March 3, 2009 - Optimet introduces the Optimet Position Synchronizer (OPS), a firmware module embedded in Optimet sensor's electronics which records encoders output and synchronizes the accurate position up to 3 system axis together with the sensor measurements.
The OPS mode is available with Optimet’s ConoProbe Mark 3.0, a non-contact, single-point measuring sensor based on conoscopic holography technology, and the NanoConoprobe sensor that provides unprecedented profile, 3-D measurements, thickness measurement of glass, transparent materials, wet surfaces and mirror surfaces in the same set-up, with resolution of up to several nanometers.The OPS increases the effective encoder position resolution by a factor of 4 by recording both A&B encoder signals with a high level of synchronization with the sensor measurement. The encoders' signals are received in a dedicated port of the sensor communication box.
The OPS module enables simple and cost effective integration of Optimet 3-D sensor in CNC and other machines with a high level of system synchronization and high speed accurate measurements.The OPS module is used for integration of Optimet 3-D sensors in any 3-5 axis CNC machines or other systems, including manual systems. No special PC cards, special hardware or software is required for the integration.
Operation modes:
- Sensor operates at frequencies up to 3Khz in standard “Time” mode.
- Upon each “Start of Measurement” all 3 counters (for 3 axis) are zeroed in the sensor firmware, and a new counter starts based on each encoder input.
- Encoders are latched at mid time of the sensor measurement.
- Measurement data stream: each measurement is provided with the 3 axis encoders count readings positive or negative according to direction
- Electrical interface: +5V (supply for encoders), CMOS Levels.
- System encoders signal counts or motion commands (from up to 3 axis), including direction, are received and recorded by the sensor in real time up to 25MHz.
- The position readings are synchronized with the sensor Z (distance) measurements.
- The measurement data stream (from the sensor to the PC) includes the 3 encoders’ recorded positions with the synchronized sensor distance measurements.
- Rotational and linear optical or magnetic Encoder inputs are supported.
- A&B in phase quadrature differential signals
- Encoder Line Count multiplied by 4 (A&B signals X rise / fall edges for each signal).
- Step and Direction differential signals.
- Sensors counter for encoder readings / commands in 32 bit (for each axis).
