response for this purpose. If this flag is disabled for a setter function then no response is sent and errors are silently ignored, because they cannot be detected.

The following constants are available for this function:

For functionId:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_MAX_VELOCITY = 1
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_SPEED_RAMPING = 4
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_FULL_BRAKE = 6
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_CURRENT_POSITION = 7
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_TARGET_POSITION = 9
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_STEPS = 11
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_STEP_CONFIGURATION = 14
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_DRIVE_FORWARD = 16
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_DRIVE_BACKWARD = 17
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_STOP = 18
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_MOTOR_CURRENT = 22
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_ENABLED = 24
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_BASIC_CONFIGURATION = 26
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_SPREADCYCLE_CONFIGURATION = 28
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_STEALTH_CONFIGURATION = 30
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_COOLSTEP_CONFIGURATION = 32
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_MISC_CONFIGURATION = 34
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_ERROR_LED_CONFIG = 36
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_MINIMUM_VOLTAGE = 39
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_TIME_BASE = 43
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_ALL_CALLBACK_CONFIGURATION = 46
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_GPIO_CONFIGURATION = 48
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_GPIO_ACTION = 50
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_WRITE_FIRMWARE_POINTER = 237
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_STATUS_LED_CONFIG = 239
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_RESET = 243
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_WRITE_UID = 248
Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.SetResponseExpected(ByVal functionId As Byte, ByVal responseExpected As Boolean)
Parameters:
  • functionId – Type: Byte, Range: See constants
  • responseExpected – Type: Boolean

Changes the response expected flag of the function specified by the function ID parameter. This flag can only be changed for setter (default value: false) and callback configuration functions (default value: true). For getter functions it is always enabled.

Enabling the response expected flag for a setter function allows to detect timeouts and other error conditions calls of this setter as well. The device will then send a response for this purpose. If this flag is disabled for a setter function then no response is sent and errors are silently ignored, because they cannot be detected.

The following constants are available for this function:

For functionId:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_MAX_VELOCITY = 1
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_SPEED_RAMPING = 4
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_FULL_BRAKE = 6
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_CURRENT_POSITION = 7
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_TARGET_POSITION = 9
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_STEPS = 11
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_STEP_CONFIGURATION = 14
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_DRIVE_FORWARD = 16
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_DRIVE_BACKWARD = 17
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_STOP = 18
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_MOTOR_CURRENT = 22
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_ENABLED = 24
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_BASIC_CONFIGURATION = 26
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_SPREADCYCLE_CONFIGURATION = 28
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_STEALTH_CONFIGURATION = 30
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_COOLSTEP_CONFIGURATION = 32
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_MISC_CONFIGURATION = 34
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_ERROR_LED_CONFIG = 36
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_MINIMUM_VOLTAGE = 39
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_TIME_BASE = 43
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_ALL_CALLBACK_CONFIGURATION = 46
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_GPIO_CONFIGURATION = 48
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_GPIO_ACTION = 50
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_WRITE_FIRMWARE_POINTER = 237
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_SET_STATUS_LED_CONFIG = 239
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_RESET = 243
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.FUNCTION_WRITE_UID = 248
Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.SetResponseExpectedAll(ByVal responseExpected As Boolean)
Parameters:
  • responseExpected – Type: Boolean

Changes the response expected flag for all setter and callback configuration functions of this device at once.

Internal Functions

Internal functions are used for maintenance tasks such as flashing a new firmware of changing the UID of a Bricklet. These task should be performed using Brick Viewer instead of using the internal functions directly.

Function BrickletSilentStepperV2.SetBootloaderMode(ByVal mode As Byte) As Byte
Parameters:
  • mode – Type: Byte, Range: See constants
Returns:
  • status – Type: Byte, Range: See constants

Sets the bootloader mode and returns the status after the requested mode change was instigated.

