Re: EPICS modulle for Piezosystem Jena's piezo controller NV 40/1 CLE

[LiangChih Chiang via Tech-talk <tech-talk at aps.anl.gov>]

Hello,

> Mark Rivers

>I have written Model3 motor drivers for some pretty simple piezo controllers from Newport.
Thanks. Good reference.


> Mark Clift.
>There is a model 3 EPICS driver for a similar device AMC100 at the link below.
Thanks. Good reference.
However, the functionalities are divided into four parts: Axis, Connector, Controller, and Poller;
which causes unnecessary complexity.


> Abdalla Ahmad
>Attached is the PDF manual. The device's RS232 interface is very simple,
>with two modes of operation: closed-loop and open-loop.
>Looking at the list of commands, I suppose you only need to implement
>asynMotorAxis::move and asynMotorAxis::setClosedLoop ,
>I don't think you would need more than these because of the limited commands set.
Yes. The controller is extremely simple, and that made me a bit of worry
whether I could implement Model 3 motor driver for it.

To operate the controller remotely,
there is a command "i1" to "activate remote control".

Which part of Model 3 motor driver code should I put this activation command?


> Matthew Pearson
>There’s another option, implement the stream device protocol version,
>and then add a soft motor on top, which gives you the motor record interface.
>If you then think a full model 3 driver makes sense,
>then you can implement this without changing the external interface for clients.

Pretty good option if the controller on my hands is not that simple.

Because the controller is so simple, "streamdevice and soft motor" seems not worth it.
The controller is discontinued, I probably won't see it next time.

I'll implement Model 3 motor driver for it.
I think that'll be easy.

On Mon, May 18, 2026 at 9:58 PM Pearson, Matthew <pearsonmr at ornl.gov> wrote:

Hi,

 

There’s another option, implement the stream device protocol version, and then add a soft motor on top, which gives you the motor record interface. If you then think a full model 3 driver makes sense, then you can implement this without changing the external interface for clients.

 

Cheers,

Matt

 

From: Tech-talk <tech-talk-bounces at aps.anl.gov> On Behalf Of Mark Rivers via Tech-talk
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2026 8:55 AM
To: Torsten Bögershausen <tboegi at edom.se>; LiangChih Chiang <yehnan174 at gmail.com>
Cc: tech-talk at aps.anl.gov
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: EPICS modulle for Piezosystem Jena's piezo controller NV 40/1 CLE

 

Hi LiangChih, I have written Model3 motor drivers for some pretty simple piezo controllers from Newport. https: //github. com/epics-motor/motorNewport/blob/master/newportApp/src/AGAP_CONEX. cpp https: //github. com/epics-motor/motorNewport/blob/master/newportApp/src/AG_CONEX. cpp

Hi LiangChih,

 

I have written Model3 motor drivers for some pretty simple piezo controllers from Newport.

 

https://github.com/epics-motor/motorNewport/blob/master/newportApp/src/AGAP_CONEX.cpp

https://github.com/epics-motor/motorNewport/blob/master/newportApp/src/AG_CONEX.cpp

https://github.com/epics-motor/motorNewport/blob/master/newportApp/src/AG_UC.cpp

 

The drivers are 450-600 lines of code and should make a good starting point for your controller.

 

Mark

 

---

From: Tech-talk <tech-talk-bounces at aps.anl.gov> on behalf of LiangChih Chiang via Tech-talk <tech-talk at aps.anl.gov>
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2026 5:45 AM
To: Torsten Bögershausen <tboegi at edom.se>
Cc: tech-talk at aps.anl.gov <tech-talk at aps.anl.gov>
Subject: Re: EPICS modulle for Piezosystem Jena's piezo controller NV 40/1 CLE

 

 

to Abdalla Ahmad:

>> I don't think developing a model 3 motor driver for this piezo controller makes sense.

>I agree.

>But I would like to provide motor record for this piezo controller,

>in order to treat it like a motor.

Because all of other piezo controllers in my facility have motor record interface,

and some features based on EPICS records use motor record.

 

>However, the attached files are jpg and part of the bigger spec.

Searching "Piezosystem Jena NV 40/1 CLE" will get you link to user manual of this piezo controller.

 

>The model 3 driver involves some C/C++ coding.

I have experience developing Model 3 motor driver fo Kohzu Aries motor controller and nanoFAKTUR EBD060310 piezo controller.

 

>Please let me know, if you want help here.

Before coding, I would like to know if you EPICS mates have related experience for such a simple device.

 

 

 

 

On Mon, May 18, 2026 at 6:34 PM Torsten Bögershausen <tboegi at edom.se> wrote:

I would say, in opposite to other opinions,
that developing a model 3 driver makes sense.

However, the attached files are jpg and part
of the bigger spec.

The mentioned poll() function needs to find out,
where the positioner is - in closed loop.
If it is homed/referenced/calibrated.
That code needs to be somewhere,
either you use streamDevice or a proper model 3 driver.
In streamDevice you set up db files, which may feel easier
for some people.
The model 3 driver involves some C/C++ coding.
Please let me know, if you want help here.
BR
/Torsten



On 2026-05-18 09:40, LiangChih Chiang via Tech-talk wrote:
> Dear EPICS mates,
>
> I need to control a piezo actuator via
> Piezosystem Jena's piezo controller NV 40/1 CLE,
> which is very old and discontinued.
>
> Its commands are extremely simple:(please see attach files)
> i1  activate remote control
> i0 deactivate remote control
> cl  closed loop on
> ol  closed loop off
> rd  read a value (µm for closed loop, volt for open loop)
> wr,<value>  write a value (µm for closed loop, volt for open loop)
>
> I'm wondering if it's possible to develop
> a "Model 3" motor driver for it.
>
> Do you guys have experience for similiar suuch simple devices?
>