Hand-held encoder programmer with CANopen interface

The battery-powered pocket-sized programming tool was designed for rapid configuring and programming of SICK’s AHS/AHM36 programmable absolute encoders and TMS/TMM inclination sensors with CANopen or analogue output.

According to Darren Pratt, SICK UK’s encoder specialist, the PGT-12-PRO shows the future of flexible and easy-to-use programming in CANopen environments. He said: “Integrating encoders and sensors into a CANopen fieldbus can vary significantly between different applications and often requires specialist programming knowledge and skills. Whether in the design office, on the production line, or in vehicles out in the field, the PGT-12-PRO liberates the engineer from having to complete remote programming via a PLC or PC.”

Sensor upgrades and new functions can be installed via a firmware update. Configurations can be saved to the device’s SD card, then transferred to enable device replacement and also cloned to enable installation of any number of identical applications and configurations.

The pre-configured node ID is easy to adjust to eliminate conflicting addresses. Baud rate, frequency and type of parameter transfer are also simple to manage, allowing data load and transmission speed in the fieldbus to be controlled to the optimum.  Mapping and assigning the process data objects for the encoder are quick with the PGT-12-PRO, and monitoring the CANopen nodes can be achieved without choosing between node guarding and heartbeat protocol techniques.