ETH-MC is a high performance motion controller for CNC machines designed for use with popular Mach3 CNC control software in Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10 operating systems with 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) architectures. As an external controller, it brings various improvements in comparison to using Mach3 software with parallel port.
Motion controller ETH-MC with its integrated 32-bit microcontroller and the powerful FPGA chip, takes over all real-time tasks that require precision timing. Therefore, computer CPU is less loaded, so that Mach3 now can work on less powerful desktop, laptop, and even tablet computers.
At the same time, much higher output frequency for the step signal (up to 5 MHz) is achieved and much better quality of the output signal than it is possible with parallel port regardless of performances of used computer. A large number of functions have been added and many existing have been improved.
The Ethernet connection with a computer is considered to be one of the most robust connection types, so it is suitable for application in difficult industrial conditions. It should be noted that wired Ethernet connection also features galvanic isolation between ETH-MC motion controller and a PC computer.
Main features of ETH-MC motion controller
- Four layer circuit board, FPGA + 32-bit microcontroller
- Ethernet 10/100 Mbit connection
- Advanced smooth trajectory interpolation
- 6 axes + spindle axis, 5 MHz max. step signal frequency, adjustable pulse width
- Available axis output modes: step/dir, cw/ccw, quadrature
- 32 digital inputs, 5 V Schmitt triggers
- 32 digital outputs, 5 V TTL
- 4 analog inputs, 0-5 V
- 7 quadrature encoders reading at 12,5 MHz max (resolution multiplied by 4 in hardware)
- All digital inputs and outputs freely remapable
- For all digital inputs and outputs adjustable active state (low/high)
- Hardware feedhold (instantaneous activation, no delay)
- Hardware MPG mode (real-time control, no latency) + all Mach3 MPG modes
- Synchronized motion generation using encoder as feedback (electronic gearing)
- Threading with lathe, encoder based (G32, G76) using Mach3turn; advanced, autonomous synchronized motion generation,
no pullout delay at the end of a cut pass, successive G32 moves can be seamlessly joined in tapered threads... - Rigid tapping using Spindle encoder as feedback, axis selection, forward/reverse speed adjustment etc.
- THC integrated controller with advanced precision PID regulator (closed loop 1 kHz ) and classic Up/Down regulator (for usage with THC voltage sensor connected to one of the analog inputs)
- THC support for external Up/Down controller
- THC acceleration ramped moves, voltage sampling, anti-plunge support, arc detection...
- THC advanced option: Low pass filter, Kerf detect, THC lock from G-code, consumable status...
- Laser PWM output, fast M10/M11, eNp0/eNp1 port commands, PWM gate by M10/M11
- Laser power compensation, adjustable arbitrary curve relation to speed of motion
- Laser 8-bit gray level engraving
- Detailed setup for debouncing for all digital inputs and adjustable digital filters for encoder inputs
- SoftLimits
- Probing function (G31)
- Backlash compensation
- One standard PWM output ( for spindle / laser) + two additional PWM outputs (10Hz – 200KHz)
- Shuttle mode, control using MPG or using potentiometer via analog input
- Slave axes
- Spindle index input, adjustable divider
- Charge pump output signals, adjustable frequency (12,5 kHz and 5 kHz)
- Offline mode
- Limits override, auto/manual/external
- Configurable special functions for control via analog inputs or encoders (FRO, SRO, Set User Variable, Set User DRO...)
