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- ActiveX Interface for Motion Control: Provides an intuitive ActiveX control interface for SMC-series boards, allowing easy integration into Windows applications without low-level hardware programming.
- Comprehensive Motion Control Functions: Supports PTP (Point-to-Point) motion, JOG operation, origin return, bank motion, and multi-axis interpolation.
- Multi-Axis Synchronization: Enables coordinated control of multiple axes for continuous interpolation and complex motion profiles.
- Diagnostic and Setup Utilities: Includes setup and diagnostic tools for board configuration, hardware verification, and troubleshooting.
- Event-Driven Operation: Supports event functions for motion completion, error detection, and synchronization events.
- Unified API Architecture: Compatible with CONTEC’s API-PAC(W32) unified driver framework, ensuring consistent function naming and structure across device types.
- Hardware Independence: The same ActiveX interface can be used across different SMC models (PCI and ISA), minimizing code changes when upgrading hardware.
- Ease of Integration: Designed for use with Microsoft Visual Basic, Visual C++, Visual C#.NET, and Borland Delphi/C++ Builder environments.
- Windows Compatibility: Fully compatible with legacy and modern Windows operating systems, including Windows XP, 2000, NT, Me, 98, and 95.
- Sample Programs and Documentation: Includes sample source code and detailed documentation to accelerate development and testing.
- Comprehensive Motion Control Functions: Supports PTP (Point-to-Point) motion, JOG operation, origin return, bank motion, and multi-axis interpolation.
- Multi-Axis Synchronization: Enables coordinated control of multiple axes for continuous interpolation and complex motion profiles.
- Diagnostic and Setup Utilities: Includes setup and diagnostic tools for board configuration, hardware verification, and troubleshooting.
- Event-Driven Operation: Supports event functions for motion completion, error detection, and synchronization events.
- Unified API Architecture: Compatible with CONTEC’s API-PAC(W32) unified driver framework, ensuring consistent function naming and structure across device types.
- Hardware Independence: The same ActiveX interface can be used across different SMC models (PCI and ISA), minimizing code changes when upgrading hardware.
- Ease of Integration: Designed for use with Microsoft Visual Basic, Visual C++, Visual C#.NET, and Borland Delphi/C++ Builder environments.
- Windows Compatibility: Fully compatible with legacy and modern Windows operating systems, including Windows XP, 2000, NT, Me, 98, and 95.
- Sample Programs and Documentation: Includes sample source code and detailed documentation to accelerate development and testing.
1. Product Overview
Product Name: ActiveX Components for Contec SMC
Model: ACX-SMC(W95)
Article Number: ACX-SMC(W95)
Series: API-SMC(98/PC)W95 / API-SMC(98/PC)NT compatible ActiveX component set
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Product Category: Software driver and ActiveX control library for motion control boards
Supported Hardware: CONTEC SMC-2P(PCI), SMC-3(PC), and SMC-4P(PCI) motor control boards
The ACX-SMC(W95) is a specialized ActiveX component library designed to provide a Windows-based programming interface for CONTEC’s SMC series motion control boards. It enables developers to integrate precise motor control functions into custom applications using standard Windows development environments such as Visual Basic, Visual C++, and .NET. The product is part of CONTEC’s API-PAC(W32) software suite, which provides unified driver libraries for analog, digital, counter, communication, and motion control devices.
2. Key Features
- ActiveX Interface for Motion Control: Provides an intuitive ActiveX control interface for SMC-series boards, allowing easy integration into Windows applications without low-level hardware programming.
- Comprehensive Motion Control Functions: Supports PTP (Point-to-Point) motion, JOG operation, origin return, bank motion, and multi-axis interpolation.
- Multi-Axis Synchronization: Enables coordinated control of multiple axes for continuous interpolation and complex motion profiles.
- Diagnostic and Setup Utilities: Includes setup and diagnostic tools for board configuration, hardware verification, and troubleshooting.
- Event-Driven Operation: Supports event functions for motion completion, error detection, and synchronization events.
- Unified API Architecture: Compatible with CONTEC’s API-PAC(W32) unified driver framework, ensuring consistent function naming and structure across device types.
- Hardware Independence: The same ActiveX interface can be used across different SMC models (PCI and ISA), minimizing code changes when upgrading hardware.
