Encoder and measurement system
The encoder allows users to switch communication speeds through a control unit and non-volatile memory, simplifying configuration and enhancing communication reliability and responsiveness.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024018342
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-02-09
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-22
- Estimated Expiration
- 2044-02-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing encoders require dedicated circuits and components for switching communication speed, leading to a complicated configuration that users cannot easily modify.
The encoder includes a control unit, non-volatile memory, and communication units with multiple receiving and transmitting capabilities to allow users to switch communication speeds without complicating the configuration, using a control unit to read and store new speed settings from the controller.
Enables users to switch communication speeds without adding complexity to the encoder's configuration, ensuring reliable and responsive communication with the controller.
Smart Images

Figure 2025122735000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to an encoder and a measurement system, and more particularly to setting the communication speed between a controller and an encoder. [Background technology]
[0002] The encoder detects the state of the device to be measured, for example, the rotation angle of a motor or a wheel. Upon receiving a transmission request signal from the controller, the encoder transmits detected state information relating to the state of the device to the controller.
[0003] The encoder stores a communication speed setting value in non-volatile memory, and communicates with the controller at a communication speed based on this communication speed setting value. The communication speed setting value is written to the non-volatile memory by the manufacturer before the encoder is shipped. For this reason, it was not possible for the user to change the encoder's communication speed.
[0004] On the other hand, a technique for switching the communication speed of an encoder on the user side is disclosed in the following Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-54536 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0006] As described in Patent Document 1, by providing a command determination unit, setting unit, storage unit, etc. in the communication unit, it becomes possible for the user to switch the communication speed of the encoder. However, this requires dedicated circuits and components in the communication unit, which cannot be handled by general transmission and reception circuits, resulting in a problem of a complicated configuration.
[0007] For this reason, it is desirable to enable the user to switch the communication speed of the encoder without complicating the configuration of the communication unit.
[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an encoder and a measurement system that allows the user to switch the communication speed of the encoder without complicating the configuration of the communication section. [Means for solving the problem]
[0009] The encoder according to the present invention comprises a control unit, a non-volatile memory for storing a communication speed setting value, a sensing unit for detecting the state of the device to be measured, a signal processing unit for generating state detection information from the detection results of the sensing unit, and a communication unit for communicating with a controller. When the power is turned on, the control unit reads the communication speed setting value stored in the memory and sets the communication unit to receive or transmit at the communication speed set by the read communication speed setting value. When a request signal for requesting transmission is received from the controller via the communication unit, the control unit controls the communication unit to send the state detection information generated by the signal processing unit to the controller via the communication unit. When a request signal for setting communication speed including a new communication speed setting value as data is received from the controller via the communication unit, the control unit stores the new communication speed setting value in the memory.
[0010] In the encoder of the present invention, the communication unit may have a first receiving unit that receives at a predetermined fixed first communication speed, a second receiving unit that is capable of changing the communication speed and receives at a second communication speed set by a communication speed setting value read from memory, and a transmitting unit that is capable of changing the communication speed and transmits at the second communication speed set by the communication speed setting value.
[0011] In the encoder of the present invention, the first receiving unit may receive a communication speed setting request signal including a communication speed setting value as data from the controller at a first communication speed, and the second receiving unit may receive a communication speed setting request signal including a communication speed setting value as data from the controller at a second communication speed.
[0012] In the encoder of the present invention, the communication unit may have a plurality of first receiving units that receive at a predetermined different fixed first communication speed, a plurality of second receiving units that are capable of changing the communication speed and receive at different second communication speeds set by a communication speed setting value, and a plurality of transmitting units that are capable of changing the communication speed and transmit at different second communication speeds set by a communication speed setting value.
[0013] In the encoder according to the present invention, the first communication speed may be set lower than the lowest value of the second communication speed in the communication section.
[0014] In the encoder according to the present invention, the first communication speed may be set to be lower than half the lowest value of the second communication speed in the communication section.
[0015] In the encoder according to the present invention, when the power is turned on, the control unit may start up in a state in which it does not accept the storage of a new communication speed setting value in the memory, and when it receives a request signal for permission to change the communication speed from the controller via the communication unit, it may enter a state in which it is possible to store a new communication speed setting value in the memory.
