Cam controller overview
The TwinCAT Digital Cam Server provides a fast digital cam controller. The cam controller is installed as an additional option with the TwinCAT system and can subsequently be configured in the TwinCAT System Manager. In addition to basic parameterization the function of the cam controller can be influenced via the PLC. For example, individual cams can be activated or deactivated, or cam switching positions can be modified.
Configuration options
The cam controller can be operated in a dedicated fast task with a separate I/O bus, making it independent of slower PLC or NC cycle times. Configuration without a separate I/O bus is also possible, provided that very short cycle times are not required.
- Encoder source freely selectable (e.g. NC drive)
- Cycle time depending on encoder source (e.g. 250 µs)
Optional configuration with separate I/O bus
- Independent fast digital cam server task with cycle times down to 80 µs
- Beckhoff Lightbus I/O card with connected encoder and cam outputs
Properties
- up to 320 outputs (cam tracks)
- up to 180 cams per output
- up to 2048 cams in total
- distance cams (switch-on and switch-off position)
- time cams (switch-on position and switch-on time)
- brake cams (special function for machine stop)
 | All variable and parameter names mentioned in this documentation refer to the English language version of the TwinCAT System Manager. For some variables and parameters, the System Manager uses different names with a different language setting and will change some of the identifiers when the user selects a different language. In order to ensure unambiguous reference to this documentation, it is recommended that you set the language to English before creating a new cam controller. The language is irrelevant for the actual function of the cam controller. |