Camera-Based Linear Positioning (PCV, PXV)
The PCV, PXV and safePXV Data Matrix positioning systems from Pepperl+Fuchs use Data Matrix codes for precise positioning. They consist of a 2-D camera system—a read head—and a Data Matrix code tape or metal code bar. This unique combination ensures maximum precision and extremely reliable positioning.
The self-adhesive code tape or metal code bar is attached to a fixed part of the system or plant, such as the wall of an elevator shaft or the mounting rail of an electric monorail system (EMS). The 2-D read head is mounted on a "vehicle" that moves parallel to it, e.g., on the elevator car or on the carrier of the EMS. Code redundancy and large reading windows enable the PCV, PXV, and safePXV Data Matrix positioning systems to reliably detect a position, even if the code tape is dirty or damaged. They can also bridge code tape gaps without any problems.
The systems differ in reading window and Data Matrix code size: PXV and safePXV offer even greater mounting tolerance with their large reading windows. The positioning systems can be parameterized via Data Matrix code cards, PC, or the controller, which makes them easy to get up and running. Typical applications for Data Matrix positioning systems include the positioning of skid and electric monorail systems, lifting and elevator systems, studio technology, and cranes.
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Safety Guaranteed: Safe Version safePXV
With the safePXV, Pepperl+Fuchs offers a safety version of the PXV positioning system that enables safe absolute positioning up to SIL 3/PL e. The safePXV positioning system is based on a combination of 2-D camera technology and multicolor Data Matrix code tape. The preinstalled firmware checks the plausibility of the X position values using red and blue illumination color in combination with a mulitcolor code tape. The safe X position data can then be processed in the PLC without additional plausibility checks—all because of the reliable, self-monitoring sensor technology.
Read Heads
The positioning system’s 2-D read heads detect position via the Data Matrix codes printed on the code tape. Using state-of-the-art camera technology, they measure an exact absolute position in X with a resolution of 0.2 mm over large distances of up to 100,000 m. With a large reading window, the read heads are capable of reading up to five Data Matrix codes at once in a single reading process. This means they provide reliable position detection even when codes are dirty or damaged. The PXV’s large reading window offers an even higher mounting tolerance for route guidance.
Due to their quick and comprehensive parameterization and adjustable inputs and outputs, the 2-D read heads can be adjusted to the specific application. With additional diagnostic data such as Y coordinates and a code tape quality assessment, they ensure maximum reliability. Pepperl+Fuchs offers the read heads in different versions to meet a range of requirements. Whether PCV, PXV, or the safePXV, you can choose from different interfaces and sizes of reading window.
With a large reading window of 120x80 mm, the PXV read heads are capable of reading up to five Data Matrix codes simultaneously in a single reading process. This means they provide reliable position detection even when codes are gapped, dirty or damaged. The PXV read heads can bridge interruptions of up to 75 mm. This also offers an even higher mounting tolerance for route guidance.
For safety applications up to SIL 3/PL e, users can choose the safePXV read head. With a multicolor concept, the standalone variant already has multiple redundancy in itself. The multicolor Data Matrix codes on the robust code tape are made visible and read by the two-color illumination of the safePXV read head. The safePXV's algorithm already checks the plausibility of the data in the sensor.
Code Tape
The PCV, PXV and safePXV read heads record position information from the Data Matrix codes printed on the code tape or metal code bar and outputs it as X, Y position values. By using Data Matrix codes as information carriers, data can be mapped redundantly. When combined with the large reading window of the 2-D camera system, the Data Matrix positioning systems have multiple redundancies, which make them resistant to interference.
Do you need to replace your code tape immediately? Our code tape generators provide a quick solution until a replacement arrives.
For the PCV, PXV, and safePXV, the self-adhesive code tape is available with individual starting positions and in custom lengths of up to 100 km. This means that these positioning systems can be used in large systems or plants without limitations. Mounting the code tape is easy—simply remove the protective film, stick on the tape, and it is ready to use.
In addition to the Data Matrix code tape, you can use event markers to generate control signals. These short code strips are available with a number range of 1 … 999 and in a length of up to 1 m per event marker number. The numbers are transmitted via data protocol. The self-adhesive markers can be stuck directly next to the code tape.
Benefits of the PCV, PXV and safePXV Positioning Systems
The best and most reliable absolute positioning system in the world—a unique combination of 2-D camera and Data Matrix code tape
Noncontact positioning at up to 100,000 m
Uncompromising reliability: multi-code redundancy provides resistance to contamination and damage
Fast and flexible installation with adhesive code tape, a wide reading window, and large depth of field
Quick and easy parameterization via RS-485, SSI, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, PROFIsafe, or EtherCAT®
safePXV for safety applications up to SIL 3/PL e
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