PC-based measurement systems made possible by new interface card

Citation

(1999), "PC-based measurement systems made possible by new interface card", Assembly Automation, Vol. 19 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.1999.03319aad.015

PC-based measurement systems made possible by new interface card

PC-based measurement systems ... made possible by new interface card

Keywords Measurement, Position control

For customers who want a measurement system that exceeds the specification of a basic encoder with counter, but do not have the sophistication or price of a fully-fledged computerised system, Encoder Technology has introduced a mid-range alternative. Thanks to its new interface card, anyone can create a cost-effective, fully featured and highly flexible pc-based system (see Plate 14).

Enhancing the well established three-axis incremental encoder PC card, Encoder Technology have announced the introduction of the new three-axis absolute SSI-synchronous serial interface ­ card. This is designed to work with the company's range of rotary or linear shaft encoders to measure absolute position, velocity and acceleration in a wide range of applications, and typically the system will be used in robotics, co-ordinate measuring, motion control, data acquisition and production machining.

Based on a custom designed ASIC multi-channel SSI controller, the board provides three independent input channels. Each reads the encoder position into a 32-bit register at clock speeds of up to 2MHz. For maximum flexibility, input channels, clock rate, bit length and SSI formats are all variable to allow a wide range of encoder types and cable lengths to be accommodated. Optional 2,500V opto-isolation of the input signals ensures reliable operation in harsh environments.

Plate 14 Encoder Technology have introduced a new three-axis interface card designed to work with the company's range of rotary or linear shaft encoders to measure position, velocity in a wide range of applications

An on-board timer and event-driven interrupt logic ensures that the speed and performance of the control software is maximised. System security is enhanced by diagnostics including parity and power failure detection.

The card is designed to interface with any 16-bit ISA, IBM AT and clone compatible PC. It measures 9.3 × 15.7cm, weighs 0.16kg and is supplied as standard with a comprehensive "C" software support library which is compatible with MS-DOS, Window × 3/'95/NT and LabVIEW operating environments.

Full technical details are available from the sales office. Tel: +44 (0) 1903 771402 or visit the Encoder Technology Web site, on www.encoder-technology.com