Description
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | DMC-9940 |
| Manufacturer | Galil Motion Control |
| Product Type | PCI-bus motion controller |
| Controlled Axes | 1–4 |
| Host Interface | PCI bus |
| Processor | 32-bit dedicated processor |
| Operating System | Built-in real-time OS |
| Encoder Feedback Frequency | Up to 12 MHz |
| Step Pulse Output | Up to 3 MHz |
| Control Modes | Position, velocity, torque-related command functions; verify drive configuration |
| Interpolation | Linear and circular |
| Electronic Gearing | Supported |
| Electronic Camming | Supported |
| General Digital Inputs | 8 optically isolated inputs, 5–28VDC |
| General Digital Outputs | 8 programmable TTL outputs |
| Optional I/O Expansion | 64 additional I/O points |
| ADC Inputs | 8 × 12-bit, optional |
| Communication | PCI bus, high-speed bidirectional FIFO |
| Supply Requirements | +5VDC, 400mA; +12VDC, 40mA; -12VDC, 40mA |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to +70°C |
| Dimensions | 290 × 107 mm |
| Connector | 100-pin high-density connector |
Specifications are based on the DMC-9940 product documentation reproduced in a technical product reference. Optional functions and expansion hardware must be distinguished from the standard card configuration.
Product Introduction
The Galil DMC-9940 is a four-axis PCI motion controller designed for industrial machinery requiring coordinated servo or stepper motor movement. Unlike a basic pulse-generation board, it contains its own processor and real-time operating system, allowing motion programs, parameters, and control sequences to execute directly on the card. This reduces dependence on the host computer for time-critical motion tasks.
DMC-9940
The controller supports point-to-point positioning, velocity control, linear and circular interpolation, electronic gearing, electronic camming, and continuous-path motion. Encoder feedback and high-speed position capture support closed-loop positioning and synchronization. Its PCI interface and 100-pin high-density connector make host-PC compatibility and external I/O wiring important considerations when replacing an existing unit.
Major Features and Advantages
Four-axis coordinated motion
The DMC-9940 controls between one and four axes on a single card. Its motion functions support coordinated movement for machinery requiring synchronized positioning and continuous-path control.
Independent real-time processing
The onboard 32-bit processor and real-time operating system execute motion programs without requiring the host PC to handle every time-critical operation. The controller also supports multiple independent multitasking programs.
High-speed encoder feedback
The documented encoder feedback frequency reaches 12 MHz. This supports high-speed feedback acquisition for servo positioning and motion synchronization.
High-frequency step generation
The controller supports step-and-direction pulse output up to 3 MHz, making it suitable for compatible stepper and pulse-command servo drives.
Programmable I/O
Eight optically isolated inputs and eight programmable outputs are included. Optional expansion hardware provides additional I/O capacity for applications with more extensive machine signaling.
Flexible motion programming
The controller supports stored programs, arrays, variables, event-driven execution, and programmable motion profiles. These functions allow application-specific motion sequences to run within the controller.
Application Scenarios and Field Pitfalls
Typical applications include:
- CNC machinery and precision machining equipment.
- Automated positioning and handling systems.
- Semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
- Packaging and printing machinery.
- Multi-axis servo and stepper motor systems.
- Machine vision systems requiring high-speed position capture.
Important engineering checks:
- Confirm that the host computer supports the required PCI interface.
- Verify the installed driver and Galil software version.
- Check the 100-pin connector and external cable pinout.
- Confirm servo or stepper drive command compatibility.
- Verify encoder signal type, voltage, and feedback wiring.
- Check whether the installation uses optional I/O expansion.
- Back up stored motion programs, parameters, and arrays before replacement.
Field warning: The DMC-9940 is not a PCIe card. Do not assume that a PCIe slot or passive adapter will provide reliable operation. Host BIOS compatibility, PCI bus availability, driver support, and the operating system must be checked before installation.
Related Products and Accessories
| Model | Function |
|---|---|
| DMC-1842 | Related Galil motion controller platform |
| GALILSUITE | Servo tuning and analysis software |
| GALILTOOLS | Motion-control development and analysis tools |
| CABLE-100 | 100-pin high-density connection cable |
| ICM-1900T | 100-pin terminal board |
| IOM-1964T | 64-point optically isolated I/O terminal module |
| DB-14064 | I/O expansion board |
These products support the broader Galil motion-control ecosystem; they are not direct substitutes for the DMC-9940.
Procurement and Quality Control
For a Galil replacement, request:
- Complete model and PCB revision photographs.
- PCI edge connector inspection.
- 100-pin connector condition and pin inspection.
- Power-up and controller recognition test.
- Encoder feedback test results.
- Pulse output verification.
- Digital input/output functional test.
- Stored program and memory retention verification.
- Confirmation of new, used, repaired, or refurbished condition.
Engineering recommendation: Match the hardware revision and verify the host PC’s PCI compatibility before purchasing. For an existing machine, preservation of the original motion program, encoder scaling, axis configuration, and external I/O wiring is essential to avoid unexpected motion after replacement.
