The National Instruments 778558-01 Universal Motion Interface (UMI-7774) is an essential connectivity solution designed for use with the National Instruments 73xx series motion controllers. This stand-alone interface facilitates control over up to four axes, providing either independent or simultaneous operations, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial and laboratory applications. The 778558-01 supports connection of digital I/O, feedback, along with stepper and servo drives, which must utilize industry-standard interfaces such as step and direction, CW/CCW pulse inputs for stepper systems, and a ±10 V analog input for servo systems.

The streamlined design of the 778558-01 simplifies field wiring through a single connection to the motion controller, while individual D-SUB connectors for each axis provide dedicated feedback and control. Additionally, the interface supports up to eight digital inputs and eight digital outputs via separate wire connections. A key feature is the host bus monitor power interlock, which ensures immediate drive shutdown if the host computer fails or if the motion I/O interface cable is disconnected.

Reliability and user-friendliness are central to the 778558-01’s design. It employs D-SUB connectivity for dependable device integration, includes Global Stop inputs for coordinated shutdown across all axes, and is compatible with 5 to 30 V signals and home switch/sensor compatibility. Optical isolation enhances 24 VDC signaling on inhibit signals, Global Stop inputs, triggers, limits, home, and digital I/O, effectively mitigating noise, voltage transients, and ground loops. The interface is versatile in its mounting options, accommodating panel, DIN rail, or rack installations, and features global and per-axis status LEDs for monitoring system performance.