[0016] In the encoder of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to enter a state in which storage into memory is possible, and after storing a new communication speed setting value into memory, return to a state in which storage of a new communication speed setting value into memory is not accepted.
[0017] In the encoder according to the present invention, when the control unit receives a request signal for confirming the communication speed setting value from the controller via the communication unit, the control unit may read the communication speed setting value stored in the memory and control the encoder to transmit the read communication speed setting value to the controller via the communication unit.
[0018] In the encoder of the present invention, the control unit may include a memory controller, a signal processing controller, and a switching unit, wherein the switching unit provides a transmission request signal from the communication unit to the signal processing controller, and the signal processing controller controls the signal processing controller to transmit status detection information to the controller via the communication unit in response to the transmission request signal, the switching unit provides a communication speed setting request signal from the communication unit to the memory controller, the communication speed setting value being included as data, the memory controller stores the new communication speed setting value in memory, the switching unit provides a communication speed setting value confirmation request signal from the communication unit to the memory controller, and the memory controller reads the communication speed setting value stored in the memory and transmits the read communication speed setting value to the controller via the communication unit.
[0019] The measurement system according to the present invention includes a controller that communicates with an encoder, and any of the encoders described above that communicate with the controller, and the controller and encoder communicate at either a predetermined fixed first communication speed or a second communication speed based on a communication speed setting value stored in the encoder. [Effects of the Invention]
[0020] According to the encoder of the present invention, the communication speed of the encoder can be switched on the user side without complicating the configuration of the communication unit. According to the measurement system of the present invention, the communication speed of the encoder can be switched on the user side without complicating the configuration of the communication unit of the encoder. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a measurement system including a controller and an encoder according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a configuration diagram showing an encoder according to the first embodiment together with a speed setting value. FIG. [Figure 3]FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a measurement system including a controller and an encoder according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing an encoder according to a second embodiment together with a speed setting value. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a measurement system including a controller and an encoder in a comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An encoder and a measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals.
[0023] Embodiment 1 First, the configuration of a measurement system 1 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the measurement system 1 including a controller 10 and an encoder 100 in the first embodiment. Here, the controller 10 functions as a host computer, and the encoder 100 functions as a terminal device.
[0024] [Configuration of the Encoder 100 of the First Embodiment] 1, an encoder 100 is configured to be able to communicate with a controller 10. The encoder 100 mainly includes a control unit 110, a memory 120, a communication unit 130, a sensing unit 150, and a signal processing unit 160.
[0025] The control unit 110 includes a memory controller 111, a signal processing controller 112, and a switching unit 113.
[0026] When the encoder 100 is powered on, the memory controller 111 reads the communication speed setting value stored in the memory 120 and sets the communication unit 130 to receive or transmit at the communication speed set by the read communication speed setting value. When the memory controller 111 receives a communication speed setting request signal including a new communication speed setting value as data from the controller 10, the memory controller 111 stores the new communication speed setting value in the memory 120. When the power is turned on, the memory controller 111 does not accept the storage of a new communication speed setting value in the memory 120, and when it receives a request signal for permission to change the communication speed from the controller 10, it makes it possible to store a new communication speed setting value in the memory 120. When the memory controller 111 receives a request signal for confirming the communication speed setting value from the controller 10, it reads out the communication speed setting value stored in the memory 120 and transmits the read communication speed setting value to the controller 10 via the communication unit 130.
[0027] When the signal processing controller 112 receives a transmission request signal from the controller 10, it transmits the state detection information generated by the signal processing unit 160 to the controller 10 via the communication unit .
[0028] The switching unit 113 provides the signal processing controller 112 with a transmission request signal received by the communication unit 130 from the controller 10. The switching unit 113 provides the memory controller 111 with a communication speed setting request signal received by the communication unit 130 from the controller 10 and including a new communication speed setting value as data. The switching unit 113 provides the memory controller 111 with a communication speed setting value confirmation request signal received by the communication unit 130 from the controller 10.
[0029] The memory 120 stores various setting values and communication speed setting values. The memory 120 stores a new communication speed setting value under the control of the memory controller 111.
[0030] The communication unit 130 includes a first receiving unit 131, a second receiving unit 132, and a transmitting unit 133. The communication unit 130 communicates with the controller 10 at a predetermined fixed first communication speed or at a second communication speed set by a communication speed setting value read from the memory 120 by the memory controller 111.
