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CC320 Trigger timing controller
For a full specification please refer to the CC320 datasheet
When combining lighting, cameras, proximity sensors and encoders to generate an automated solution, the CC320 Trigger Timing Controller is the single component for fast affordable integration. With 8 independent input channels, the controller can take a range of input signals from various components and use these to trigger events on any of the 8 independent output channels.
Each of the 8 output channels can be individually programmed offering complete control over the pulse delay and pulse width, as well as a trigger delay enabling filtering of noisy trigger signals. In applications where encoders are connected to the input channels, outputs can be configured as functions of encoder pulses rather than absolute time values, creating a very versatile solution.
Ethernet enabled as standard, the CC320 can be quickly configured using our free software which can be downloaded from this page, or even simply by accessing the controller via your internet browser; type in the IP address for the controller into your browser and you have full access to all of the parameters. If you are using a third party software package the CC320 has a simple command set that is detailed in the manual allowing easy communication. As will all Gardasoft products, all the settings are stored in non-volatile memory, and it will retain these settings even when the Ethernet connection is disconnected. The different ways the CC320 can be configured is endless. To give you an idea of how the CC320 can be utilised, please take a look at application note 937 which can be found from the downloaded link opposite. This application note highlights just some of the ways in which the CC320 has been utilised within machine vision applications.
On the CC320 there are 8 digital inputs labelled IP1 to IP8, and 8 digital outputs labelled OP1 to OP8. Each output can perform any function. Some application examples are given here.
Delayed output following the detection of products
A product sensor provides a signal when a product is present. This signal needs to be delayed so that an inspection light is only turned on when a product is present. The delay can be a time or a number of encoder counts.
After Sensor 1 detects a product, there is a delay of 500ms before Light 1 is turned on.
Delayed output following the detection of products – based on timing
A sensor detects product presence, these products are evenly spaced on a guided rail. There are two cameras which need to take an image after different delays.
The leading edge of Sensor 1 is used as the trigger:
- OP1 triggers Camera 1 after 100ms - OP2 triggers Camera 2 after 200ms
Delayed output following the detection of products – based on distance
On a conveyor with an encoder, a sensor detects product presence. There are two cameras which need to take an image at fixed distances along the belt.
The camera trigger pulses must be fixed width for exposure control. The trailing edge of Sensor 1 is used as the trigger. OP1 triggers the first camera after 2000 encoder counts. OP2 triggers the second camera after 4000 encoder counts.
By using encoders, the image will be captured correctly even if the conveyor changes speed.
Where an output is required at a fixed frequency whenever a product is present.
A camera needs to be triggered at 25Hz continuously, except when Sensor 1 is high to indicate that there is no product present or the machine has stopped.
Camera 1 is triggered on OP1, and will trigger continuously at 25Hz – only when Sensor 1 is low.
The 25Hz trigger is generated by the internal timer.
Multiple outputs are required from one trigger signal
In this example, a sensor on IP1 detects product presence. Four images need to be taken from one camera using four different lights at 40ms intervals. OP1, OP2, OP3, OP4 are used to output triggers to turn on the four lights in sequence.
OP5 is used to trigger the camera four times.
OP1 to OP4 are pulsed for 40ms in sequence. As each one is pulsed, OP5 is also pulsed for a short time to trigger the camera.
A FIFO shift register function for reject synchronisation
At the end of the belt is a reject gate connected to OP2.
The timing for the reject gate must be synchronised to the original sensor, not to when the image processing gives pass/fail.
There might be multiple products between the sensor and reject gate. These products are individually tracked by the CC320 so that they are accepted or rejected at the correct time.
