Overview of functions

The EL5131 offers a wide range of functions. The following tables give an overview. The detailed description can be found in the corresponding chapters.

Basic functions	Description
Selection of encoder type	Encoders or counters/pulse generators with signal levels according to RS422, TTL or OpenCollector can be selected.
Encoder operating voltage	The encoder supply can be set separately for each channel to either 5 V_DC, 12 V_DC or 24 V_DC.
Evaluation of the counter value	The input signal can be subject to 4-fold, 2-fold or 1-fold evaluation.
Counter limits	The value range within which counting takes place can be defined.
Counter overflow / counter underflow	If the count limit is exceeded or underrun, this is indicated in separate process data.
Counting direction	The counting direction can be adapted to the application.
Reversion of rotation	The counting direction and a reversion of rotation can be detected and output via the process data. This function can also be used for standstill monitoring.
Reset counter value	Allows a recurring reset of the counter value via zero pulse C or an edge (positive/negative) at the Latch extern input.
Set counter value	The counter value can be set at runtime to a predefined counter value via a PLC variable, zero pulse C or an edge (positive/negative) at the Latch extern input.
Save counter value	The current counter value can be saved, independent of the cycle time, in separate process data via an edge (positive/negative) at the Latch extern and Gate/Latch input or the zero pulse C. You can parameterize whether the function is executed at each external edge or only once after each activation. By using both latch inputs a workpiece measurement can also be realized.
Lock counter value	The counter value can be disabled via an edge (positive/negative) at the Gate input or a PLC variable.

To use the extended functions, the corresponding functions must be selected via the "Predefined PDO Assignment". The assignment is described in chapter "Process data".

Extended functionalities	Description
Frequency measurement	The average frequency of the input signal within a given timeframe can be output directly.
Period value measurement	The period value of the last period within the PLC cycle can be output directly.
Velocity, speed calculation	The average velocity or speed of the input signal within a specified timeframe can be output directly.
Duty cycle measurement	The ratio of pulse duration t_ON to period value T in the last PLC cycle can be output directly.
Timestamp	A timestamp based on the distributed clocks system (DC) can be output for the last counting pulse, the zero pulse and the Latch extern and Latch extern 2 inputs.
Microincrements	Allows additional increments (256 steps) to be interpolated between the counted encoder increments, thus increasing the resolution of the counter value.
Adjustable interference pulse filters	To suppress interference, a filter can be set for each of the input signals.
Diagnostic data	Error messages are communicated to the EtherCAT Master / TwinCAT via "DiagMessages".

Output function	Description
Switching characteristics	It is possible to choose between push-pull and push-tristate (high-resistance switchable) mode.
Switching via PLC variable	The output can be switched via a PLC variable from the application.
Switching function for counter value	The output can be switched independently of the PLC cycle when a preset counter value is reached. The output can be switched for a defined time, independent of the PLC cycle, when a preset counter value is reached (see Switching for defined time). The output can be switched in connection with the TwinCAT NC and the function block “MC_DigitalCamSwitch_EL5131”.
Switching function for frequency or velocity value	The output can be switched when a preset frequency or velocity value is reached, independent of the PLC cycle.
State in case of bus error	Behavior of the output at bus error can be defined

Process data	Description
Operation modes	The scope of the process data can be selected via "Predefined PDO Assignment".
Synchronicity mode	In addition to the frame-triggered operation mode (SM mode), a mode based on synchronization via the distributed clocks is available.

Description of the inputs	Description
Zero pulse C	With incremental encoders, a full revolution is marked by a special marker of the zero pulse C. This can be used for resetting, setting and storing the counter value.
Latch extern	A Latch input is provided for 24 V_DC signals with a min. pulse duration t_ONof > 1 µs. This can be used for resetting, setting and storing the counter value.
Gate/Latch	An external gate input is provided for 24 V_DC signals with a minimum pulse duration of t_ON > 1 µs. This can be used for resetting, setting and storing the counter value.
Status Input	If the encoder has an alarm output, this can be evaluated.

Description of the outputs	Description
Digital output 1, digital output 2	The outputs can be switched via a PLC variable or when a counter value, frequency or velocity value is reached, independent of the PLC cycle.