[0031] That is, the first receiving unit 131 receives from the controller 10, at a predetermined fixed first communication speed, a request signal for requesting transmission, a request signal for setting a communication speed that includes a new communication speed setting value as data, a request signal for permission to change the communication speed, and a request signal for confirming the communication speed setting value. The second receiving unit 132 is configured to be able to change the communication speed. The second receiving unit 132 receives from the controller 10 a request signal for requesting transmission, a request signal for setting a communication speed including a new communication speed setting value as data, a request signal for permission to change the communication speed, and a request signal for confirming the communication speed setting value, at the second communication speed set by the memory controller 111. The transmitting unit 133 is configured to be able to change the communication speed. The transmitting unit 133 transmits the state detection information generated by the signal processing unit 160 and the communication speed setting value read from the memory 120 to the controller 10 at the communication speed set by the memory controller 111 from the memory 120.
[0032] The sensing unit 150 magnetically or optically detects the state of the measurement target device, for example, the rotation angle of a motor or a wheel. The sensing unit 150 supplies the detection result regarding the state of the measurement target device to the signal processing unit 160.
[0033] The signal processing unit 160 processes the detection results of the sensing unit 150 and generates state detection information including the position, angle, or speed. The state detection information generated by the signal processing unit 160 is transmitted to the controller 10 via the communication unit 130 under the control of the signal processing controller 112 in response to a transmission request signal from the controller 10.
[0034] Comparative example. Here, the configuration of a measurement system 1x as a comparative example to the measurement system 1 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a measurement system 1x including a controller 10x and an encoder 100x in the comparative example. In Fig. 5, in the configuration of the measurement system 1x, the same components as those in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and components different from those in Fig. 1 are given an "x" at the end of the reference numeral. Therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the parts different from Fig. 1.
[0035] [Configuration of Encoder 100x in Comparative Example] 5, an encoder 100x is configured to be able to communicate with a controller 10x. The encoder 100x mainly includes a control unit 110x, a memory 120x, a communication unit 130x, a sensing unit 150, and a signal processing unit 160.
[0036] The control unit 110x includes a memory controller 111x and a signal processing controller 112.
[0037] Before the encoder 100x is shipped, the memory 120x stores the communication speed setting value via a dedicated port or the like indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 5. After the encoder 100x is shipped, the memory 120x cannot store a new communication speed setting value via the memory controller 111x.
[0038] When the encoder 100x is powered on, the memory controller 111x reads out the communication speed setting value stored in the memory 120x, and sets the communication unit 130x to receive or transmit at the communication speed set by the read communication speed setting value.
[0039] The communication unit 130x is provided with a receiving unit 132x and a transmitting unit 133. The communication unit 130x communicates with the controller 10x at a communication speed set by the communication speed setting value read from the memory 120x by the memory controller 111x. That is, the receiving unit 132x receives a transmission request signal from the controller 10x at a communication speed set by the communication speed setting value read from the memory 120x by the memory controller 111x. The transmitting unit 133 transmits the state detection information generated by the signal processing unit 160 to the controller 10x at a communication speed set by the communication speed setting value read from the memory 120x by the memory controller 111x.
[0040] [Operation of Encoder 100x in Comparative Example] The encoder 100x shown in FIG. 5 communicates with the controller 10x via a communication unit 130x to which a communication speed setting value stored in a nonvolatile memory 120x is set. The communication speed setting value is written into the memory 120x by the manufacturer before shipping the encoder 100x, so the user cannot change or switch the communication speed of the encoder 100x.
[0041] [Operation of the Encoder 100 of the First Embodiment] Below, the operation of the encoder 100 will be explained separately for when the power is turned on, when a request signal for a transmission request is received, when a request signal for setting the communication speed is received, when a request signal for permission to change the communication speed is received, and when a request signal for confirming the communication speed setting value is received.
[0042] Here, the request signal for transmission request is a general request signal known as RTS (Request To Send), which is a signal that requests the controller 10 to transmit the status detection information generated by the signal processing unit 160 based on the detection results of the sensing unit 150. The communication speed setting request signal is a signal from the controller 10 that includes, as data, a new communication speed setting value to be stored in the memory 120. The communication speed change permission request signal is a signal that cancels the state in which the memory 120 does not accept the storage of a new communication speed setting value, and makes it possible to store a new communication speed setting value in the memory 120. The communication speed setting value confirmation request signal is a signal that requests the communication speed setting value read from the memory 120 to be transmitted to the controller 10. The request signal for setting the communication speed, the request signal for permission to change the communication speed, and the request signal for confirming the communication speed setting value are signals that are realized by partially modifying or extending the bits that make up a general request signal for requesting transmission.
