Communication Interfaces

Given the wide range of applications that come under heading “motion control”, there is clearly no single best solution for all problems. Industrial Ethernet offers advanced features that are extremely valuable to designers of large, complex factory systems. However, for smaller, more self-contained applications, simpler technologies such as fieldbus (CANopen, PROFIBUS) or point-to-point wiring (SSI, Bit-Parallel, or even Analog) have a place. POSITAL position and motion sensors, including IXARC rotary encoders, TILTIX inclinometers and LINARIX linear position sensors are available with a full range of communications interfaces.

Incremental Interface

Incremental encoders generate an output signal each time the shaft rotates a certain amount. The number of signals per turn defines the resolution of the device. HTL (Push-Pull) and TTL (RS422) are forms of serial connections that are suitable for continuous streams of data, such as would be generated by an incremental encoder (i.e. an encoder that produces a signal each time the shaft rotates through a certain angle).

Analog

A common standard with either a voltage or a current output. Different ranges are available.

BISS C

The BiSS Interface (bidirectional/serial/synchronous) protocol is an – Open Source – digital interface which enables a digital, serial and secure communication between controller, sensor and actuator.

BiSS LINE

BiSS Line uses the core BiSS definitions and device content but maps the communication on an RS485 half duplex line. The BiSS Line protocol is usable with a 2-wire or 4-wire setup.

IO-Link

IO-Link is a point-to-point interface allowing transmission of process, diagnosis and configuration data making devices ready for Industry 4.0.

Parallel

Parallel interfaces can provide very high-speed communications over short distances but require bulky cables with individual wires for each bit. All bits of the position output are transferred simultaneously using one line for each bit.

SSI

SSI is a widely used serial interface with point-to-point connection between PLC/Master and encoder. It is based on the RS422 standard.

Profibus

Profibus is available on many PLCs and one of the most common fieldbus technologies in factory automation and other areas. It is based on RS485.

CANopen

CANopen is a fieldbus protocol using CAN networks. CANopen is available on many PLCs and widely used in factory automation and mobile machines.

DeviceNet

DeviceNet is a fieldbus system based on CAN networks and CIP protocol. DeviceNet is managed by ODVA, widely used in factory automation and available on many PLCs.

SAE J1939

SAE J1939 is a Fieldbus standard used for communication by the car and heavy-duty truck industry.

Ethernet Interfaces

Ethernet/IP

EtherNet/IP is an industrial communication protocol developed by Rockwell Automation and managed by ODVA. It is based on CIP and TCP/IP protocol.

EtherCAT

EtherCAT is an open high performance Ethernet-based Fieldbus system. EtherCAT require short data update times with low communication jitter and low hardware costs.

PROFINET

PROFINET is an Industrial Ethernet standard from „PROFIBUS & PROFINET“ International designed for automation.