The suitcase device

EncoderAnalyzer in a carrying case with four measurement ports and an integrated laptop. The high-quality laptop—running^{the Windows®} operating system—is connected to the EncoderAnalyzer via a docking station. This allows the laptop to be removed from the carrying case and used for other tasks. The carrying case is lockable to protect its valuable contents.

The lid of the case is equipped with a latch. It ensures that the laptop is securely held in place in the docking station when the case lid is closed.

The EncoderAnalyzer and laptop are powered by the integrated AC power connection. A special built-in lithium-ion battery allows testing even without an AC power source. This enables off-site testing without the need for an AC power source.

The tabletop unit

The EncoderAnalyzer is a benchtop unit with up to four measurement ports on the front panel. The port for the LAN cable connecting to the PC is located on the back panel. The EncoderAnalyzer is powered by an external power supply.

The EncoderAnalyzer is an invaluable tool for simplifying encoder testing. It supplies power to the encoder and measures all signals, then automatically evaluates them. The result is a clear "OK" or "NOK" (not OK).

The following encoders and sensor systems can be tested:

• 6-channel encoder analyzer for incremental square-wave encoders with A, /A, B, /B, N, /N, U, /U, V, /V, W, /W
• Sine-cosine generator with sin, /sin, cos, /cos, ref, /ref
• Hall elements with A, /A, B, /B, N, /N
• Hall elements with U, /U, V, /V, W, /W
• Commutation signals / Block commutation
• Multiturn absolute encoder with SSI and HIPERFACE interfaces
  • optional resolver
  • Optional 3-phase motor current measurement during operation
  • Optional EMF voltage measurement up to 700 V
  • optional resolver adjustment with respect to the Motor-EMF
  • Optional programming of the angular offset in the encoder

The EncoderAnalyzer consists of two components: the measurement module and the analysis software, which is installed on a PC. The measurement module is connected to the encoder under test via a measurement cable and performs the measurements. To do this, it records several million data points during one rotation of the encoder and transmits them to the PC. Communication between the measurement module and the PC takes place via a Gigabit Ethernet connection. The measurement values are automatically evaluated using the analysis software. At the end of the analysis, the software displays the analysis results on the monitor. For better understanding, the errors of a defective encoder can also be displayed graphically, similar to an oscilloscope.

The test results are stored in a modern MS-SQL database. A detailed test report can be printed out as needed.

A power supply of 3–30 V for the rotary encoder is integrated into the Encoder Analyzer. The user sets the voltage level and the maximum permissible current draw via software input based on the encoder type. During the test, the Encoder Analyzer measures the current draw for monitoring purposes. If the set maximum value is exceeded, the power supply is automatically shut off.

The fast, intelligent measurement technology and the user-friendly, intuitive analysis software are perfectly coordinated. Just a few clicks to adjust settings and select options are all it takes to configure the test for the connected encoder type.

The software supports the connection and analysis of an encoder. All inputs in the analysis software are accompanied by comprehensive help information. The detailed analyses produce clear and easy-to-understand results. No specialized knowledge is required to operate the analysis software.

Once the test parameters have been entered, the measurement begins. The EncoderAnalyzer records the measured values from at least one full rotation of the encoder. This is followed by fully automatic evaluation. The EncoderAnalyzer lists all measurement results from the analysis in a table.

In addition, all faulty signal points from the fully analyzed revolution are listed in an error list. By clicking on the entries in the error list, EncoderAnalyzer displays a zoomed-in view of the signal waveforms at the point of the error in a type of oscilloscope display. This provides you with visual confirmation of the type of error involved.

The software includes a database capable of storing thousands of encoders and resolvers.

Data such as encoder type, supply voltage, pin assignment, etc., must be included in the database. Based on this information, the software indicates which connection cable must be used and how the encoder is connected.

In addition, the database contains supplementary information that, while not relevant from a metrological standpoint, provides further details about the sensor.

Angle Alignment

In addition to encoder analysis, the software also provides significant assistance with encoder angle calibration. Whether the encoder needs to be adjusted by manually rotating it or you simply need to determine the angle offset, the software provides graphical guidance to assist the user throughout the adjustment process.

Depending on the encoder type, manufacturer, and configuration of the EncoderAnalyzer, the offset angle can then also be written back to the encoder.

• Donor Analysis – No prior knowledge required
• Automatic verification of all sensor signals
• Checking all signal pulses per revolution
• Calculation of the number of pulses per revolution
• Check all 90° phase shifts between the signals per revolution
• Automatic testing of all signal voltages per revolution
• Direction of rotation and speed of the encoder
• Angular error check per revolution
• Angle Calibration of Encoders
• EMK measurement on all three motor phases to calibrate the resolver, encoder, or Hall sensors
• Saving the angular offset in the encoder via the data interface
• EMK measurement to determine the ke value at the outlet and normalization to 1,000 rpm
• EMK symmetry measurement during the run-out
• Incremental encoder test with A–/A–B–/B–Z–/Z tracks
• Sine-Cosine Encoder Test with sin– /sin– cos– /cos– N– /N tracks
• Resolver Test
• Hall element test, evaluation of the three commutation signals
• Encoder interfaces via SSI, EnDat, HIPERFACE
• Measurement module with 12 high-speed measurement channels
• Integrated adjustable power supply for the encoders
• Integrated reference signal source for resolvers
• ^{Windows® software} for analyzing measurement signals
• Oscilloscope-style display of all measurement signals
• SQL database of sensor models sorted by manufacturer and type
• Multilingual user interface