Set up a Balluff BTL Linear Position Sensor with ctrlX CORE using EtherCAT

[PretschC]

Introduction

This How-to describes the integration of a Balluff Linear Position Sensor BTL34TC with EtherCAT interface into ctrlX CORE. It shows possibilities for configuration and diagnosis. Other Balluff Linear Position Sensors from BTL7-V50E-Series can also be commissioned in this way.

Requirements 

Hardware

• ctrlX CORE
• Balluff Linear Position Sensors from BTL7-V50E-Series 
  
  

Software

• ctrlX PLC app on ctrlX CORE
• ctrlX EtherCAT Master app on ctrlX CORE
• ctrlX I/O Engineering and PLC Engineering (ctrlX WORKS)
  
  

Step-by-Step guide

New Project 

• Open ctrlX CORE user interface in browser.
  ctrlX CORE User Interface
• Add EtherCAT master by clicking [+] in EtherCAT > Configuration.
  EtherCAT / Configuration / [+]EtherCAT / Configuration / [+] / [OK]
• Open ctrlX I/O Engineering
  

  ctrlX I/O Engineering

  Open New project.
  New Project

Install device description

• Download ESI (device description) on Balluff website:
  ESI Download
  e.g. for this example: https://www.balluff.com/de-de/products/MP728888?configQuery[1.SALES.VM_BTL7_STROKELEN_00]=
  
  
• Open Tools > Device Repository
  Open Device Repository
• Install device description
  Repository

EtherCAT-Device configuration

• Add Device to EtherCAT-Master by right-click in the device tree on ethercatmaster > Add Device:
  EtherCAT Device Configuration
• Choose the right ESI (device description) for your device from device catalog > Add Device:
  Add Device
• The position sensor is now ready without any configuration
   Position Sensor

Port Configuration

• The BTL7-V50E-... corresponds to the profile for absolute linear encoders and is configured as a modular device. The transducer represents a virtual module carrier that has 16 slots for magnets. Various virtual modules that specify which data is assigned to the respective magnet can be inserted into each slot. This defines the data mapping, the assignment of the measurement data in the output. data.
  Technical Overview
• To configure the behavior of the magnet, right click on Magnet_x > Plug Device
  Plug Device
  Choose  module > Plug Device 
  Measurement Modules
• For diagnosis, error messages can be added with optional information about the temperature:
  right click on Device_1 > Plug Device > Choose  module > Plug Device 
  Diagnosis Module
• Configure the number of expected magnets to receive an error message in case of a missing magnet.
  Use the flexible mode, if the number of magnets changes while the application is running.
  Magnet Numbers

Diagnosis

• Direct information about the magnet can be seen in the process data of the corresponding magnet.
  Diagnosis PD2
  
  Diagnosis PD I
• An optional module for error messages can be plugged into Device_1. Now an error-bit is shown direct in the process data.  
  Errors Codes PD
  The error register is also shown in the CoE 
  Errors CoE 2
• Error codes and meaning
  Error Codes 2
• The status of the magnets can also be seen in the CoE online data:
  Errors CoE

Parametrization

• The BTL7-V50E-... can additionally be used as a cam switch. For this purpose, four cams are available for each magnet.
  CAM I
  There are four parameters available to configure and define each cam.
  CAM II
  Configuration can bee done via CoE:
  CAM III
  It is also possible to configure via startup parameters:
  ConfigurationCAM IV
• The work area can be configured in the same way:
  Work Area

Related Links  

• Portfolio EtherCAT RFID Controller
• Service & Support 
• Basics of Automation
  
  

The Company 

Your partner for success in automation

Balluff is a leading supplier of high-quality sensor, identification and image processing solutions, including network technology and software for all automation requirements. We adhere to our motto “innovating automation” as an agile developer and technological pioneer. And we always act sustainably. We deliver innovative solutions to increase your competitive ability. Our consistent digital orientation drives our joint progress, and our innovative spirit factors directly to your success factor. Family-run for more than 100 years, Balluff today employees around 3600 employees worldwide who are committed to the highest quality standards for your success. As a future-oriented company, we are also dedicated to the development of digitalization and IIoT applications for an increasingly digital and networked world. You can rely on us, our promises, our commitment and Balluff quality – all in the name of a mutually beneficial partnership