Position Encoding System
In 1989, Pepperl+Fuchs introduced the WCS position encoding system—the world’s first optical positioning system—and has been continuously improving it ever since. Optical linear positioning systems are used for millimeter-precise detection of the position of shuttle cars and conveyor vehicles. The WCS absolute positioning system is based on the combination of a read head in a robust housing and a code rail made of stainless steel or laminate. This makes the WCS particularly suitable for use in demanding environments and for long distances. Because of its U-shaped design and its photoelectric scanning that protects against wear, it is resistant to ambient light. The outdoor version defies extreme ambient conditions due to the special housing of the WCS read head.
Smoke, dust, and temperature fluctuations have no impact—the WCS provides reliable positioning information, even at high speeds. The position value can even be reliably determined in challenging environments as it compensates for contamination by monitoring the received light intensity. The cutouts in the coding rail are practically impossible to get dirty. The absolute position encoding system detects a new position value every 0.8 mm over a large distance of more than 300 m and can transmit position values directly from the read head to the upper PLC. Due to a variety of integrated interfaces from RS485, SSI, IO-Link to EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP and PROFINET the connection to multiple PLC vendors is possible.
Portfolio
The U-shaped WCS read heads are particularly robust. They provide noncontact photoelectric scanning of the code rail. Even in difficult environmental conditions, the WCS read heads reliably determine position values. There are various options available to perfectly meet your needs.
To integrate the WCS into higher-level systems via standardized interfaces, Pepperl+Fuchs offers a broad portfolio of interface modules. Up to four read heads can be connected to one interface module simultaneously. Choose the right version for your application from various interfaces.
Rugged and flexible code rails are required for read heads to work over a defined distance. Our dirt-resistant code rails are suitable for curved tracks, inclines, etc. In addition, Pepperl+Fuchs offers mounting bracket systems for the installation of code rails, aluminum profile systems for especially long distances, and a guide trolley that keeps the reader on track even in high-vibration applications.
Pepperl+Fuchs also offers a range of suitable accessories for the WCS positioning system. The portfolio includes shielded twisted-pair cables that are suitable for drag chains, WCS read head and guide trolley spare parts, as well as protective housings for retrofitting read heads.
Highlights
- Reliable and precise absolute position detection with the sophisticated position encoding system
- Precise position detection even on curved tracks, inclines, declines, lane changes, and gradients
- Flexible integration due to compatibility with all common control systems
- Reliable monitoring of safety-relevant applications through output of safe position and speed via Fail Safe over EtherCAT® (FSoE)
- IP69 protective housing for use in extreme outdoor applications in shipping ports and electroplating plants
- Simple setup and error indication: clearly visible LED status indicators and options with an integrated display
The WCS position encoding system has been on the market since 1989 and now offers new mounting options such as the WCS Outdoor and WCS Extended ...
Pepperl+Fuchs A/S
Kirkebjerg Allé 90
DK-2605 Brøndby
Denmark
info@dk.pepperl-fuchs.com
+45 7010 4210
Pepperl+Fuchs er markedsledende indenfor udvikling og fabrikation af elektroniske sensorer og komponenter til det globale automatiseringsmarked. Kontinuerlig innovation, kombineret med høj kvalitet og stabil vækst har sikret uafbrudt succes gennem mere end 70 år. Pepperl+Fuchs har 6.300 ansatte på verdensplan og har produktionsfaciliteter i Tyskland, USA, Singapore, Ungarn, Indonesien og Vietnam; de fleste ISO 9001 certificerede.