Sick AFS60/AFM60 EtherNet/IP single and multiturn encoders

Sick has extended its AFS60/AFM60 EtherNet/IP family of products with single and multiturn absolute encoders that are claimed to offer flexibility combined with fieldbus connectivity.

The freely programmable, ethernet-based fieldbus encoders feature comprehensive diagnostic possibilities, which optimise security against failure and increase plant availability.  The diagnostic functions integrated in the encoders include temperature monitoring, two operating hour counters, five dual LEDs which show the current operating state of the two ports, encoder functions and data transfer, and programmable position limit value monitoring. The detection of speed or rpm protects the encoder from overloading. The individual messages are hierarchically structured in the form of flags, alarms and warnings.

The EtherNet/IP encoders comply with the current specifications of the Open DeviceNet Vendor Association, including device level ring (DLR) functionality. The network monitoring system carries out continuous and active availability tests on the network participants and connections. In the case of a fault, communication between the devices is restored within 3 ms.

The AFM60 EtherNet/IP multiturn encoder’s rotary axis function allows the steps per rotation to be represented as a fraction. This saves drive calculations and control programming, thus cutting costs during installation, maintenance and service.

The AFS60 absolute singleturn encoder and the AFM60 absolute multiturn encoder are rotative sensors for path, angular, speed and position detection. Because the encoders are freely programmable, they are a solution for producers and integrators of production processes, handling systems, production machines, print systems, as well as measurement and inspection equipment.