AdministrativeFAQ
1. How can I buy samples for immediate delivery?
2. Can I buy ex-works (I have my own courier/agent)?
3. Is there a minimum order quantity?
4. I would like to promote/market/distribute this technology in my area. What do I do?

Technical FAQ

1. What does "multimode" refer to?

"Multimode" refers to the two modes of averaging operation that the filters have.

2. What averaging modes do filters offer and how are they used?

There are two average calculation modes and a running average postfilter:

• Average displacement period calculation: the encoder displacement is measured over a fixed accumulating time duration and the average frequency is then calculated. With this method measurement time is fixed and the resulting accuracy is variable, proportionally increasing with encoder speed. This mode is used when the control system cannot handle the range of measurement time needed for fixed accuracy operation or the monitored speed range is sufficiently high to ensure the required accuracy.
• Average signal period calculation: the encoder period is measured after accumulating a fixed number of displacement pulses and the average frequency is then calculated. With this mode accuracy is fixed and measurement time is variable and inversely proportional to encoder speed. This mode is used when the control/measurement system requires feedback of a given minimum accuracy and does not get affected by the variable accumulation time.
• The running average postfilter recalculates the output frequency at every newly measured period sample as a running average further smoothing output frequency variations.

3. Which motion control applications need this technology most?

Applications which see immediate improvement are:

• Slow moving production lines where speed cannot be measured and controlled accurately. Typical installations are pipe extrusion lines where, for minimum consumption costs, raw material feed is a function of average, and not instantaneous, line speed.
• Reciprocating machinery where one motor drives many uncontrolled, and sometimes loosely coupled, mechanisms. A typical case is weaving machinery where overall energy consumption is minimized by controlling average speed and allowing the various parts to follow at their own response dynamics.
• Engine speed measurement where shaft vibration at low revs makes speed measurement and control very difficult.
• Machinery with loosely coupled/linked mechanisms. In effect the loosely coupled devices alter the system dynamics by temporarily absorbing and returning energy to the power train in a systematic but randomly dynamic way and so the instantaneous speed/velocity measurement is randomly and wrongly biased. By measuring average speed the net effect of the disturbances is taken, which is the required measurement.
• Vane flowmeter measurement where fluid turbulence causes vane vibration and so corrupts flow-rate or dose detection.

4. What hardware subsystems/features do the Maxi and Mini frequency averaging lines have?

These are:

• Universal line 115/230 VAC dual isolated power supply for the encoder and the output stages (Maxi only),
• Galvanic/optical isolator (breaks ground loops),
• Electronic noise DSP filter (filters electrical common- and differential- mode noise),
• Mechanichal state analyzer and false position filter (rejects all "phantom" movement types),
• Average frequency calculation processor,
• Cast aluminium IP65 enclosure (Maxi only; ensures noise free operation in all adverse environments).

5. Is the filter's operation truly transparent?

Absolutely. The filter requires no initialization, resetting or configuration procedure and its operation is 100% transparent to the driven motion controller. As it is also powered by its own supply, it is self-sufficient in power and does not require/drain any externally sourced power. Furthermore, by powering the encoder it also relieves the controller power supply from this burden.

6. How can I check that the encoder works correctly?

By using the worn/faulty encoder detection facility.  With the filter set in any of the Recovered modes, the red "RCR" or "FLT" status LED indicates the presence of an out-of-sequence signal condition, typically caused by a damaged encoder, faulty encoder output/wiring or heavy common mode interference.  These conditions can be tested as follows.  When the LED lights-up at the same encoder angular positions and regardless of speed, then most propably the encoder disks are worn.  When the LED lights-up constantly with the encoder moving, then the encoder outputs/wiring will typically be at fault or shorted.  When the LED lights-up with the encoder standing still or randomly when moving, the filter is successfully recovering from noise and no action needs to be taken.

7. What happens at motion starting and stopping?

When motion starts the filter receives the encoder output and builds up the first frequency average sample. While accumulating the measurement, a progressively more accurate frequency is output so that the control system is presented with motion feedback.

When motion stops (encoder period is above 1 second), the filter resets its operation, reads the DIP switch settings and waits for motion to commence again.

Administrative FAQ

1. How can I buy samples for immediate delivery?

The Mini line is available for online purchase here or by contacting us with your special instructions. We make every effort to have sampling quantities ex-stock for immediate worldwide delivery to you by courier within 2-3 business days.

2. Can I buy ex-works (I have my own courier/agent)?

Yes, by contacting us with your requirements and instructions.

3. Is there a minimum order quantity?

No, but note that shipping/handling charges become proportionally higher with smaller orders.

4. I would like to promote/market/distribute this technology in my area. What do I do?

Contact us!