Wachendorff Automation

GmbH & Co. KG

Industriestraße 7

65366 Geisenheim

Germany

Press contact:
Dirk Rott, Marketing Manager

Tel.: +49 (0) 67 22 / 99 65 - 120

Fax: +49 (0) 67 22 / 99 65 - 509
E-mail:

Geisenheim, 7 October 2013

Press release WA1302: Rotary encoder with integrated I/O technology

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A world first: Rotary encoder with integrated I/O technology

The WDGA-I/O absolute encoder, a 2in1 sensor

Does this sound familiar? Absolute encoders measure positions and angles in close proximity to the process, e.g. on motors, joints, cogwheels etc. Additional sensors are installed right next to them, e.g. to measure temperature, vibration, pressure etc. Several sensors are usually connected to an I/O box which converts analog signals into digital signals and sends them to the control unit, for example via CAN bus, so that the appropriate signal lines and power supply lines for these sensors do not have to pass through the entire machine to the control unit.

Wachendorff has now integrated the I/O technology into the encoder while still maintaining the compact installation space.

The new WDGA-I/O absolute encoder with EnDra® technology offers all the functionalities of the encoder for CANopen via a CAN node and the information on digital or analog values via a further node. All functionalities of the new 2in1 encoder are designed to operate reliably and accurately over a temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C. The robust construction of the encoder with bearings sealed to IP65 (IP67 optional), IP67 on the back and high permissible axial and radial bearing loads of 220 N (400 N optional), makes it ideal for use in harsh industrial applications as well as in stationary or mobile machinery.

The multi-functional WDGA-I/O absolute encoder enables machine and system manufacturers to reduce the cost of installation and wiring significantly and for the first time to connect analog/digital sensors to the CAN bus in a simple and cost-effective way.

Integrating up to three multi-functional inputs and outputs, each either digital and/or analog (1x four-wire, 2x two-wire) for connecting thermocouples, PT100, DMS, 0/4-20 mA or +/- 10 VDC, for example, results in a large number of possible combinations for almost any application. The highly accurate I/O ports can be configured and scaled quickly and easily for a specific type of sensor using software.

Examples of applications include motor temperature monitoring, whereby the thermocouple is connected to the CAN bus, or measuring the pressure in hydraulic systems, whereby the control unit is now also able to monitor the pressure, as well as the position.

Another example: On a rope winch, in addition to the maximum extension, the force is measured via a strain-gauge.


Wachendorff will unveil the innovation in front of a trade audience at the SPS/IPC/DRIVES 2013 exhibition in Nuremberg.

For more information: www.wachendorff-automation.com

Image (Wachendorff):
Rotary encoder with integrated I/O technology

WA1302_Drehgeber_WDGA IO.jpg

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