- Analog Joystick Jog control - NEW
Image Gallery
https://www.audiohms.com/en/cnc-electronics-products/motion-controllers-and-breakout-boards/motion-controllers/eth-mc-motion-controller#sigProIdecb181a9c9
Technical specifications
| Function | Description |
| Connection with PC | Ethernet 10/100 MBit, TCP/IP - data buffer size of about 1 s for stable communication, Auto crossover detection |
| Number of axes | 6 + Spindle axis |
| Number of digital outputs | 32 |
| Number of digital inputs | 32 |
| Maximum STEP signal frequency | 5 MHz (adjustable from plugin for every axis) |
| STEP pulse width | 50 % (or fixed, adjustable from plugin for every axis) |
| PWM outputs | 10 Hz – 200 kHz |
| PWM duty cycle resolution | 16 bits |
| Frequency of signal on Index input | ≤ 50 MHz |
| Pulse width on Index input | ≥ 10 ns |
| MPG/encoders input (x4) frequency | ≤ 12,5 M steps/sec |
| Digital inputs type | Schmitt trigger, 5 V, Pull-up resistors 4.7 kΩ |
| Digital outputs type | TTL, 5V |
| Maximum current on digital outputs | 32 mA |
| Number of analog inputs | 4 |
| Analog input range | 0 – 5 V, 10 bits |
| Charge pump outputs | 2 |
| Charge pump frequency | 12.5 kHz or 5 kHz |
| Power supply | 8 – 25 VDC / 0.25 A – 1 A (current draw depends on connected peripherals) |
| Dimensions (W x L x H) | 100 mm x 111 mm x 32 mm |
| Weight | ~ 75 g |
NOTE: Shown specifications are subject to change without prior notice
DOWNLOADS
| Document & Software | Description |
 eth-mc-box_man_en.pdf |
ETH-MC & ETH-BOX motion controllers User's manual |
 eth_config.zip |
Network parameters confuguration software |
Mach3 Plugins & Screens for ETH-MC & ETH-BOX motion controllers
| Date | Plugins & Screens | Description |
| February 2023. | fethmc_drv114_109.zip |
Plugin v01.14 & Firmware v01.09 - Correction: option "Synthetized Index pulse" does not operate correctly when Spindle encoder counter counts in negative direction |
| October 2022. | fethmc_drv1.14.zip |
Plugin v01.14 & Firmware v01.08 - Correction: threading using positive Z coordinate increment - Correction: if threading is canceled using STOP button then moving of X and Z axis is not permitted until reset - Correction: incorrect Probing target point when machine coordinates view is active |
| March 2022. | fethmc_drv1.13.zip |
Plugin v01.13 & Firmware v01.07 - Correction for problem in hardware MPG mode that occurs when step is set to 0.001 mm - Corrected problem with referencing axes that causes some function calls from VB macros not to work |
| March 2021. | fethmc_drv1.11.zip |
Plugin v01.11 & Firmware v01.05 Corrected errors that apply to using multiple MPGs: - Inability to set different Count/Unit parameters independent for each MPG - Parameter StepsPer is not used for the controling axis but is incorrectly read by MPG order |
| Decembar 2019. | fethmc_drv1.10.zip |
Plugin v01.10 & Firmware v01.04 Changes related to functionality of hardware MPG mode eliminate the following problems: - Unable to set zero for axes while MPG mode is active, - Unable to start other functions (G-code, referencing, etc.) when MPG mode is active |
| November 2019. | fethmc_drv1.09.zip |
Plugin v01.09 & Firmware v01.03 - Added option to control axes (Jog) using analog Joystick |
| June 2019. | fethmc_drv1.08.zip |
Plugin v01.08 & Firmware v01.02 - Added new option THC Voltage Override for fine adjustment of the torch voltage while cutting - Added possibility to control THC nominal voltage and voltage override by using potentiometer on analog input or rotational encoder (special functions) or using pendant - New customized Plasma screen with added controls for THC Voltage Override function - Fixed bug: activating hardware feedhold was not possible near the end of the G-code program |
| June 2019. | PlasmaAohmsETHMC108.zip |
New customized Plasma screen. Compatible with Plugin v01.08 & Firmware v01.02 and higher |
| Februar 2019. | fethmc_drv1.07.zip |
Plugin v01.07 & Firmware v1.01 Initial version of plugin |
| Februar 2019. | PlasmaAohmsETHMC.zip |
Modified Plasma screen for ETH-MC and ETH-BOX motion controllers |
NOTE: Mach3 plugin contains integrated latest compatible firmware version, so in case that firmware has to be updated, this process is automatic and easy for the user.
