Learn Robotics & CNC Control with Serial Ports

[Shawnzyoo]

I am interested in learning how to control various motors
via my linux computer for robotics projects and possible cnc machines
it seems that serial ports are the most prevalently used for basic robot control
does anyone have any suggestions on where to start?
thanks

 

[chroot]

Study the UART (universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter) used in PCs for serial port communication, typically compatible with the 16550A. You should be able to build a device around another such UART, thus one UART on each end of the serial communications channel.

You may also want to consider using an EZ-USB microcontroller from Cypress Semiconductor. It not only provides fast USB connectivity (with drivers for your PC), it's also a complete, enhanced 8051 microcontroller, meaning you might be able to complete your entire design on a single chip.

- Warren