[0043] ·When powering on: When the power supply to the encoder 100 is turned on, the control unit 110 initializes each unit and executes the following initial operations. As an initial operation, the memory controller 111 reads the communication speed setting value stored in the memory 120, sets the second receiving unit 132 to receive at the second communication speed set by the read communication speed setting value, and sets the transmitting unit 133 to transmit at the second communication speed set by the read communication speed setting value.
[0044] When a request signal for transmission is received: When a transmission request signal is transmitted from the controller 10 at a predetermined fixed first communication speed, the first receiving unit 131 receives the transmission request signal at the predetermined fixed first communication speed. On the other hand, when a transmission request signal is transmitted from the controller 10 at a second communication speed, the second receiving unit 132 receives the transmission request signal at the second communication speed. The switching unit 113 provides the signal processing controller 112 with the request signal for requesting transmission received by the first receiving unit 131 or the request signal for requesting transmission received from the controller 10 by the second receiving unit 132 . When the signal processing controller 112 receives a request signal for a transmission request from the controller 10 via the switching unit 113, it transmits the status detection information generated by the signal processing unit 160 based on the detection result of the sensing unit 150 from the transmitting unit 133 to the controller 10 at the second communication speed.
[0045] When a request signal for permission to change the communication speed is received: When the encoder 100 is powered on, the memory controller 111 may start up in a state where it does not accept the storage of a new communication speed setting value in the memory 120 in order to prevent malfunction or improve reliability. When the controller 10 transmits a request signal for permission to change the communication speed at a predetermined fixed first communication speed, the first receiving unit 131 receives the request signal for permission to change the communication speed at the predetermined fixed first communication speed. On the other hand, when the controller 10 transmits a request signal for permission to change the communication speed at a second communication speed, the second receiving unit 132 receives the request signal for permission to change the communication speed at the second communication speed. The switching unit 113 provides the memory controller 111 with the request signal for permission to change the communication speed received by the first receiving unit 131 or the request signal for permission to change the communication speed received by the second receiving unit 132 from the controller 10 . When the memory controller 111 receives a request signal for permission to change the communication speed from the controller 10 via the switching unit 113, it cancels the state in which it does not accept the storage of a new communication speed setting value in the memory 120, and makes it possible to store a new communication speed setting value in the memory 120. Therefore, until a request signal for permission to change the communication speed is received from the controller 10, the memory 120 will not accept the storage of a new communication speed setting value, thereby protecting the communication speed setting value in the memory 120 and improving reliability. After the memory controller 111 has enabled the memory 120 to store a new communication speed setting value in response to a request signal for permission to change the communication speed, the memory controller 111 may return to a state in which it does not accept the storage of a new communication speed setting value in the memory 120 after a certain period of time has elapsed or after the new communication speed setting value has been stored in the memory 120.
[0046] When receiving a request signal for setting the communication speed: When the controller 10 transmits a communication speed setting request signal at a predetermined fixed first communication speed, the first receiving unit 131 receives the communication speed setting request signal at the predetermined fixed first communication speed. On the other hand, when the controller 10 transmits a communication speed setting request signal at a second communication speed, the second receiving unit 132 receives the communication speed setting request signal at the second communication speed. The switching unit 113 provides the memory controller 111 with the communication speed setting request signal received by the first receiving unit 131 or the communication speed setting request signal received by the second receiving unit 132 from the controller 10 . When the memory controller 111 receives the communication speed setting request signal from the controller 10 via the switching unit 113, it stores the new communication speed setting value contained as data in the communication speed setting request signal in the memory 120. In this case, the memory controller 111 overwrites the communication speed setting value already stored in the memory 120 with the new communication speed setting value.
