Can the NI SMD-76xx Stepper Drive Be Controlled From a Real-Time Target Using Ethernet and SoftMotion?

Updated Jul 9, 2026

Reported In

Hardware

  • SMD-7616
  • SMD-7613
  • SMD-7614
  • SMD-7615

Software

  • LabVIEW SoftMotion Module

Issue Details

I am looking to communicate with my SMD-76xx Stepper Drive using the LabVIEW SoftMotion Module, but would like to do so without using the NI-9512 Stepper Drive Interface Module. Is it possible for me to control my SMD using SoftMotion by communicating over Ethernet from my real-time target?

Solution

The NI-9512 module is not required to control an SMD-76xx drive using SoftMotion - you can do so using just Ethernet. However, If you use the 9512, you can guarantee determinism for the signals sent from the SMD-76xx back to the controller. If you only connect the SMD-76xx using Ethernet, then signals sent from your SMD-76xx to your real-time controller will not be deterministic, which can cause timing problems and crashes for time-sensitive applications.

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