Interpret G-code into motor control signals

c++ embedded fpga g-code
Jedi Engineer picture Jedi Engineer · Dec 10, 2014 · Viewed 10k times · Source

I'm not sure that this is the right place to post this question, but I figured it was a good start since it deals with code... if not, please point me to the right forum, thanks.

I'm looking to create a G-Code interpreter on a C/C++/FPGA embedded system and I'm not quite sure of how to translate G-code into motor movement signals. This is a project for a proprietary system so there's a lot of extras I don't need like variable gearing ratios, etc. Does anyone know where I can find this info, or know if there's an open source interpreter that I can view as an aid?

Thanks all!

Answer

Martin Prazak picture Martin Prazak · Dec 10, 2014

There are many open source implementations of G-code interpreters for 3D printers and home-made CNC machines. Even though there is no universal standard (as Hans mentions in comments), the open source community arrived at a consensus that seems to be generally accepted (description can be found on reprap wiki).

Reprap website also provides a list of open source firmwares and interpreters used in 3D printers and CNC machines, which you can use as a start. I am not sure if there is an open source implementation on an FPGA, though, as most open source projects use an Arduino or similar mainstream controllers.

Personally, for CNC machines, I have successfully used the grbl firmware, which many other firmware implementations derive from (e.g., Marlin).

Related questions

Compiling an application for use in highly radioactive environments

We are compiling an embedded C++ application that is deployed in a shielded device in an environment bombarded with ionizing radiation. We are using GCC and cross-compiling for ARM. When deployed, our application generates some erroneous data and crashes more …

Read More
C++, can I statically initialize a std::map at compile time?

If I code this std::map<int, char> example = { (1, 'a'), (2, 'b'), (3, 'c') }; then g++ says to me deducing from brace-enclosed initializer list requires #include <initializer_list> in C++98 ‘example’ must be initialized by constructor, not by ‘{...}’ …

Read More
Is there any alternative to using % (modulus) in C/C++?

I read somewhere once that the modulus operator is inefficient on small embedded devices like 8 bit micro-controllers that do not have integer division instruction. Perhaps someone can confirm this but I thought the difference is 5-10 time slower than with …

Read More