- Ease of Integration: Designed for use with Microsoft Visual Basic, Visual C++, Visual C#.NET, and Borland Delphi/C++ Builder environments.
- Windows Compatibility: Fully compatible with legacy and modern Windows operating systems, including Windows XP, 2000, NT, Me, 98, and 95.
- Sample Programs and Documentation: Includes sample source code and detailed documentation to accelerate development and testing.
3. Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Supported Boards | SMC-2P(PCI), SMC-3(PC), SMC-4P(PCI) |
| Interface Type | PCI and ISA bus |
| Software Type | ActiveX control library (OCX) and API driver |
| Operating Systems | Windows XP Professional / Home Edition, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows NT Workstation 4.0 (SP3 or later), Windows Me, Windows 98SE/98, Windows 95 |
| Programming Interfaces | ActiveX (COM), Win32 API (DLL), Visual Basic, Visual C++, Visual C#.NET, Visual Basic.NET, Borland Delphi, C++ Builder |
| Maximum Controllable Boards | Up to 16 boards per system |
| Motion Control Capabilities | PTP motion, JOG motion, origin return, bank motion, multi-axis interpolation |
| Event Functions | Motion complete, error detection, synchronization, timer events |
| Diagnostic Tools | Setup Wizard, Diagnostic Utility, API-TOOL Configuration |
| Installation Package | Setup program with automatic board detection and driver registration |
| Library Format | DLL and ActiveX OCX components |
| Distribution | Included with SMC-series hardware or downloadable from CONTEC’s global portal |
| Documentation | HTML help files, sample code, and configuration guides |
4. Functionality
The ACX-SMC(W95) ActiveX component provides a high-level interface for controlling stepper and servo motors through CONTEC’s SMC-series motion control boards. It abstracts low-level hardware communication into accessible methods and properties that can be invoked directly from Windows-based programming environments.
Core Functional Functions:
- PTP (Point-to-Point) Motion: Executes precise positioning commands to move motors to specified coordinates.
- JOG Operation: Allows manual or continuous movement of motors for setup and calibration.
- Origin Return: Provides multiple modes for homing operations, enabling accurate reference positioning.
- Bank Motion: Supports pre-defined motion sequences for repetitive or high-speed operations.
- Multi-Axis Interpolation: Enables synchronized motion across multiple axes for complex trajectories.
- Event Handling: Generates software events for motion completion, limit detection, and error conditions.
Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation systems requiring precise motion control.
- Laboratory instrumentation and test equipment.
- Robotics and CNC machinery.
- Semiconductor and inspection equipment.
- Research and development environments using LabVIEW or Visual Basic for motion control prototyping.
Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with CONTEC’s API-PAC(W32) driver suite.
- Can be used alongside other CONTEC ActiveX components such as ACX-TIMER(W32) for synchronized timing control.
- Supports integration with LabVIEW through VI-DAQ and API-GPLV(W32) for hybrid measurement and motion systems.
5. Components & Accessories
Included Items:
- ACX-SMC(W95) ActiveX control library (OCX file)
- API-SMC(98/PC)W95 driver library (DLL)
- Setup and diagnostic utilities (API-TOOL Configuration)
- Sample programs for Visual Basic, Visual C++, and .NET
- HTML help documentation and function reference
- Installation guide and configuration manual
Optional Add-ons:
- API-PAC(W32) unified driver library (included with most CONTEC PCI boards)
- VI-DAQ LabVIEW driver library for data acquisition integration
- API-GPLV(W32) GPIB driver for LabVIEW communication modules
- COM-DRV(W32) for serial communication integration
- API-TIMER(W32) for high-precision timing control
Connectors and Interfaces:
- PCI or ISA bus connection (depending on board model)
- Standard motor control signal connectors on SMC hardware
- Software interface via COM/ActiveX and DLL function calls
6. Installation & Setup
System Requirements:
- IBM PC/AT compatible computer with available PCI or ISA slot
- Supported Windows operating system (95 through XP)
- Minimum 32 MB RAM and 10 MB free disk space
- Administrator privileges for driver installation
Installation Procedure:
1. Insert the SMC-series motion control board into the appropriate slot.
2. Run the ACX-SMC(W95) setup program.
3. The installer automatically detects installed CONTEC boards via API-TOOL Configuration.
4. Select the target board (SMC-2P, SMC-3, or SMC-4P) and install the corresponding driver.
5. Register the ActiveX control in the Windows system registry.
6. Verify installation using the included Diagnostic Utility.
Configuration:
- Use the Setup Wizard to define board parameters such as axis count, pulse output mode, and limit switch configuration.
