- Encoding Principle: Adopts optical scanning technology to achieve absolute position positioning by reading binary patterns on the code ruler, no battery or reference point reset required.
- Anti-Interference Capability: Operates stably in harsh environments with dust, oil contamination, etc., and supports automatic detection of fouling to trigger alarms.
- Measuring Range: Maximum 314.5 meters, resolution ±0.4 mm (1,250 position values/meter), meeting long-distance positioning needs of cranes, conveyors, etc.
- Dynamic Performance: Passing speed ≤12.5 m/s, response time ≤1 ms, suitable for high-speed moving equipment (e.g., AGVs, stackers).
- Communication Protocols: Supports RS-485 (WCS3B-LS311) or SSI (WCS3B-LS311D) interfaces, which can be directly connected to PLCs and frequency converters (e.g., Siemens CU250S, SEW MOVIPRO) to achieve closed-loop control.
- Diagnostic Function: Integrates LED indicators (green: power supply; yellow: data communication) and a display module (for SSI version) to display real-time position values and fault codes.
- Installation Tolerance: ±15.5 mm in the horizontal direction, ±14 mm in the vertical direction, allowing large installation deviations between the code ruler and the reader head.
- Protection Class: IP54 (dust and splash proof), operable in extreme temperatures from -40℃ to +85℃.
- Modular Installation: The reader head and code ruler are fixed via brackets; the code ruler can be bent or spliced in sections to adapt to complex track layouts.
- Installation Tools: Matching mounting brackets (e.g., Pepperl+Fuchs P/N: WCS3B-MOUNT) and special fixtures are required to ensure the distance between the reader head and the code ruler is stably maintained at 5-15 mm.
- Cable Requirements: Use twisted-pair shielded cables; connect the signal ground and equipment ground at a single point to avoid electromagnetic interference.
- Grounding Requirements: Grounding resistance ≤1Ω; both ends of the code ruler must be reliably grounded via grounding clamps.
- Parameter Configuration: Set the baud rate (default 19.2kBit/s) and signal type via the RS-485 interface using the PW2-ADP1-USB configuration software.
- Troubleshooting: If the LED flashes red, check the installation gap of the code ruler or read the diagnostic code (e.g., 0x8002 indicates signal loss) using a HART handheld communicator.
- Positioning of stackers in automated stereoscopic warehouses, supporting multi-vehicle coordinated scheduling with positioning accuracy ≤±1 mm.
- Dynamic sorting systems for conveyor lines, real-time tracking of cargo positions to control robotic arm grabbing.
- Anti-collision protection for port cranes, achieving precise docking and load distribution through position feedback.
- Pitch control systems for wind turbines, monitoring blade angles to optimize wind energy capture efficiency.
- Skid conveyor systems in welding workshops, cooperating with PLCs to achieve precise assembly positioning of vehicle body components.
- AGV path planning in final assembly lines, supporting multi-vehicle synchronous control and path switching.
- WCS3B: WCS3 series reader head; LS: Position sensor; 311: RS-485 interface version (SSI version is WCS3B-LS311D).
- Code Ruler: It is recommended to match with the WCS3B-CC311 code ruler (stainless steel material, customizable length) with an accuracy of ±0.4 mm.
- Redundant Design: Two reader heads can be installed in parallel, and data verification is performed via PLC to achieve fault redundancy.
- Manufacturer: Pepperl+Fuchs (Germany), providing global technical support and certification document downloads (product manuals, wiring diagrams available on the official website).
- Chinese Suppliers: Shanghai Qiantuo Trading, Xiamen KuanTu Automation, etc., providing spot sales and on-site technical services.
- Compliance Documents: Must comply with the EN 61000-6-2 anti-interference standard and IEC 61131-3 programming specifications.
- Avoid scratches or deformation on the surface of the code ruler; the splicing gap between adjacent ruler sections must be ≤0.5 mm.
- Reserve expansion compensation sections when laying over long distances to prevent ruler stretching due to temperature changes.
- When connecting to PLC/DCS, confirm the communication protocol matches (e.g., Siemens CU250S requires SSI message 352 configuration).
- The RS-485 network requires terminal matching (120Ω resistor), and the maximum number of nodes does not exceed 32.
- It is recommended to clean the optical window of the reader head every 6 months and check the torque of the code ruler fixing bolts (recommended 5N・m) every year.
- If fouling alarms are triggered frequently, add a purging device or adjust the installation position.
- Reader Head: WCS3B-LS311 (RS-485 interface)
- Code Ruler: WCS3B-CC311 (length customizable according to lifting height)
- Controller: Siemens G120 frequency converter + CU250S-2PN, achieving position closed-loop control via PROFINET
- Reader Head: WCS3B-LS311D (SSI interface)
- Encoder Card: SEW MOVIPRO-ADC expansion board, supporting multi-axis synchronous positioning
- Safety Function: Integrates emergency stop interlocking and overspeed protection, complying with the EN 62061 safety standard
With its high reliability, wide environmental adaptability, and flexible communication capabilities, the WCS3B-LS311 has become the preferred solution for long-distance high-precision positioning in industrial automation, especially suitable for heavy machinery scenarios with strict requirements for safety and stability.