[0047] When a request signal for checking the communication speed setting is received: When a request signal for confirming a communication speed setting value is transmitted from the controller 10 at a predetermined fixed first communication speed, the first receiving unit 131 receives the request signal for confirming a communication speed setting value at the predetermined fixed first communication speed. On the other hand, when a request signal for confirming a communication speed setting value is transmitted from the controller 10 at a second communication speed, the second receiving unit 132 receives the request signal for confirming a communication speed setting value at the second communication speed. The switching unit 113 provides the communication speed setting value confirmation request signal received by the first receiving unit 131 or the communication speed setting value confirmation request signal received from the controller 10 by the second receiving unit 132 to the memory controller 111. When the memory controller 111 receives a request signal for confirming the communication speed setting value from the controller 10 via the switching unit 113, it reads out the communication speed setting value stored in the memory 120 and transmits the read communication speed setting value from the transmitting unit 133 to the controller 10 at the second communication speed. In a specific usage mode, when the controller 10 does not recognize the communication speed setting value stored in the memory 120 of the encoder 100, the controller 10 transmits a communication speed setting value confirmation request signal to the encoder 100 at a fixed first communication speed. In response to this, the encoder 100 transmits the communication speed setting value read from the memory 120 to the controller 10. As a result, the controller 10 can reliably know the communication speed setting value of the encoder 100.
[0048] [Specific Example of Communication Speed Setting in Encoder 100 of Embodiment 1] A specific example of the communication speed setting of the communication unit 130 in the encoder 100 will be described below with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the encoder 100 according to the first embodiment together with the speed setting value. The first receiving unit 131 receives from the controller 10 a request signal for requesting transmission, a request signal for setting a communication speed that includes a new communication speed setting value as data, a request signal for permission to change the communication speed, and a request signal for confirming the communication speed setting value, at a predetermined fixed first communication speed of 0.5 Mbps. The second receiving unit 132 receives from the controller 10 a request signal for requesting transmission, a request signal for setting a communication speed that includes a new communication speed setting value as data, a request signal for permission to change the communication speed, and a request signal for confirming the communication speed setting value at a second communication speed within the range of 1.25 Mbps to 10 Mbps that is set by the communication speed setting value. The transmitting unit 133 transmits the status detection information generated by the signal processing unit 160 and the communication speed setting value read out from the memory 120 to the controller 10 at a second communication speed within the range of 1.25 Mbps to 10 Mbps set by the communication speed setting value.
[0049] In the above specific example, the first communication speed is set lower than the lowest value of the second communication speed to ensure reliable communication between the controller 10 and the encoder 100. On the other hand, to improve the responsiveness of the encoder 100, the second communication speed is set higher than the first communication speed. If the first communication speed and the second communication speed overlap, it is not preferable because the first receiving unit 131 and the second receiving unit 132 will receive simultaneously. Therefore, to prevent the first communication speed and the second communication speed from overlapping, the first communication speed is set lower than the lowest value of the second communication speed. To prevent the first receiving unit 131 from responding at a cycle half the minimum value of the second communication speed, the first communication speed is set lower than half the minimum value of the second communication speed.
[0050] [Effects obtained by the first embodiment] The encoder 100 of embodiment 1 includes a control unit 110, a non-volatile memory 120 that stores a communication speed setting value, a sensing unit 150 that detects the state of the device to be measured, a signal processing unit 160 that generates state detection information from the detection result of the sensing unit 150, and a communication unit 130 that communicates with the controller 10. When the power is turned on, the control unit 110 reads the communication speed setting value stored in the memory 120 and sets the transmission unit 133 in the communication unit 130 to receive or transmit at the communication speed set by the read communication speed setting value. When the control unit 110 receives a request signal for a transmission request from the controller 10 via the first receiving unit 131 or the second receiving unit 132 in the communication unit 130, it controls the status detection information generated by the signal processing unit 160 to be transmitted to the controller 10 via the transmitting unit 133 in the communication unit 130. When the control unit 110 receives a request signal for setting a communication speed from the controller 10 via the first receiving unit 131 or the second receiving unit 132 in the communication unit 130, the control unit 110 controls the memory 120 to store the new communication speed setting value as data. According to the encoder 100 described above, it becomes possible for the user to switch the communication speed of the encoder 100 from the controller 10, without complicating the configuration of the communication unit 130. According to the measurement system 1 having the controller 10 and the encoder 100 described above, it becomes possible for the user to switch the communication speed of the encoder 100 from the controller 10, without complicating the configuration of the communication unit 130 of the encoder 100.