- Save configuration profiles for reuse or deployment across multiple systems.
- Diagnostic Utility can test motion commands and verify hardware response.
Mounting Options:
- Software-only installation; physical mounting pertains to the SMC hardware boards.
7. Performance & Capabilities
Speed and Control:
- Supports high-speed pulse output for stepper and servo motor control.
- Real-time motion command execution with minimal latency.
- Event-driven architecture allows background data collection and motion monitoring.
Capacity:
- Up to 16 motion control boards can be managed simultaneously.
- Each board supports multiple axes (2 or 4 depending on model).
Efficiency:
- Optimized for Windows multitasking environments.
- Foreground and background operation modes supported.
- Unified API reduces development time and ensures consistent performance across hardware generations.
Limitations:
- Designed for Windows 95–XP; not natively supported on modern 64-bit Windows without compatibility mode.
- Requires CONTEC hardware; not a standalone motion control solution.
- Cannot be used simultaneously with National Instruments GPIB drivers or CONTEC API-GPIB(98/PC) on the same hardware.
8. Standards & Compliance
- IEEE 488.2 Compliance: For GPIB communication modules used in conjunction with motion control systems.
- Windows Hardware Compatibility: Verified operation under Windows XP, 2000, NT, Me, 98, and 95.
- Software Development Standards: COM/ActiveX compliant, Win32 API compatible.
- Industry Standards: Supports standard motion control protocols and event-driven programming models.
- Regulatory Compliance: Designed and manufactured under CONTEC’s ISO-certified quality management system.
9. Additional Information
Warranty:
Standard CONTEC software warranty applies, covering defects in media and functionality under normal use conditions.
Support:
- Technical support available through CONTEC’s global portal (www.contec.com).
- Online documentation, FAQs, and driver updates provided free of charge.
- Developer resources available via the API-TOOL Developer’s Site.
Maintenance:
- Regular updates and patches available for download.
- Diagnostic utilities assist in maintaining system integrity and verifying driver operation.
- Backward compatibility maintained across API-PAC(W32) versions.
Software Updates:
- Latest versions of API-PAC(W32) and ACX-SMC(W95) available at:
[http://www.contec.com/apipac/](http://www.contec.com/apipac/)
- Free downloads of updated driver libraries and sample programs.
Documentation and Resources:
- HTML-based function reference and programming guide.
- Sample applications demonstrating motion control, event handling, and multi-axis synchronization.
- Integration examples with LabVIEW, Visual Basic, and C#.NET.
Summary
The CONTEC ACX-SMC(W95) ActiveX component is a robust, developer-oriented software package that bridges Windows-based programming environments with CONTEC’s SMC-series motion control hardware. It provides a unified, event-driven interface for precise motor control, supporting both stepper and servo systems. With comprehensive setup utilities, diagnostic tools, and sample programs, it simplifies the development of industrial automation, robotics, and measurement systems requiring synchronized multi-axis motion. Fully integrated into CONTEC’s API-PAC(W32) ecosystem, ACX-SMC(W95) ensures consistent performance, long-term compatibility, and ease of integration across a wide range of control and measurement applications.
Product Name: ActiveX Components for Contec SMC
Model: ACX-SMC(W95)
Article Number: ACX-SMC(W95)
Series: API-SMC(98/PC)W95 / API-SMC(98/PC)NT compatible ActiveX component set
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Product Category: Software driver and ActiveX control library for motion control boards
Supported Hardware: CONTEC SMC-2P(PCI), SMC-3(PC), and SMC-4P(PCI) motor control boards
The ACX-SMC(W95) is a specialized ActiveX component library designed to provide a Windows-based programming interface for CONTEC’s SMC series motion control boards. It enables developers to integrate precise motor control functions into custom applications using standard Windows development environments such as Visual Basic, Visual C++, and .NET. The product is part of CONTEC’s API-PAC(W32) software suite, which provides unified driver libraries for analog, digital, counter, communication, and motion control devices.
