Sensors & Transducers


Three-axis acceleration and angle measurement

February 2014 Sensors & Transducers

The new EP1816-3008 EtherCAT Box from Beckhoff has two integrated three-axis acceleration sensors and 16 digital inputs. The easy-to-install I/O module for harsh environments can be used to implement cost-effective vibration and shock/oscillation monitoring directly in the field. The machine mountable device also enables tilt monitoring in longitudinal and transverse directions.

The IP67-rated system features two integrated three-axis, 16-bit acceleration sensors with resolution options of ±2 g, ±4 g, ±8 g and ±16 g. The sampling frequency is 1 to 5 kHz. These micro-electronic mechanical systems (MEMSs) are based on forked silicon structures, which have movements or vibrations that result in a capacitive change and a corresponding signal value.

The compact and robust EtherCAT Box supports acceleration and angle measurement directly in the field. In addition, the signals are directly available in the control system. Compared with the conventional combination of sensor and separate data sampling, this solution is more cost effective and is easier to install and integrate. Another advantage is the two sensors, which are arranged at 90°angles, making the EP1816-3008 a redundant measuring system. In addition, the results can be verified reliably by the controller.

A typical application for the three-axis acceleration box is vibration and shock/oscillation monitoring of machines and buildings. For example, vibrations of robot arms can be monitored exactly and easily via the measured acceleration. For wood sawing machines, an EP1816-3008 mounted on the work table enables reliable monitoring of the saw-blade angle adjustment through fast signal acquisition.

For more information contact Kenneth McPherson, Beckhoff Automation, +27 (0)11 795 2898, k.mcpherson@beckhoff.com, www.beckhoff.co.za



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