[0051] In the encoder 100 of embodiment 1, the communication unit 130 has a first receiving unit 131 that receives at a fixed first communication speed, a second receiving unit 132 that receives at a second communication speed set by a communication speed setting value, and a transmitting unit 133 that transmits at the second communication speed set by the communication speed setting value. With this configuration, the controller 10 can transmit a transmission request signal, a communication speed setting request signal, a communication speed change permission request signal, and a communication speed setting value confirmation request signal to the encoder 100 at either a slow but reliable first communication speed or a second communication speed faster than the first communication speed. Meanwhile, the encoder 100 can transmit the state detection information and the stored communication speed setting value to the controller 10 at the second communication speed faster than the first communication speed.
[0052] In the encoder 100 of embodiment 1, the first receiving unit 131 receives a communication speed setting request signal including a communication speed setting value as data from the controller 10 at a first communication speed, and the second receiving unit 132 receives a communication speed setting request signal including a communication speed setting value as data from the controller 10 at a second communication speed. With this configuration, in the encoder 100, either the first receiving unit 131 or the second receiving unit 132 can reliably receive the communication speed setting request signal from the controller 10, depending on the communication speed on the controller 10 side.
[0053] In the encoder 100 of the first embodiment, the first communication speed of the communication unit 130 is set lower than the lowest value of the second communication speed. Therefore, the first communication speed, which is lower than the lowest value of the second communication speed, allows reliable communication between the controller 10 and the encoder 100. On the other hand, the second communication speed is set higher than the first communication speed, which allows the responsiveness of the encoder 100 to be improved.
[0054] In the encoder 100 of the first embodiment, the first communication speed of the communication unit 130 is set to be lower than half the lowest value of the second communication speed. This makes it possible to prevent the first receiving unit 131 from responding at a cycle that is half the minimum value of the second communication speed.
[0055] In the encoder 100 of the first embodiment, when power is turned on, the memory controller 111 starts up in a state in which it does not accept the storage of a new communication speed setting value in the memory 120. Then, when a request signal for permission to change the communication speed is received from the controller 10 via the communication unit 130, the memory controller 111 enters a state in which it is possible to store a new communication speed setting value in the memory 120. Therefore, until a request signal for permission to change the communication speed is received from the controller 10, the memory 120 will not accept the storage of a new communication speed setting value, thereby protecting the communication speed setting value in the memory 120 and improving reliability.
[0056] In the encoder 100 of the first embodiment, a request signal for permission to change the communication speed allows storage in the memory 120, and after the new communication speed setting value is stored in the memory 120, the memory controller 111 returns to a state in which it does not accept the storage of a new communication speed setting value in the memory 120. Therefore, after a new communication speed setting value is stored in memory 120, the memory 120 is again put into a state where it will not accept new communication speed setting values to be stored therein, thereby protecting the communication speed setting value in memory 120 and improving reliability.
[0057] In the encoder 100 according to the first embodiment, when the memory controller 111 receives a request signal for confirming the communication speed setting value from the controller 10, the memory controller 111 transmits the communication speed setting value stored in the memory 120 to the controller 10. As a result, even if the controller 10 does not recognize the communication speed setting value stored in the memory 120 of the encoder 100, the controller 10 can reliably know the communication speed setting value of the encoder 100.
[0058] In the measurement system 1 of the first embodiment, the controller 10 and the encoder 100 communicate at either a predetermined fixed first communication speed or a second communication speed based on a communication speed setting value stored in the encoder 100. This allows communication between the controller 10 and the encoder 100, depending on the situation, at either a fixed and slow first communication speed, or a fast second communication speed based on a communication speed setting value stored in the memory 120 of the encoder 100.
[0059] Embodiment 2 Next, the configuration of the measurement system 1 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the measurement system 1 including the encoder 100 in the second embodiment. In Fig. 3, the same components as those in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and components different from those in Fig. 1 are given the suffix "a" or "b". Therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the parts that are different from Fig. 1.
[0060] [Configuration of the Encoder 100 of the Second Embodiment] In FIG. 3, the communication unit 130 is provided with a plurality of first receiving units 131a, 131b that receive at a predetermined different fixed first communication speed, a plurality of second receiving units 132a, 132b that receive at different second communication speeds set by a communication speed setting value, and a plurality of transmitting units 133a, 133b that transmit at different second communication speeds set by a communication speed setting value.
