Abstract: Magnetostrictive sensing systems and methods are disclosed. One such system comprises a magnetostrictive wire having first and second ends. A magnet is movable along a length of the magnetostrictive wire. An excitation device is operable to apply an electrical excitation signal to the magnetostrictive wire. A torsional motion sensor is operable to detect a torsional motion of the magnetostrictive wire. A reflective termination is configured to reflect the torsional motion of the magnetostrictive wire. A processor is in communication with the excitation device and the torsional motion sensor. The processor is programmed to (i) apply the electrical excitation signal to the magnetostrictive wire with the excitation device, (ii) identify whether the torsional motion detected by the torsional motion sensor has been reflected by the reflection termination, and (iii) calculate a position of the magnet along the magnetostrictive wire based on only the detected torsional motion reflected by the reflection termination.

Abstract: Magnetostrictive sensing systems and methods are disclosed. One such system comprises a magnetostrictive wire having first and second ends. A magnet is movable along a length of the magnetostrictive wire. An excitation device is operable to apply an electrical excitation signal to the magnetostrictive wire. A torsional motion sensor is operable to detect a torsional motion of the magnetostrictive wire. A reflective termination is configured to reflect the torsional motion of the magnetostrictive wire. A processor is in communication with the excitation device and the torsional motion sensor. The processor is programmed to (i) apply the electrical excitation signal to the magnetostrictive wire with the excitation device, (ii) identify whether the torsional motion detected by the torsional motion sensor has been reflected by the reflection termination, and (iii) calculate a position of the magnet along the magnetostrictive wire based on only the detected torsional motion reflected by the reflection termination.

Abstract: A time interval measurement apparatus and method counts the total number of full clock time periods between two measurement signals. Clock fractional time periods are generated between each of the two measurement signals and the next leading edge of a full clock time period. The total number of full clock time periods and the clock fractional time periods are converted to a time equivalent measurement and combined to generate the total time interval between the two measurement signals.

Abstract: A time interval measurement apparatus and method counts the total number of full clock time periods between two measurement signals. Clock fractional time periods are generated between each of the two measurement signals and the next leading edge of a full clock time period. The total number of full clock time periods and the clock fractional time periods are converted to a time equivalent measurement and combined to generate the total time interval between the two measurement signals.

Abstract: A method of transmitting a signal to at least one of a plurality of serially-connected devices. The method includes the step of receiving the signal at a first one of the plurality of serially-connected devices, where the signal includes a first address. Then, the signal is sent to each successive device of the plurality of serially-connected devices. Prior to the step of sending the signal to the each successive device, the first address of the signal is modified by a predetermined value at each of the plurality of serially-connected devices. Data associated with the signal can be transmitted to or received from at least one of the plurality of serially-connected devices if the first address received by the one of the plurality of serially-connected devices matches a predetermined address. The method is useful in the operation of programmable limit switches (PLS), especially in a PLS where each output circuit has an addressable controller.

Abstract: A programmable limit switch includes output channels for receiving position data, each position value of the position data representing an incremental advance of a workpiece through a production field, and for producing actuation signals. The channels are connectable to respective output devices responsive to the respective actuation signals and located in the field. Each output channel has an output controller, which is individually programmable to change the state of respective actuation signals in response to reaching selected position values. Preferably, the PLS includes input connectors coupled to a respective channel and connectable to respective input devices located within the production field. Each channel operates its own inputs and outputs according to a variety of programmed functions depending upon system conditions seen by the output controller.