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 execution time of any technical process, machine operation or the action of a specific mechanism, energy. An automatic pulse counter can handle all this.
What are pulse counters?
A device that can count pulses is a specific automatic module and is used as an element for controlling automated lines by various mechanisms.
Counters are capable of counting in the forward, reverse and reverse direction of counting pulses and enable / disable control circuits over external devices when the required number of signals is reached.
The front panel of the rectangular signal counting devices is equipped with a sign-indicating indicator and controls - buttons. Structurally, the devices are designed in such a way that they can be easily installed in control cabinets, their panel in the foreground.
External circuits are connected to the meter through the terminal block connector on the back of the device.
How account devices work
The principle of operation of the pulse counter is based on the following:
- Using the push-button organs, the operator dials the preset counting setting, which is displayed on the instrument panel, and is also fixed by an independent memory, powered by a separate power supply.
- The signal (pulse) arriving at the counting input adds or subtracts a single value from a parameter set in advance, which is also displayed on the board.
- At the moment of coincidence of the calculated and set values, the control signal is supplied to the relay, where the position of the contact group changes.
- When a signal arrives at the reset input, the pulse counter enters the zeroing state.
The reset function through the reset input is not available on all counter circuits. In some, this process automatically occurs when the installation and count values coincide. At the same time, a pulse is applied to the relay, which switches the contacts for a predetermined period of time.
Universal meters can have both direct and reverse counts, which can be controlled by phasing pulses at the input of the device. This possibility of the device allows you to use the latter for winding machines when counting the number of turns.
Registrar Appointment
The pulse counter-recorder is designed to monitor the use of hot and cold water, energy and gas. The device works together with conventional electricity, gas and water meters, where there is a special pulse output for telemetric 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, as a rule, are secondary order conversion mechanisms. The primary order converters are water, natural gas or energy flow meters, in which a telemetric output is installed. An example of a registrar in the domestic market is the Pulsar pulse counter
In addition to the account circuit, the registrar also has a memory circuit, which is independent of external power. This memory contains an archive where all accounting data is stored. Information can be transmitted to the network using a special interface.
Impulse counter "ARIES"
The presented counter is a microprocessor system, which is used for counting the number of finished products on a moving conveyor belt, as well as the length of the polymer film obtained by extrusion, cable wound on a bobbin. It is also used to solve various issues of product sorting, determining its total quantity and batch numbers.
The timer device integrated in the SI8 pulse counter makes it possible to use the device when performing the functions of a flowmeter, calculating the speed of torsion of a shaft, and running hours counter. The digital device has a three-way housing design: one wall-mounted version and two switchboards. The counter can provide the following functions:
- count impulses in the reverse, direct and reverse form;
- determine at what speed the nodes and elements of mechanics rotate, as well as the direction of this rotation;
- calculate the flow in the total and current version;
- measure how long the process takes;
- determine what is the operating time of machines and equipment;
- using two output devices, manage the load;
- store measurement results in memory;
- transmit data through the interface.
Single channel counter
SI pulse counter model SI1-8 is an eight-bit single-channel device that can work in conjunction with various sensors. Its main purpose is to control the technological processes of a wide range of production. The claimed counter also has the ability to work together with the encoder.
The technical capabilities of the device allow the latter to count the pulses arriving at its input and to calculate the volume of the resulting product using any unit of measure. The main functions of the circuit are as follows:
- counting input pulses automatically;
- any calculation option - from zero to the set limit, back and reverse mode;
- calculation of operating hours of equipment;
- the possibility of using various coefficients programmatically entered into the device;
- flowmeter functions;
- display of measurement results clearly;
- the ability to control an actuator located outside;
- storage of data in memory and transmission of their network;
- the possibility of software impact on the counter.
Setting readings
To enter the counting setting on a typical pulse counter, the following steps must be performed:
- switch on the “enter” button - the device will go into the state of the blinking smallest discharge of the installation;
- select the desired value of the number;
- go to the next position of the discharge using the "select" button;
- thus setting the magnitude of each position to reach the highest level.
Instrument Classification Principles
There are many modifications of pulse counting devices that are designed to solve various production problems. All of them have the following classification:
- used supply voltage;
- the amplitude of the counted pulses;
- degree of speed of the circuit;
- bit depth;
- counting control system, as in the pulse counter of the Pulsar registrar;
- the number of circuits combined by one device;
- universality in terms of the possibility of reverse, reverse and direct counting;
- output functionality;
- type of output;
- view of the shell.
What devices are powered by
Different types of pulse counters can be powered by different voltages, mainly:
- alternating or constant electricity from 18.0 to 36.0 volts;
- AC or DC electricity ranging from 85.0 to 240.0 volts.
The signals arriving at the input of the devices can have amplitudes within the same limits as the supply voltage.
Regarding the output contact of the counter, the voltage on it can reach up to 250.0 volts with a current strength of up to 3.0 amperes. This does not apply to meters with high speed. They have an output electronic key, assembled on transistor logic.