Ideal system for CNC machines control
CSMIO/IP-S is a 6-axis motion controller. In combination with a PC and control software (simCNC, Mach3, Mach4) it’s an ideal system for CNC machines control. CSMIO/IP-S was designed for professionals, CNC automation manufacturers, retrofit specialists, and hobbyists, who want to equip their machine tool with efficient, stable and flexible CNC control system for the reasonable price.

How does it work?
In short, control software (simCNC, Mach3, Mach4) installed on a PC is the brain and CSMIO/IP-S controller is the heart of a control system. The control software (simCNC, Mach3, Mach4) changes gcodes into motion trajectory and sends it through the network connection to the CSMIO/IP-S. Basing on the trajectory the controller generates accurate step/dir signal for all axes. This division of tasks makes PC is less loaded.
The Main Advantages
Operation Stability is provided by connection with PC via Ethernet – its physical layer is galvanically isolated, used protocols provide reliable and fast transmission even in the tough industrial environment). Practically any other interface do not provide continuity and reliability of transmission on such a high level as ETHERNET. That is why it is currently the worldwide standard for high-speed digital communication.
Easy installation – one of the most significant advantages of CSMIO/IP-S is the simplicity of installation. It does not require any external electronics for correct operation. Inputs/outputs signals are optically isolated, filtered, protected against short circuits, overheating, etc. All signals are adapted to industry 24V standards. The device is enclosed in a compact housing, mounted on a DIN-rail, which makes mechanical and electronic installation in a control cabinet take less time and is even more comfortable.
CSMIO/IP-S controller works with simCNC and Mach3/Mach4 software because of their low price, popularity, and enormous capability to adapt to specific requirements. As for the control signal, it is the favorite step/direction (step/dir) standard. This way you can control both – stepper motor drives and the most modern servo drives. Thanks to the frequency of stop signal that reaches to 4MHz (Mach3) or 8MHz (simCNC, Mach4) you can take maximum advantage of stepper division in stepper motors the same reducing resonance and significantly improving the performance of a propulsion system. It also provides the full advantage of encoders with a large number of pulses per rotation in servo drives and the same lets you achieve such precision and speed, which previously were unavailable in this price sector.
The main advantages of the CSMIO/IP-S controller
- Step/dir signal – after the first run of a CNC machine equipped with the CSMIO/IP-S controller you will notice how smooth and precise is the work of your motors. It’s thanks to high-quality step/dir signal and data buffer which stores a small part of trajectory sent by control software (simCNC, Mach3, Mach4).
- Data buffer – the mentioned trajectory buffer provides uninterrupted operation of a CNC machine, even in case of temporary problems with network connection or software control.
- Slave axis support – up to 3 slave axes support with gantry geometry correction.
- Safety system – the significant advantage of the CSMIO/IP-S controller, is its safety system. It constantly watches over the safety of a user and a machine. It consists of many independent algorithms and watchdogs which react very fast in case of forbidden or alarm situations. RESET support for axis drives. Support of FAULT signals from servo drives (immediate stop of a machine in case of any axis accident).
- Solid aluminum housing, which dissipates heat and protects electronic circuits very well. Readable led controls on a front panel which makes it easier to install and simplify diagnostics in case of any problems with switches or other external devices that cooperate with the CSMIO/IP-S.
- Macros – you can control all digital and analog signals using Visual Basic (Mach3), Lua (Mach4), Python (simCNC) macros.
- Industry standard – CSMIO/IP-S controller is adapted to worldwide standards applied by servo and stepper drives manufacturers, including:
- step/dir outputs supported by differential line transmitters DS26C31 (RS422 standard compliant)
- opto-isolated 24VDC digital outputs supported by specialized systems with protection against short-circuit and overload.
- opto-isolated 24VDC digital inputs
- 0-10V analog inputs used to connect potentiometers of spindle rotation speed correction and axis feed rate.
- 0-10V analog outputs used, i.e., for VFD control.
Expansion modules
You can extend CSMIO/IP-S features using the additional expansion modules:
- CSMIO-ENC – the module provides threading capability with encoder, rigid tapping
- CSMIO-MPG – module for manual axes operation using handwheel encoder. Very smooth control of machine motion, automatic switching between speed and position modes.
- CSMIO-IO – module of additional 16 digital inputs and 8 digital outputs (24V, opto-isolation, overload protection). You can use up to 16 of these modules.