2. Key Features
- ActiveX Interface for Motion Control: Provides an intuitive ActiveX control interface for SMC-series boards, allowing easy integration into Windows applications without low-level hardware programming.
- Comprehensive Motion Control Functions: Supports PTP (Point-to-Point) motion, JOG operation, origin return, bank motion, and multi-axis interpolation.
- Multi-Axis Synchronization: Enables coordinated control of multiple axes for continuous interpolation and complex motion profiles.
- Diagnostic and Setup Utilities: Includes setup and diagnostic tools for board configuration, hardware verification, and troubleshooting.
- Event-Driven Operation: Supports event functions for motion completion, error detection, and synchronization events.
- Unified API Architecture: Compatible with CONTEC’s API-PAC(W32) unified driver framework, ensuring consistent function naming and structure across device types.
- Hardware Independence: The same ActiveX interface can be used across different SMC models (PCI and ISA), minimizing code changes when upgrading hardware.
- Ease of Integration: Designed for use with Microsoft Visual Basic, Visual C++, Visual C#.NET, and Borland Delphi/C++ Builder environments.
- Windows Compatibility: Fully compatible with legacy and modern Windows operating systems, including Windows XP, 2000, NT, Me, 98, and 95.
- Sample Programs and Documentation: Includes sample source code and detailed documentation to accelerate development and testing.
3. Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Supported Boards | SMC-2P(PCI), SMC-3(PC), SMC-4P(PCI) |
| Interface Type | PCI and ISA bus |
| Software Type | ActiveX control library (OCX) and API driver |
| Operating Systems | Windows XP Professional / Home Edition, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows NT Workstation 4.0 (SP3 or later), Windows Me, Windows 98SE/98, Windows 95 |
| Programming Interfaces | ActiveX (COM), Win32 API (DLL), Visual Basic, Visual C++, Visual C#.NET, Visual Basic.NET, Borland Delphi, C++ Builder |
| Maximum Controllable Boards | Up to 16 boards per system |
| Motion Control Capabilities | PTP motion, JOG motion, origin return, bank motion, multi-axis interpolation |
| Event Functions | Motion complete, error detection, synchronization, timer events |
| Diagnostic Tools | Setup Wizard, Diagnostic Utility, API-TOOL Configuration |
| Installation Package | Setup program with automatic board detection and driver registration |
| Library Format | DLL and ActiveX OCX components |
| Distribution | Included with SMC-series hardware or downloadable from CONTEC’s global portal |
| Documentation | HTML help files, sample code, and configuration guides |
4. Functionality
The ACX-SMC(W95) ActiveX component provides a high-level interface for controlling stepper and servo motors through CONTEC’s SMC-series motion control boards. It abstracts low-level hardware communication into accessible methods and properties that can be invoked directly from Windows-based programming environments.
Core Functional Functions:
- PTP (Point-to-Point) Motion: Executes precise positioning commands to move motors to specified coordinates.
- JOG Operation: Allows manual or continuous movement of motors for setup and calibration.
- Origin Return: Provides multiple modes for homing operations, enabling accurate reference positioning.
- Bank Motion: Supports pre-defined motion sequences for repetitive or high-speed operations.
- Multi-Axis Interpolation: Enables synchronized motion across multiple axes for complex trajectories.
- Event Handling: Generates software events for motion completion, limit detection, and error conditions.
Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation systems requiring precise motion control.
- Laboratory instrumentation and test equipment.
- Robotics and CNC machinery.
- Semiconductor and inspection equipment.
- Research and development environments using LabVIEW or Visual Basic for motion control prototyping.
Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with CONTEC’s API-PAC(W32) driver suite.
- Can be used alongside other CONTEC ActiveX components such as ACX-TIMER(W32) for synchronized timing control.
- Supports integration with LabVIEW through VI-DAQ and API-GPLV(W32) for hybrid measurement and motion systems.