[0061] [Specific Example of Communication Speed Setting in Encoder 100 of Embodiment 2] A specific example of the communication speed setting of the communication unit 130 in the encoder 100 will be described below with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a configuration diagram showing the encoder 100 according to the second embodiment together with the speed setting value. The first receiving unit 131a receives from the controller 10 a request signal for a transmission request, a request signal for setting a communication speed that includes a new communication speed setting value as data, a request signal for permission to change the communication speed, and a request signal for confirming the communication speed setting value, at a predetermined fixed first communication speed of 0.2 Mbps. The first receiving unit 131b receives from the controller 10 a request signal for requesting transmission, a request signal for setting a communication speed that includes a new communication speed setting value as data, a request signal for permission to change the communication speed, and a request signal for confirming the communication speed setting value, at a predetermined fixed first communication speed of 0.5 Mbps.
[0062] The second receiving unit 132a receives from the controller 10 a request signal for requesting transmission, a request signal for setting a communication speed that includes a new communication speed setting value as data, a request signal for permission to change the communication speed, and a request signal for confirming the communication speed setting value at a second communication speed within the range of 1.25 Mbps to 10 Mbps that is set by the communication speed setting value. The second receiving unit 132b receives from the controller 10 a request signal for requesting transmission, a request signal for setting a communication speed that includes a new communication speed setting value as data, a request signal for permission to change the communication speed, and a request signal for confirming the communication speed setting value at a second communication speed within the range of 50 Mbps to 100 Mbps that is set by the communication speed setting value.
[0063] The transmitter 133a transmits the status detection information generated by the signal processor 160 and the communication speed setting value read from the memory 120 to the controller 10 at a second communication speed within the range of 1.25 Mbps to 10 Mbps set by the communication speed setting value. The transmitter 133b transmits the status detection information generated by the signal processor 160 and the communication speed setting value read from the memory 120 to the controller 10 at a second communication speed within the range of 50 Mbps to 100 Mbps set by the communication speed setting value.
[0064] The first receiving unit 131a and the first receiving unit 131b are configured with circuit configurations and elements suitable for their respective communication speed ranges. Similarly, the second receiving unit 132a and the second receiving unit 132b are configured with circuit configurations and elements suitable for their respective communication speed ranges. Similarly, the transmitting unit 133a and the transmitting unit 133b are configured with circuit configurations and elements suitable for their respective communication speed ranges. Therefore, by dividing the first receiving units 131a, 131b, the second receiving units 132a, 132b, and the transmitting units 133a, 133b into medium-speed and high-speed units, it becomes possible to more easily accommodate wideband communication speeds than by using a single first receiving unit 131, a single second receiving unit 132, and a single transmitting unit 133.
[0065] In the specific example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, there are a plurality of first receiving units 131a and 131b, a plurality of second receiving units 132a and 132b, and a plurality of transmitting units 133a and 133b, where the number "plural" is two. Alternatively, it is possible to set the number of times to three or more and receive and transmit at low, medium, high, and ultra-high speeds. In this case, too, by configuring the circuitry and elements appropriate for each communication speed range, it becomes possible to efficiently support wideband communication speeds.
[0066] [Effects obtained by the second embodiment] In the encoder 100 of the second embodiment, the communication unit 130 includes a plurality of first receiving units 131a and 131b, a plurality of second receiving units 132a and 132b, and a plurality of transmitting units 133a and 133b. Here, the plurality of first receiving units 131a and 131b receive at different fixed first communication speeds that are determined in advance. The plurality of second receiving units 132a and 132b receive at different second communication speeds that are set by a communication speed setting value. The plurality of transmitting units 133a and 133b transmit at different second communication speeds that are set by a communication speed setting value. The multiple first receiving units 131a and 131b, the multiple second receiving units 132a and 132b, and the multiple transmitting units 133a and 133b can be configured with circuit configurations and elements suitable for their respective communication speed ranges, which makes it easier to support a wider range of communication speeds than using a single first receiving unit 131, a single second receiving unit 132, and a single transmitting unit 133. [Explanation of symbols]
[0067] 1 Measurement system, 10 Controller, 100 Encoder, 110 Control unit, 111 Memory controller, 112 Signal processing controller, 113 Switching unit, 120 Memory, 130 Communication unit, 131, 131a, 131b First receiving unit, 132, 132a, 132b Second receiving unit, 133, 133a, 133b Transmitting unit, 150 Sensing unit, 160 Signal processing unit.
