5
Part 2: Interfacing and Configuring
Rules of Wiring
• Power Supply and Motor wiring should be shielded twisted pairs, and run separately from signal-
carrying wires.
• A minimum of one twist per inch is recommended.
• Motor wiring should be shielded twisted pairs using 20 gauge, or for distances of more than 5 feet, 18
gauge or better.
• Power ground return should be as short as possible to established ground.
• Power supply wiring should be shielded twisted pairs of 18 gauge for less than 4 amps DC and 16
gauge for more than 4 amps DC.
Rules of Shielding
• The shield must be tied to zero-signal reference potential. It is necessary that the signal be earthed
or grounded, for the shield to become earthed or grounded. Earthing or grounding the shield is not
effective if the signal is not earthed or grounded.
• Do not assume that Earth ground is a true Earth ground. Depending on the distance from the main
power cabinet, it may be necessary to sink a ground rod at the critical location.
• The shield must be connected so that shield currents drain to signal-earth connections.
• The number of separate shields required in a system is equal to the number of independent signals
being processed plus one for each power entrance.
• The shield should be tied to a single point to prevent ground loops.
• A second shield can be used over the primary shield; however, the second shield is tied to ground at
both ends.
Recommended Wiring
The following wiring/cabling is recommended for use with the MForce PowerDrive:
Logic Wiring ......................................................................................................................22 AWG
Wire Strip Length ...................................................................................................0.25” (6.0 mm)
Power and Ground ........................................................................18 AWG Shielded Twisted Pair*
Motor ...............................................................................................16 AWG Shielded Twisted Pair
*See Table 2.2.1 if using a power cable longer than 10 feet. The Gauge used is dependant upon supply current
and legnth.
Recommended Mating Connectors and Pins
Logic and SPI Communications (P1)
12-pin Locking Wire Crimp Connector Shell ......................................................AMP 1-794617-2
Crimp Pins ..............................................................................................................AMP 794610-1
Power (P3)
2-pin Locking Wire Crimp Connector Shell ..................................................... Molex 51067-0200
Crimp Pins .............................................................................................. Molex 50217-9101 Brass
Motor (P4)
4-pin Locking Wire Crimp Connector Shell ....................................................... Molex 3901-2045
Crimp Pins ....................................................................................................... Molex 44476-3112