SMEx1 incremental linear encoders from Lika Electronic offer an additional diagnostic output to communicate fault and error conditions to a PLC or controller.
SMEx1 linear encoders are equipped as a standard with an LED designed for diagnostic purposes. Now they can further provide an additional PWM error output to signal fault and error conditions to a PLC or controller. The new electronics generates a pulse-width modulated (PWM) waveform signal with four different duty cycles. When the encoder falls into error mode, the diagnostic PWM signal is output. The duty cycle of the signal will depend on what caused the encoder to enter the error mode.
- A frequency error - that’s to say: when the encoder is traveling too fast along the scale - will cause a 50% duty cycle to be generated.
- A distance error - i.e. when the specified mounting tolerances are not met - will cause the diagnostic feedback signal to be at 75% duty cycle.
- Internal electronics error conditions will cause a 100% duty cycle to be generated, so the signal will be at high logic level solidly.
- On the contrary a low logic level (0% duty cycle) will indicate that no error is active.
SMEx1 incremental linear encoders are specifically designed for position and speed feedback on linear motors and dynamic precision motion systems. They allow for resolutions up to 0.5 µm up to 100 m (328 ft) travels. They generate quadrature signals with inverted signals and Index via Push-Pull (HTL) +10÷30VDC and Line Driver (TTL) +5VDC output circuits. SMEx2 series further includes built-in sensors for external zero position reference mark and two limit switches.