5. Components & Accessories
Included Items:
- ACX-SMC(W95) ActiveX control library (OCX file)
- API-SMC(98/PC)W95 driver library (DLL)
- Setup and diagnostic utilities (API-TOOL Configuration)
- Sample programs for Visual Basic, Visual C++, and .NET
- HTML help documentation and function reference
- Installation guide and configuration manual
Optional Add-ons:
- API-PAC(W32) unified driver library (included with most CONTEC PCI boards)
- VI-DAQ LabVIEW driver library for data acquisition integration
- API-GPLV(W32) GPIB driver for LabVIEW communication modules
- COM-DRV(W32) for serial communication integration
- API-TIMER(W32) for high-precision timing control
Connectors and Interfaces:
- PCI or ISA bus connection (depending on board model)
- Standard motor control signal connectors on SMC hardware
- Software interface via COM/ActiveX and DLL function calls
6. Installation & Setup
System Requirements:
- IBM PC/AT compatible computer with available PCI or ISA slot
- Supported Windows operating system (95 through XP)
- Minimum 32 MB RAM and 10 MB free disk space
- Administrator privileges for driver installation
Installation Procedure:
1. Insert the SMC-series motion control board into the appropriate slot.
2. Run the ACX-SMC(W95) setup program.
3. The installer automatically detects installed CONTEC boards via API-TOOL Configuration.
4. Select the target board (SMC-2P, SMC-3, or SMC-4P) and install the corresponding driver.
5. Register the ActiveX control in the Windows system registry.
6. Verify installation using the included Diagnostic Utility.
Configuration:
- Use the Setup Wizard to define board parameters such as axis count, pulse output mode, and limit switch configuration.
- Save configuration profiles for reuse or deployment across multiple systems.
- Diagnostic Utility can test motion commands and verify hardware response.
Mounting Options:
- Software-only installation; physical mounting pertains to the SMC hardware boards.
7. Performance & Capabilities
Speed and Control:
- Supports high-speed pulse output for stepper and servo motor control.
- Real-time motion command execution with minimal latency.
- Event-driven architecture allows background data collection and motion monitoring.
Capacity:
- Up to 16 motion control boards can be managed simultaneously.
- Each board supports multiple axes (2 or 4 depending on model).
Efficiency:
- Optimized for Windows multitasking environments.
- Foreground and background operation modes supported.
- Unified API reduces development time and ensures consistent performance across hardware generations.
Limitations:
- Designed for Windows 95–XP; not natively supported on modern 64-bit Windows without compatibility mode.
- Requires CONTEC hardware; not a standalone motion control solution.
- Cannot be used simultaneously with National Instruments GPIB drivers or CONTEC API-GPIB(98/PC) on the same hardware.
8. Standards & Compliance
- IEEE 488.2 Compliance: For GPIB communication modules used in conjunction with motion control systems.
- Windows Hardware Compatibility: Verified operation under Windows XP, 2000, NT, Me, 98, and 95.
- Software Development Standards: COM/ActiveX compliant, Win32 API compatible.
- Industry Standards: Supports standard motion control protocols and event-driven programming models.
- Regulatory Compliance: Designed and manufactured under CONTEC’s ISO-certified quality management system.
9. Additional Information
Warranty:
Standard CONTEC software warranty applies, covering defects in media and functionality under normal use conditions.
Support:
- Technical support available through CONTEC’s global portal (www.contec.com).
- Online documentation, FAQs, and driver updates provided free of charge.
- Developer resources available via the API-TOOL Developer’s Site.
Maintenance:
- Regular updates and patches available for download.
- Diagnostic utilities assist in maintaining system integrity and verifying driver operation.
- Backward compatibility maintained across API-PAC(W32) versions.
Software Updates:
- Latest versions of API-PAC(W32) and ACX-SMC(W95) available at:
[http://www.contec.com/apipac/](http://www.contec.com/apipac/)
- Free downloads of updated driver libraries and sample programs.
Documentation and Resources:
- HTML-based function reference and programming guide.
- Sample applications demonstrating motion control, event handling, and multi-axis synchronization.
- Integration examples with LabVIEW, Visual Basic, and C#.NET.
Summary
The CONTEC ACX-SMC(W95) ActiveX component is a robust, developer-oriented software package that bridges Windows-based programming environments with CONTEC’s SMC-series motion control hardware. It provides a unified, event-driven interface for precise motor control, supporting both stepper and servo systems. With comprehensive setup utilities, diagnostic tools, and sample programs, it simplifies the development of industrial automation, robotics, and measurement systems requiring synchronized multi-axis motion. Fully integrated into CONTEC’s API-PAC(W32) ecosystem, ACX-SMC(W95) ensures consistent performance, long-term compatibility, and ease of integration across a wide range of control and measurement applications.
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