Claims
1. A control unit (110); a non-volatile memory (120) for storing a communication speed setting value; a sensing unit (150) for detecting the state of a measurement target device; a signal processing unit (160) that generates state detection information from the detection result of the sensing unit (150); a communication unit (130) that communicates with the controller (10); Equipped with The control unit (110) When power is turned on, the communication speed setting value stored in the memory (120) is read, and the communication unit (130) is set to receive or transmit at the communication speed set by the read communication speed setting value; When a transmission request signal is received from the controller (10) via the communication unit (130), the signal processing unit (160) controls the state detection information generated by the signal processing unit (160) to be transmitted to the controller (10) via the communication unit (130); When a communication speed setting request signal including a new communication speed setting value as data is received from the controller (10) via the communication unit (130), the new communication speed setting value is stored in the memory (120). Encoder.
2. The communication unit (130) a first receiving unit (131) that receives at a predetermined fixed first communication speed; a second receiving unit (132) that is capable of changing the communication speed and receives at a second communication speed set by the communication speed setting value read from the memory (120); a transmitting unit (133) that is capable of changing the communication speed and transmits at a second communication speed set by the communication speed setting value; The encoder of claim 1 .
3. the first receiving unit (131) receives a communication speed setting request signal including the communication speed setting value as data from the controller (10) at the first communication speed; the second receiving unit (132) receives a communication speed setting request signal including the communication speed setting value as data from the controller (10) at the second communication speed; The encoder of claim 2 .
4. The communication unit (130) a plurality of first receiving units (131a, 131b) that receive at different fixed first communication speeds that are determined in advance; a plurality of second receiving units (132a, 132b) that are capable of changing the communication speed and receive at different second communication speeds set by the communication speed setting value; a plurality of transmitters (133a, 133b) that are capable of changing the communication speed and transmit at different second communication speeds set by the communication speed setting value; The encoder of claim 1 .
5. In the communication unit (130), the first communication speed is set lower than the lowest value of the second communication speed. The encoder of claim 2 .
6. In the communication unit (130), the first communication speed is set to be lower than half of the lowest value of the second communication speed. The encoder of claim 2 .
7. The control unit (110) When power is turned on, the device starts up in a state where the new communication speed setting value is not stored in the memory (120), When a request signal for permission to change the communication speed is received from the controller (10) via the communication unit (130), the new communication speed setting value is ready to be stored in the memory (120). The encoder of claim 1 .
8. the control unit (110) is brought into a state in which storage into the memory (120) is possible, and after storing the new communication speed setting value in the memory (120), returns to a state in which storage of the new communication speed setting value into the memory (120) is not accepted. The encoder of claim 7.
9. The control unit (110) When a request signal for confirming a communication speed setting value is received from the controller (10) via the communication unit (130), the communication speed setting value stored in the memory (120) is read out; Controlling the read communication speed setting value to be transmitted to the controller (10) via the communication unit (130). The encoder of claim 1 .
10. The control unit (110) includes a memory controller (111), a signal processing controller (112), and a switching unit (113), The switching unit (113) provides the transmission request signal from the communication unit (130) to the signal processing controller (112), The signal processing controller (112) controls the state detection information to be transmitted to the controller (10) via the communication unit (130) in response to the transmission request signal; The switching unit (113) provides the memory controller (111) with a communication speed setting request signal including the new communication speed setting value from the communication unit (130) as data, The memory controller (111) stores the new communication speed setting value in the memory (120), The switching unit (113) provides a request signal for confirming the communication speed setting value from the communication unit (130) to the memory controller (111), The memory controller (111) reads out the communication speed setting value stored in the memory (120) and controls the communication unit (130) to transmit the read communication speed setting value to the controller (10). The encoder of claim 1 .
11. a controller (10) in communication with the encoder (100); The encoder (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 in communication with the controller (10), The controller (10) and the encoder (100) communicate at either a predetermined fixed first communication speed or a second communication speed based on a communication speed setting value stored in the encoder (100). Measurement system.
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