AUTOMATION & ENGINEERING2012

Product news

• Certified CANopen Safety Encoder Why employ SIL 3-suitable encoders? Using certified safety devices has advantages: engineering efforts for machine builders are minimized, thus reducing costs and implementation times. In addition, the safe position value no longer needs to be checked by the controller. An implementation with standard components, which are required twice, often does not cover common cause failures (CCF) either, thus forcing users to take special, cost-intensive measures and to validate process data in the controller. An implementation with standard components therefore often requires significant additional efforts. Encoder Features The new encoders from POSITAL fulfil the requirements of IEC 61508, EN 62061 (SIL CL 3) and EN ISO 13849 (performance level e). Operated with protective extra low voltage (PELV), they are suitable for use in drive technology, lift applications, mobile machines, construction machinery and machine tools. Equipped with a CANopen interface, the safety encoders support the CANopen Safety protocol according to CiA 304 as well as standard CANopen DS-301, which allows for easy communication with other standard CANopen nodes. They perform bit-inverted safety checks. A special feature is the redundant encoder design: thanks to dual opto arrays and two gearboxes, the units ensure optimal reliability while measuring only 16 mm more than standard models. Like all OPTOCODE encoders, the new safety models use a proven opto-electronic scanning method to measure position values. The single-turn sensor provides a resolution of 16 bit per revolution. Additionally, a maximum of 16.384 revolutions (14 bit) can be registered in multi-turn mode, thereby covering a 30 bit measuring range. The encoders provide two-channel position detection. The measured position data is routed to a CANopen safety chip with a SIL 3 certificate, where it is processed by means of two-channel evaluation algorithms. Moreover, the redundant units counter-check the results. Two CAN controllers, which take turns in transferring the bit-inverted, safe position values, ensure the CANopen connection. Optionally, the units can also be used as standard encoders. Integration into the fieldbus system is ensured by a rotary switch at the connection cap which allows users to configure node number and Baud rate (up to 1 MBaud). Models with a plug or cable connection are configured via SDO telegrams. The encoders are available as solid shaft, hollow shaft or synchronous shaft models. They provide IP65 protection on the housing side and IP64 on the shaft side (an optional sealing ensures IP66). http://www.posital.eu/en/products/POSITAL/Absolute...

• ACCELENS Inclinometers for Industrial Settings POSITAL has introduced ACCELENS (ACS), a new line of low-cost inclinometers that provide both analog and digital outputs. These versatile devices are available in a wide range of configurations designed to satisfy almost any requirements. Two-axis versions measure angular displacements of up to ± 80º in both axes, while single axis models have a range of 0 – 360º and can be used as replacements for single-turn potentiometers or rotary encoders. Both versions are compact and easy to install. A unique factory calibration ensures an accuracy and linearity of < 0.1º over their entire range. The electronic interface for these units provides a combination of digital and analog outputs and inputs. Analog outputs – either current (4 – 20 mA) or voltage (0.5 – 4.5 V) – make it easy to use these inclinometers with simple analog control systems. ACS inclinometers can also provide digital output via an RS232 interface. The RS232 interface also makes it easy to program device parameters such as zero-offset, reporting mode (continuous or polled), reporting rate and baud rate. For larger-scale system, ACS inclinometers are available with a CANopen certified interface. These devices are suitable for use in harsh conditions, boasting an IP 69K rating. Some applications include solar power (sun-tracking) and mobile machines including cranes/lifts and drilling/mining. Their moulded polyurethane enclosure provides excellent dust- and moisture-resistance, while their rugged internal components can withstand shock loads of up to 30 g and vibrations as high as 5 g. http://www.posital.eu/en/products/POSITAL/Absolute...

• CANopen High Performance Absolute Rotary Encoder High Performance The new OCD II CANopen series has been designed to be more compact and have better performance. Like all OPTOCODE encoders, the new models use a tried and tested optoelectronic scanning method to measure positional values. The single-turn mechanism provides a resolution of up to 16 bit per revolution and the Multi-turn unit registers a maximum of 16,384 revolutions (14 bit), thereby covering an overall measuring range of up to 30 bit. The merging of Microcontroller with the fieldbus controller has optimized the architecture and reduced the cost. The shorter housing makes the encoder suitable for applications with limited space considerstions. The sturdy encoder design offers up to IP67 protection degree. Boot Loader-Facilitates Maintenance Another new feature is the availability of a boot loader which facilitates remote maintenance and easy updating of device profiles and software. In addition to that, the presence of LSS (Layer Setting Service) also allows the users to configure new devices thus easing the configuration of entities in a CANopen network. Moreover, an additional version of CAN encoder supports the J1939 network protocol, allowing users to install them in mobile machines such as utility vehicles without any need for gateway solutions. Device Configuration Additionally, preset value, resolution and limit switch parameters can be configured via the CAN Bus. SDO telegrams make it possible to retroactively assign node number and Baud rate. A novel software add-on ensures real-time calculation of speed and acceleration simultaneously and the addition of 8 new CAMs (software cam switches) makes a substitution of PLC functions possible. Connection Cap User-friendly configuration is ensured by a connection cap which features a configurable terminating resistor, diagnosis LEDs and BCD switches for manual adjustment of the baud rate and node number. To ensure backward compatibility, the OCD II CANopen is compatible with old connection caps. http://www.posital.eu/en/products/POSITAL/Absolute...