The ESR strain sensor from Leine Linde provides digitalized strain measurement data directly into the machine controller or data acquisition system.
The ESR strain sensor from Leine Linde provides digitalized strain measurement data directly into the machine controller or data acquisition system. The sensor is based on an electro-optical rotary encoder in which the signal conversion takes place directly in the sensor and thus the measurement signal contains an extremely low noise even with long cable lengths. With help from gateways, the sensor can provide data via fieldbus interfaces including wireless LAN-based OPC UA. The design also realizes a completely fatigue-free measurement concept, since there is no strain put on the mechanics of this sensor.
https://www.leinelinde.com/products/strain-sensors/esr-strain-sensor/
Sensor connection
The ESR strain sensor can be connected to a Q.station 101 or Q.station X via CANopen. This requires the CAN gateway model VGR 4:1 (part no. 1202651-01) from Leine Linde.
For details about the Q.station's CAN interface, please refer to the Q.station manual (for Q.station 101) or the Q.series XL manual (for Q.station X), which can be downloaded from the download area on our website.
For proof of concept, we used a CAN-to-USB adapter on the Q.station side (PCAN-USB adapter from PEAK-Systems Technik GmbH).
Sensor setup
Below are some screenshots of the settings that are required in our system to read the data. For proof of concept, we have used the test.commander software.
CAN input settings to read the sensor data:
CAN output settings to trigger the sensor:
The data sequence 01 0F on CAN ID 000h is required for the trigger. For this purpose, the value 3841 formatted as USINT16 is written to the CAN output. For proof of concept, the trigger was given manually. The trigger can also be generated automatically using for example an arithmetic function or a test.con application.
About the CANOpen interface
Leine Linde has supplied Gantner Instruments with a sensor for proof of concept. Connecting the sensor via a CANopen gateway has been successful and the data stream arrives in our system. The sensor requires a trigger signal to start the transfer of continuous measurement data. Such a trigger can be set up with virtual variables on the controller or test.con, if more advanced logic is required. It would be more convenient for the user if the sensor could be set up in such a way that it does not need a trigger. However, since the gateway from Leine Linde automatically sets itself to the baud rate of the connected bus, and consequently needs a message first, there is no way to get around it.