Greetings, I am currently utilizing a B&R X20 unit and looking to incorporate an incremental encoder (OUT A, B, & Z) into my system. Although I have three BOOL digital input pins available for the A, B, and Z signals, I am lacking a high speed counter function block for counting purposes. Specifically, I am leveraging the X20MM4455 Motor module that allows for encoder count configuration. Are there alternative methods or solutions that can be implemented to address this issue? Your insights are greatly appreciated!
Hello, the A and B signal and total counts counter are functioning correctly. However, I am still unable to see the Z reference signal. Even though the signal is wired and configured properly, the Z signal does not appear to be true when monitored live. B&R has mentioned that it is unlikely to detect the Z signal as true in monitor mode. I attempted to use a counter to check for pulses, but the Z signal still does not switch to true. As a newcomer to encoders, I am wondering if Z signals are treated differently from other signals. How can I determine the state of the signal?
What is the speed at which the encoder is spinning? The Z pulse, which occurs once per revolution, is a brief pulse. The duration of the pulse may be shorter than what your input card can detect. If this is not the issue, you might be looking at the incorrect address in the PLC compared to the module indicator you are observing.
Robert is correct in noting that the Z pulse has a very brief duration. While I am not familiar with B&R equipment, my online research on the I/O module reveals that it is equipped with four encoder inputs that can be customized for AB and ABR incremental encoders. It is possible that this module may require additional configuration, and the functionality of the Z pulse may need to be monitored differently than a standard discrete input.
Hey there! If your X20 module doesn't have a high-speed counter, you could consider using an external PLC with high speed counter functionality to handle the encoder signals. This could act as an interface between your B&R unit and your encoder. Just ensure your PLC can handle the max frequency of your encoder and that the communication between your B&R unit and the PLC is fast enough not to lose counts. It would add some complexity to your system, but if high-speed counting is crucial, it might be a workable solution to consider.
Hi! It sounds like you're on the right track with your B&R X20 setup. Since you're using the X20MM4455 motor module, you might want to consider checking if there's a way to configure the motor module to handle the encoder's A and B signals directly without needing a separate high-speed counter function block. Sometimes, these motor modules offer built-in functionalities for processing encoder signals. Alternatively, if you find you still need to count, you could explore using a separate high-speed counter module from B&R that can interface with your current system, even if it's not built-in. Good luck, and feel free to update us on your progress!
Hi there! It sounds like you're on the right track with the B&R X20 unit. Since you have the X20MM4455 motor module, you might want to check if it has built-in functionality for handling encoder signals directly, as some modules can process the A/B signals without needing a separate high-speed counter. If that’s not the case, consider using a timer interrupt to sample the encoder inputs quickly enough to effectively count pulses manually, but be mindful of the limitations in speed and frequency. Alternatively, explore using a PLC function block or expanding your setup with an external high-speed counter module if you need a more robust and scalable solution. Good luck with your project!
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Answer: One alternative method could be to utilize the X20MM4455 Motor module's encoder count configuration feature to handle the counting requirements.
Answer: Yes, you can utilize BOOL digital input pins for connecting the A, B, and Z signals of the incremental encoder with the X20 unit.
Answer: Ensure that you correctly configure the encoder count settings within the X20MM4455 Motor module to accurately track and interpret the encoder signals for your application.
Answer: If you face challenges during the integration process, consider reaching out to B&R's technical support for further assistance and guidance on resolving any issues that may arise.
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