BEI Sensors SwiftComm® Real-Time Wireless Encoder Interface - Manual (Page 4)

GroundinG
siGnal and PoWer connections
antennas
6 | BEI Sensors | swiftcomm installation manual and user Guide
The LINK and STATUS lights indicate the quality of RF connection
between the modules. On startup, both Transmitter and Receiver
modules search their assigned RF spectrum for another module
with the same address. When the modules locate each other, they
exchange frequency hopping sequence and other housekeeping
information. Once finished with this exchange, the LINK light is
turned on. From that point on, the Transmitter sends the data from the encoder
as a packet over the RF connection to the Receiver. The Receiver
reconstructs the encoder’s signal from the received packet and
informs the Transmitter of a successful packet exchange. This
series of events repeats each 600 microseconds.
LabeL CoLor DesCription
POWER GREEN ON Indicates input power is supplied to the Module
A RED Indicates quadrature Phase A status
B RED Indicates quadrature Phase B status
Z RED Indicates index status
LINK GREEN
ON Indicates SwiftComm Modules have established a reliable RF link.
OFF Indicates the RF link has been lost and an B.I.T. signal is active
STATUS RED
Blinks ON each time RF packets are lost. Rate of blinking indicates relative quality of the
RF link. Useful when setting up antennas and troubleshooting interference problems.
swiftcomm transmitter and receiver modules has a set of six front panel indicators
that show internal operation and rf status.
requirements
SwiftComm is licensed for use with a 5.5 dBi gain dipole (rubber ducky)
with a reverse polarity TNC connector. These antennas are mounted
directly to the mating connectors on the SwiftComm modules and are
supplied with each Transmitter and Receiver module.
For reliable radio transmission, a secure and obstruction-free
antenna location is required. If the SwiftComm module itself can be
located away from metal obstructions, like steel beams and plates,
then the supplied antenna can be attached directly to the module’s
RF Port. Make sure the transmit and receive antennas have the
same orientation, either vertical or horizontal (vertical orientation
will provide better performance). If the module is mounted in a metal
enclosure or located near metal obstructions, an FCC-approved BEI
antenna extension accessory must be used, providing more flexible
antenna mounting options. This accessory includes a 10-foot coax
cable and ground plane mounting bracket.
To install the antenna extension, first secure the ground plane
mounting bracket as high up as possible and away from metallic
obstructions. Secure the coax cable to the bracket, attaching it to
the RF Port. Then secure the other end of the coax cable to the
SwiftComm module, attaching the cable connector to the module’s
RF Port. Attach the antenna to the antenna connector at the ground
plane mounting bracket. Make sure the transmit and receive
antennas have the same orientation (either vertical or horizontal).
esd Protection
The antenna inputs on the SwiftComm modules are equipped
with Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) diodes. This is normally
adequate to protect the RF circuitry from static discharges and
mild lightning induced transients. However, if the antenna is to be
used outdoors where lightning is a much bigger threat, a lightning
arrestor such as an Altelicon AL-RTPRTJB-9SPL is recommended.
The arrestor is placed in-line with the antenna cable, and grounded
to a high integrity earth ground.
Important FCC Note: Only the 5.5 dBi gain dipole antenna, optional
BEI antenna extension accessory and optional lightning arrestor are
allowed for use with the SwiftComm modules. All other antenna
types and configurations are prohibited by the FCC license rules.
Consult the factory to discuss your application requirements.
SwiftComm transmitters and receivers are constructed with the
case connected to circuit common (0 V). Input signals are optically
isolated to provide exceptional noise immunity and significantly
reduce susceptibility to ground loop effects. If the transmitter or receiver are mounted to a metal cabinet or
support structure, it is recommended that an insulator be added so
that the case is not electrically connected to Earth ground.
Electrical power and signal connections are located on the end
of the SwiftComm modules, opposite the antenna connector.
The modules are powered by a power supply with a minimum
of 5 VDC. The transmitter draws approximately 200mA, and the
encoder approximately 100mA. The encoder output logic needs to
be consistent with the transmitter input logic (5V, 12-15V or 24V
logic). The receiver draws approximately 200mA. The receiver
output logic type and levels should be selected consistent with the
input requirements of the PLC or computer receiving the signals. Logic choices are 5 to 28V, a 5V regulated logic output (RS-422
and TTL compatible) with a 5 to 28 VDC supply, and an NPN open
collector output. All outputs are differential, with each channel
capable of sourcing or sinking 50 mA. If single-ended outputs
are needed, simply do not connect the complementary signals
(float them). Never connect any outputs directly to power, circuit
common, or another output, as this will cause an over-current in
the driver and likely lead to a thermal shutdown in the output stage.
swiftcomm installation manual and user Guide | BEI Sensors | 7
front Panel indicators
*Incremental Version shown. Available in Incremental or SSI versions