In production, where there are automation lines, there is always a need to calculate something. This may be the number of products, the length of the material, the time of execution of any technical process, machine operation or the action of a particular mechanism, energy resources. All this can be handled by an automatic pulse counter.
What are pulse counters
The device that can count pulses is a certain automatic module and is used as a control element of automated type lines by various mechanisms.
Meters are capable of counting forward, backward and reverse pulse counting and connect/disconnect control circuits over external devices when the required number of signals is reached.
The front panel of devices for counting rectangular signals is equipped with a sign-type indicator and controls - buttons. Structurally, the devices are made in such a way that they can be easily installed in control cabinets, their panel is in the foreground.
External circuits are switched withcounter through the terminal connector on the back of the instrument case.
How counting devices work
The operating principle of the pulse counter is based on the following:
- Using push-buttons, the operator dials the preset counting setting, which is displayed on the instrument panel, and is also fixed by an autonomous memory powered by a separate power supply.
- The signal (impulse) coming to the counting input adds or subtracts a single value from a pre-set parameter, which is also displayed on the display.
- At the moment of coincidence of the calculated and set values, the control signal is applied to the relay, where the position of the contact group changes.
- When the reset input is signaled, the pulse counter enters the zero state.
The reset function via the reset input is not available for all counter circuits. In some, this process automatically occurs when the set and count values match. At the same time, a pulse is applied to the relay, which switches the contacts for a certain specified period of time.
Universal counters can have both direct and reverse counting at the same time, which can be controlled by pulse phasing at the input of the device. This feature of the device allows the latter to be used for winding machines when counting the number of turns.
Appointment of a Registrar
Pulse counter recorder designed to monitor water use inhot and cold, energy and gas. The device works together with conventional electricity, gas and water meters, where there is a special pulse output for telemetry tasks. Also, the registrar can remotely monitor the consumption of energy resources and conduct other accounting operations.
Depending on how many channels the recorder has, it can serve the same number of number-pulse channels. Devices of this type are typically secondary order conversion mechanisms. Primary order converters are water, natural gas or energy flow meters with a telemetric output. An example of a registrar in the domestic market is the Pulsar impulse counter
The registrar, in addition to the counting circuit, also has a memory circuit that does not depend on external power. This memory contains an archive where all accounting data is stored. Information can be transmitted to the network using a special interface.
Pulse counter "ARIES"
The presented counter is a microprocessor system, which is used for the purpose of counting the number of finished products on a moving conveyor belt, as well as the length of the polymer film obtained by extrusion, the cable wound on the reel. It is also used when solving various issues of product sorting, determining its total quantity and lot numbers.
Built-in pulse counter SI8 timerthe device makes it possible to use the device when performing the functions of a flow meter, calculating the speed of rotation of the shaft, and an operating time counter. The digital device has three types of case design: one wall-mounted version and two panel ones. The counter can provide the following functions:
- calculate impulses in reverse, forward and reverse;
- determine the speed at which nodes and elements of mechanics rotate, as well as the direction of this rotation;
- calculate the consumption in the total and current version;
- measure how long the process takes;
- determine the operating time of machines and equipment;
- use two output devices to control the load;
- store measurement results in memory;
- transmit data over the interface.
Single-channel counter
Pulse counter SI model SI1-8 is an eight-digit single-channel device that can work together with various sensors. Its main purpose is to control technological processes of a wide range of production. The claimed counter also has the ability to work in conjunction with an encoder.
The technical capabilities of the device allow the latter to count the pulses coming to its input and calculate the volume of the received products using any units of measurement. The main functions of the circuit are:
- count input pulses automatically;
- any counting option - from zero to the set limit, back and by modereverse;
- calculation of running hours of equipment;
- possibility of using various coefficients programmed into the device;
- flow meter functions;
- display measurement results clearly;
- the ability to control an external executive device;
- store data in memory and transfer it to the network;
- possibility of software influence on the counter.
Indication setting
To enter the count setting on a typical pulse counter, you must do the following:
- turn on the “enter” button - the device will go into the state of the flashing smallest digit of the installation;
- choose the desired value of the number;
- go to the next position of the category using the "select" button;
- so setting the value of each position to reach the highest rank.
Principles of instrument classification
There are many modifications of pulse counting devices that are designed to solve various production problems. All of them have the following classification by:
- used supply voltage;
- amplitude of counted pulses;
- degrees of circuit performance;
- bit depth;
- counting control system, as in the impulse counter registrar "Pulsar";
- the number of circuits connected by one device;
- universality in terms of the possibility of reverse, reverse and direct counting;
- functionalityexit;
- output type;
- view of the shell.
What powers devices
Different types of pulse counters can be powered by different voltages, mainly:
- AC or DC electricity from 18.0 to 36.0 volts;
- AC or DC electricity between 85.0 and 240.0 volts.
Signals arriving at the input of devices can have amplitudes within the same range as the supply voltage.
Regarding the output contact of the meter, the voltage on it can reach up to 250.0 volts with a current of up to 3.0 amperes. This does not apply to counters with high speed. Their output is an electronic key assembled on transistor logic.