The housing of the CSMIO/IP-S controller and all the expansion modules is adapted to DIN 35mm rail mounting.
Main & Special Features
CSMIO/IP-S features in comparison to other CSMIO/IP controllers
PARAMETER |
CSMIO/IP-S |
CSMIO/IP-A |
CSMIO/IP-M |
Number of axes | 6 |
6 |
4 |
Digital inputs number |
32 |
24 |
12 |
Digital outputs number |
16 |
16 |
4 |
Relay outputs number |
– |
– |
2 |
Analog inputs number |
4 |
4 |
2 |
Analog outputs number |
2 |
6 (+/- 10V) |
2 |
Supply voltage |
24VDC +/-10% |
24VDC +/-10% |
24VDC +/-10% |
Power consumption |
5W |
5W |
5W |
Maximum voltage on in/out lines |
30VDC |
30VDC |
30VDC |
Maximum load of output line |
250mA |
250mA |
250mA |
Voltage range of analog inputs |
0-10VDC |
0-10VDC |
0-10VDC |
Maximum load of analog outputs |
5mA |
5mA |
5mA |
Axis’ drivers control type |
Step/Direction (STEP/DIR) |
Analog |
Step/Direction (STEP/DIR) |
Maximum frequency of STEP signal (Mach3/simCNC, Mach4) |
4MHz /8MHz |
– |
125kHz |
STEP signal duty cycle |
50% |
– |
50% |
PC connection type |
Ethernet 10/100Mb |
Ethernet 10/100Mb |
Ethernet 10/100Mb |
Ambient temperature range |
0oC to +60oC |
0oC to +60oC |
0oC to +60oC |
Relative humidity (without condensation) |
10% – 95% |
10% – 95% |
10% – 95% |
CSMIO-MPG module support | ![]() |
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CSMIO-IO module support | ![]() |
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CSMIO-ENC module support | ![]() |
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Backlash compensation | ![]() |
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Homing on INDEX | ![]() |
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Slave axes | ![]() |
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*basic ![]() |
THC analog mode | ![]() |
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Spindle axis | ![]() |
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#G32# threading | ![]() |
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RIGID TAPPING | ![]() |
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Closed Loop Spindle Control | ![]() |
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Feedback | ![]() |
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CSMIO/IP-A and CSMIO/IP-S support rigid tapping (sample video) and for that they require:
- CSMIO-ENC module
- incremental encoder with INDEX signal (recommended 10.000 p/rev with all edges), installed on a spindle, spindle pulley 1:1
- VB macro M84 is available on our website
Application
CSMIO/P-S is recommended to users/companies who:
- retrofit original CNC machines that require a large number of digital signals for tool magazines or automatic transmission support,
- build new, fast and precise milling machines or routers equipped with a high frequency of step/dir signal servo drives,
- build very large machines equipped with riding gantry that requires two independent servos or stepper drives Master and Slave driving. Slave axis function provides software gantry geometry correction in case of minor inaccuracies in the construction or low rigidity of the gantry.
- plan to develop/expand their control system in the future with additional modules (threading, JOG- handwheel).
CSMIO/IP-S can be successfully used with milling machines, lathes, routers, plasma, or laser cutters.
Updates
Control software
The device works with simCNC software by CS-Lab and Mach3/Mach4 software by ArtSoft. The software requires a software license. You can purchase the simCNC, Mach3/Mach4 software licenses in CS-Lab online store.
Firmware and Updates
CSMIO Firmware (plugin) version 2.910 (and earlier) is for Mach3 .
In the DOWNLOAD section you will also find the new firmware v3.0 and its updates incl. CSMIO/IP plugin for simCNC and Mach4. CSMIO/IP controllers without FP4 sign (the sign printed on a front panel of CSMIO controllers) can’t be used with the v. 3.0 and newer.
All of CS-LAB’s controllers have a bootloader on board, so there is no risk of damaging the device after firmware update fails. The update is done using intuitive Firmware Update Utility, it does not require knowledge about the hardware. If a firmware update is available, you can download it from CS-Lab website.
Drivers supported
CSMIO/IP-S supports step/dir servo and stepper drivers.
CSMIO/IP-S supports simDrive servo drives available in CS-Lab’s store.
Download
CSMIO/IP-S® 6-axis CNC Ethernet Motion Controller (step/dir)