New rotary encoders with DIP switch programmability

The shaft-mounted Sick DUS60 rotary incremental encoder can be installed and commissioned quickly for a wide variety of conveying and rotation monitoring applications in automated processing and production. For sheet or reel-to-reel measuring applications, such as sheet metal, textiles or paper making, or on large-scale logistics conveying, the Sick DUV60 uses the same technology as the DUS60 combined with single or dual spring-mounted measuring wheels.

DIP switch programmability on the DUS60 enables up to 30 different resolutions to be selected according to application requirements, as well as signal output and counting direction. Options of solid shaft, blind hollow and through hollow mechanical configurations are all available in the 60mm encoder housing.

Two on-board LEDs indicate the power and output status of the encoder during operation and an anti-dither function prevents false counting when the conveyor is halted and restarted.

Filling the gap

Darren Pratt, Sick's UK Product Manager for encoders, explains: "The DUS60 and DUV60 set a mid-range technology benchmark between standard incremental encoders and fully-programmable devices. Engineers can, therefore, reduce their encoder inventories with a level and ease of programmability that is more than sufficient for many applications, without the need to invest in a fully-programmable option or use a programming tool or laptop.

"The DUS60's anti-dither feature is particularly beneficial for conveyor belt installations where signal evaluation of just one encoder channel is commonly used. In these installations the rotational direction cannot be identified. During belt stoppages there is a risk of the controller evaluating tiny belt movements caused by vibrations as a more significant movement.

"The DUS60's anti-dither function registers the encoder stoppage then waits a longer period than normal before outputting a full movement pulse, improving the reliability of systems evaluating just one encoder channel, which could otherwise lead to production errors and downtime."

Built-in diagnostics

Sick's DUS60 features a rugged, IP65 housing that is equipped with two LEDs to provide simple confirmation that the power is on and that the encoder is transmitting the motion data. In addition to the LEDs, the encoder also offers an optional fault output for quick diagnosis by the PLC.

The encoder is powered by a universal 4.5-30V supply voltage. The output can be selected as either as a 5V line driver (TTL) or a 4.5-30V line driver (HTL) using the DIP switches. The DUS60 offers flexible installation options through the rotatable M12 connectors with four- or eight-pin configurations, or a universal cable connection.

Follow the links for more information about Sick's new DUS60 incremental encoder and DUV60 measuring wheel encoder with DIP switch programmability.