You can change from bootloader mode to firmware mode and vice versa. A change from bootloader mode to firmware mode will only take place if the entry function, device identifier and CRC are present and correct.

This function is used by Brick Viewer during flashing. It should not be necessary to call it in a normal user program.

The following constants are available for this function:

For mode:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.BOOTLOADER_MODE_BOOTLOADER = 0
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.BOOTLOADER_MODE_FIRMWARE = 1
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.BOOTLOADER_MODE_BOOTLOADER_WAIT_FOR_REBOOT = 2
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.BOOTLOADER_MODE_FIRMWARE_WAIT_FOR_REBOOT = 3
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.BOOTLOADER_MODE_FIRMWARE_WAIT_FOR_ERASE_AND_REBOOT = 4

For status:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.BOOTLOADER_STATUS_OK = 0
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.BOOTLOADER_STATUS_INVALID_MODE = 1
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.BOOTLOADER_STATUS_NO_CHANGE = 2
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.BOOTLOADER_STATUS_ENTRY_FUNCTION_NOT_PRESENT = 3
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.BOOTLOADER_STATUS_DEVICE_IDENTIFIER_INCORRECT = 4
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.BOOTLOADER_STATUS_CRC_MISMATCH = 5
Function BrickletSilentStepperV2.GetBootloaderMode() As Byte
Returns:
  • mode – Type: Byte, Range: See constants

Returns the current bootloader mode, see SetBootloaderMode().

The following constants are available for this function:

For mode:

  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.BOOTLOADER_MODE_BOOTLOADER = 0
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.BOOTLOADER_MODE_FIRMWARE = 1
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.BOOTLOADER_MODE_BOOTLOADER_WAIT_FOR_REBOOT = 2
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.BOOTLOADER_MODE_FIRMWARE_WAIT_FOR_REBOOT = 3
  • BrickletSilentStepperV2.BOOTLOADER_MODE_FIRMWARE_WAIT_FOR_ERASE_AND_REBOOT = 4
Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.SetWriteFirmwarePointer(ByVal pointer As Long)
Parameters:
  • pointer – Type: Long, Unit: 1 B, Range: [0 to 232 - 1]

Sets the firmware pointer for WriteFirmware(). The pointer has to be increased by chunks of size 64. The data is written to flash every 4 chunks (which equals to one page of size 256).

This function is used by Brick Viewer during flashing. It should not be necessary to call it in a normal user program.

Function BrickletSilentStepperV2.WriteFirmware(ByVal data() As Byte) As Byte
Parameters:
  • data – Type: Byte Array, Length: 64, Range: [0 to 255]
Returns:
  • status – Type: Byte, Range: [0 to 255]

Writes 64 Bytes of firmware at the position as written by SetWriteFirmwarePointer() before. The firmware is written to flash every 4 chunks.

You can only write firmware in bootloader mode.

This function is used by Brick Viewer during flashing. It should not be necessary to call it in a normal user program.

Sub BrickletSilentStepperV2.WriteUID(ByVal uid As Long)
Parameters:
  • uid – Type: Long, Range: [0 to 232 - 1]

Writes a new UID into flash. If you want to set a new UID you have to decode the Base58 encoded UID string into an integer first.

We recommend that you use Brick Viewer to change the UID.

Function BrickletSilentStepperV2.ReadUID() As Long
Returns:
  • uid – Type: Long, Range: [0 to 232 - 1]

Returns the current UID as an integer. Encode as Base58 to get the usual string version.

Constants

Const BrickletSilentStepperV2.DEVICE_IDENTIFIER

This constant is used to identify a Silent Stepper Bricklet 2.0.

The GetIdentity() function and the IPConnection.EnumerateCallback callback of the IP Connection have a deviceIdentifier parameter to specify the Brick's or Bricklet's type.

Const BrickletSilentStepperV2.DEVICE_DISPLAY_NAME

This constant represents the human readable name of a Silent Stepper Bricklet 2.0.