Compumotor Applications Engineering Department is aware of two issues regarding the AT6000 products that may be causing some confusion in the field. The purpose of this Technical Bulletin is to attempt to clarify these issues for current and potential users of these products.
AT6n00/OEMAT6400 and AT6n50 Memory (RAM) Specifications and Implications
Before August 1997, AT6000 products had expanded memory available as an option. Since August 1997, all products have been shipping with expanded memory as a standard feature. This change is referenced in Sales Bulletin 417 (August 22, 1997) but the memory specifications given in that bulletin are incorrect. The correct memory specifications are provided in the current Compumotor Catalog (Catalog 8000-2/USA) and are as follows:
| AT6200/AT6400 and OEMAT6400 | 1.5 Mbytes RAM |
| AT6250/AT6450 | 150 Kbytes RAM |
This memory expansion could have a minor consequence on applications. With expanded memory, it now takes longer (approximately 2 seconds longer) to initialize the AT6000 after the operating system file has been downloaded. Users should delay at least this long before trying to query or send commands to the AT6000 controller.
Computer Companies Eliminating Full-Length ISA Slots in Some Models
It has come to our attention that some computer manufacturers are not including full-length ISA slots in some models. For example, Compaq only offers a full-length ISA slot in their tower version. Apparently, this is a trend that will continue with almost all PC manufacturers. This development was precipitated from the fact that sound and modem card manufacturers have completely changed over to half-length cards.
When specifying a computer for use with an AT6000 product, it is important to verify that the computer has a full-length ISA slot available. This is also true for other motion control companies that offer full-length ISA motion cards.
Compumotor next-generation 6000 products will offer an alternative pc-connectivity, such as Ethernet, Profibus, Fieldbus, and SERCOS. Contact the Applications Dept. for more details.
