Software Suite C-990.cd1 - Pi

PI Software Suite C-990.CD1 a comprehensive software collection from Physik Instrumente (PI)

designed for the configuration, simulation, and control of high-precision motion systems and controllers . As of early 2026, the current version is (released September 2025). Physik Instrumente Core Components & Capabilities Device Setup & Configuration

: Tools for starting up positioning systems and adjusting optimal parameters for specific applications. Control Software PIMikroMove

: The primary graphical user interface (GUI) used to initialize and operate motion systems. PITerminal

: A text-based input program for experts to communicate directly with controllers using the General Command Set (GCS) Diagnostics & Optimization PIFRF-Analyzer

: Used for frequency response analysis to identify and optimize system dynamics. Simulation & Emulation PIVirtualMove

: Enables motion simulation and identifying permitted forces without physical hardware.

: Simplify development by mimicking real components for early-stage programming. Integration & Development pi software suite c-990.cd1

The suite is designed to be hardware-independent and provides standardized interfaces for custom integration: APIs & Libraries

: Includes drivers for various programming environments, including Python (PIPython) NI LabVIEW libraries. Physik Instrumente (PI) Cross-Platform Support

: Fully supported on Win 10 (64-bit) and Win 11, including USB drivers. Linux/macOS

: Supported via shared objects (GCS2), USB drivers, and PIPython; some drivers like MATLAB are available upon request. Physik Instrumente (PI) Access and Documentation Software Manual

The PI Software Suite C-990.CD1 is a comprehensive software package from Physik Instrumente (PI) designed for the setup, control, and optimization of precision positioning systems. It serves as the primary software deliverable for various PI motion controllers, such as the E-709.CRG digital piezo controller. Key Features of the C-990.CD1 Suite

System Setup & Parameterization: Includes tools like PIMikroMove, which provides a unified graphical interface for initializing and configuring all connected controllers and axes without extensive programming.

Dynamic Analysis: Works alongside tools like the PIFRF-Analyzer to measure dynamic characteristics and visualize them via Bode plots for system stability optimization. PI Software Suite C-990

Multi-Platform Support: While primarily designed for Windows 10 and 11 (64-bit), the suite also includes essential USB drivers for seamless hardware connection.

Developer Integration: Provides Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and libraries for languages like C++, Python (PIPython), and MATLAB, as well as drivers for NI LabVIEW. Version Details

As of late 2025, the latest major release is Version 3.1.0 (released September 2025), which is available as an 801 MB download. Older versions, such as 2.8.2.0, are often maintained specifically for legacy compatibility with certain controller models. Applications This software is vital for high-precision tasks in: Silicon Photonics: Used for fast optical alignment.

Research & Development: Facilitates motion simulation and emulation for complex 6-axis Hexapod systems.

Industrial Automation: Supports standardized command languages (GCS) to simplify integration into third-party production software. Software Suite - PI-USA.us

Based on the identifier c-990.cd1, this appears to reference a specific media disc or software component from the PI Software Suite (often associated with OSIsoft’s PI System, now part of AVEVA). However, c-990.cd1 is not a standard public-facing feature name.

Assuming this is an internal or legacy installation disc label for the PI Suite, here is a plausible feature set for Disc 1 (cd1) of a mid-to-large PI System deployment: What is the PI Software Suite C-990

What is the PI Software Suite C-990.CD1?

The term C-990.CD1 refers to a specific part number and distribution medium—originally a CD-ROM—containing a curated collection of software tools for PI’s older generation of motor and piezo controllers.

Before the era of cloud downloads and unified platforms like PI’s modern PIMikroMove or PIOne 2.0, PI distributed its drivers, dynamic link libraries (DLLs), and demo applications via physical media. The C-990.CD1 is a master suite designed to interface with controllers such as:

• The C-862 Mercury series (DC motor controllers)
• C-843 (PCI-bus card for piezo mechanisms)
• C-702 (Piezo controller)
• Various C-848 and E-816 legacy models

2. PI Terminal Emulator

A basic but essential text-based terminal (often PITerm.exe). This tool allows engineers to send direct GCS commands (e.g., MOV? 1 or POS?) to debug controllers without writing a single line of code—invaluable for field service diagnostics.

5. Installation and "DLL Hell"

Let’s talk about the negatives. Because C-990.CD1 is a "Suite," it is heavy.

The Bloat Factor: When you install the suite, you are installing drivers for every PI device made in the last 15 years. It places DLLs in System32 (or SysWOW64) and Program Files.

• Warning: If you have legacy software installed (like the old PI C-843 driver set), installing C-990.CD1 on top of it might break the old software by overwriting shared DLLs.
• Best Practice: Always install C-990.CD1 on a clean machine or a VM if you are testing compatibility. If you are deploying to a production PC, ensure no other motion control suites are fighting for COM port priority.

The "CD" Misnomer: While the product code is C-990.CD1, implying a physical disc, modern versions are distributed as ISO images or large ZIP archives via the PI website or FTP. Do not try to run the install from a slow USB 2.0 stick; the thousands of small files will make the installation take hours. Copy it to the desktop first.

Installation Guide: From Legacy CD to Modern Windows

The Challenge

The original PI Software Suite C-990.CD1 was authored between 1998 and 2005. It expects a 32-bit operating system and relies on setup.exe installers that may fail on 64-bit Windows 10/11.