WCS Absolute Positioning System

Precise Absolute Position Detection

The Pepperl+Fuchs WCS position encoding system has been on the market since 1989 and has been continuously developed and optimized through countless projects. It enables reliable position detection even with curved tracks, inclines, declines, interruptions, or switches.

Flexible Integration

The position value can be transmitted directly from the read head to the controller via a number of integrated interfaces, such as RS-485, SSI, CANopen, PROFINET, EtherCAT, or EthernetIP. A wide range of interface modules are available for connection to other fieldbus interfaces.

Rugged Design

Due to its U-shaped design, the WCS is resistant to ambient light and can even read dirty code rails with its powerful LEDs. Non-contact photoelectric scanning protects the WCS from wear and tear, and the Outdoor option offers protection up to IP69.

Simple Setup

The WCS Outdoor version features a translucent housing that offers good visibility of the indicator LED and display. This allows position information or error messages to be read quickly and easily.

Precise Absolute Position Detection

Due to its modular design, the position encoding system can be adapted to any application or environmental situation. It always consists of a read head, a code rail and the appropriate mounting system. The read head is available with various options, such as the WCS Outdoor option for harsh environments or the WCS Extended option for particularly long distances, which can also be combined with one another. If the read head and code rail are selected, three different mounting systems are available. For safety-related positioning applications, Pepperl+Fuchs combines the advantages of the WCS positioning system with a safe evaluation unit (Position Unit Safe, PUS).

Robustness and Precision in All Conditions

NEW: safeWCS/PUS

For safety-related positioning applications, Pepperl+Fuchs combines the advantages of the WCS positioning system with a safe evaluation unit (Position Unit Safe, PUS). Two safeWCS/PUS read heads are mounted one behind the other on the code rail. The evaluation unit acts as a safe gateway to the fieldbus: it processes the redundant signals from the safeWCS/PUS read heads, generates a safe position value and derives a safe speed value from this. In addition to the safe and non-safe data, the evaluation unit also transmits diagnostic data and uses the common safety protocol Fail Safe over EtherCAT® (FSoE) to implement functional safety with EtherCAT.
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Option Outdoor

The WCS option “O” for Outdoor is available for applications with extreme environmental conditions. A rugged housing with IP69 protection makes the read head resistant to dust, moisture, and shock. This means it can also be used in environments with high-pressure cleaners or where the WCS comes into contact with substances such as saltwater, acids, and alkalis. In case of malfunction, easy maintenance of the WCS read head is possible because the indicator LEDs and the display are easy to read through the translucent housing.
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Option Display

A six-digit (seven-segment) display is built into the read head and can be adapted to the mounting position. This allows the display to be easily rotated 180°, which ensures faster and easier commissioning—no matter whether the installation is hanging or standing. The display can show the current position value and diagnostic functions, and can draw attention to dirty or damaged code rail segments.
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Option Extended

If an application requires an especially long distance, the special WCS Extended version makes it possible to cover a distance of up to 629 m. Assembly and integration of the two standard code rail segments are flexible. The extended read head can read the extended distance without additional programming.
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Option Heating

By adding the “H” option, the WCS can be used in environments with temperatures as low as -40 °C. The heating is supplied via the read head and can be combined with the outdoor version. This enables commissioning in ice and snow and protects against condensation.
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Mounting Systems

Exact Positioning in All Weather Conditions

Exact position detection is ensured, even with temperature fluctuations. With the combination of Outdoor and Extended options, long distances are no longer a problem in modern harbor operations. This makes it possible for container cranes to move containers from one location to another over a distance of a maximum of 629 meters, ensuring that the crane is positioned with millimeter precision. As can be seen from the illustration, the position of the trolley during container loading can also be determined precisely by using a WCS. Both are based on durable stainless steel code rails using a WCS read head.