Set up a Balluff BTL Linear Position Sensor with ctrlX CORE using EtherCAT

Introduction

This How-to describes the integration of a Balluff Linear Position Sensor BTL34TC with EtherCAT interface into ctrlX CORE. It shows possibilities for configuration and diagnosis. Other Balluff Linear Position Sensors from BTL7-V50E-Series can also be commissioned in this way.

Requirements 

Hardware

• ctrlX CORE X3

• Balluff Linear Position Sensors from BTL7-V50E-Series 
  
  

Used Software

• Rexroth PLC app 3.6.2

• Rexroth EtherCAT Master app 3.6.2

• ctrlX I/O Engineering and PLC Engineering 3.6.2
  
  

Step-by-Step guide

New Project 

• Open ctrlX CORE user interface in browser.
  

  

• Add EtherCAT master by clicking [+] in EtherCAT > Configuration.
  

  

  

• Open ctrlX I/O Engineering by double klick on the ethercatmaster

  

  

  Open New project.
  

  

Install device description

• Download ESI (device description) on Balluff website:
  

  

  
  e.g. for this example: https://www.balluff.com/de-de/products/MP728888?configQuery[1.SALES.VM_BTL7_STROKELEN_00]=
  
  

• Open Tools > Device Repository
  

  

• Install device description
  

  

EtherCAT-Device configuration

• Add Device to EtherCAT-Master by right-click in the device tree on ethercatmaster > Add Device:
  

  

• Choose the right ESI (device description) for your device from device catalog > Add Device:
  

  

• The position sensor is now ready without any configuration
   

  

Port Configuration

• The BTL7-V50E-... corresponds to the profile for absolute linear encoders and is configured as a modular device. The transducer represents a virtual module carrier that has 16 slots for magnets. Various virtual modules that specify which data is assigned to the respective magnet can be inserted into each slot. This defines the data mapping, the assignment of the measurement data in the output. data.
  

  

• To configure the behavior of the magnet, right click on Magnet_x > Plug Device
  

  

  
  Choose  module > Plug Device 
  

  

• For diagnosis, error messages can be added with optional information about the temperature:
  right click on Device_1 > Plug Device > Choose  module > Plug Device 
  

  

• Configure the number of expected magnets to receive an error message in case of a missing magnet.
  Use the flexible mode, if the number of magnets changes while the application is running.
  

  

Diagnosis

• Direct information about the magnet can be seen in the process data of the corresponding magnet.
  

  

  
  
  

  

• An optional module for error messages can be plugged into Device_1. Now an error-bit is shown direct in the process data.  
  

  

  
  The error register is also shown in the CoE 
  

  

• Error codes and meaning
  

  

• The status of the magnets can also be seen in the CoE online data:
  

  

Parametrization

• The BTL7-V50E-... can additionally be used as a cam switch. For this purpose, four cams are available for each magnet.
  

  

  
  There are four parameters available to configure and define each cam.
  

  

  
  Configuration can bee done via CoE:
  

  

  
  It is also possible to configure via startup parameters:
  

  

  

• The work area can be configured in the same way:
  

  

Related Links  

• Portfolio EtherCAT RFID Controller

• Service & Support 

• Basics of Automation
  
  

The Company 

Your partner for success in automation

Balluff is a leading supplier of high-quality sensor, identification and image processing solutions, including network technology and software for all automation requirements. We adhere to our motto “innovating automation” as an agile developer and technological pioneer. And we always act sustainably. We deliver innovative solutions to increase your competitive ability. Our consistent digital orientation drives our joint progress, and our innovative spirit factors directly to your success factor. Family-run for more than 100 years, Balluff today employees around 3600 employees worldwide who are committed to the highest quality standards for your success. As a future-oriented company, we are also dedicated to the development of digitalization and IIoT applications for an increasingly digital and networked world. You can rely on us, our promises, our commitment and Balluff quality – all in the name of a mutually beneficial partnership