For users needing precise control of their machine vision LED lighting,
the RC single-channel controller series uses Gardasoft's
SafePower and SafeSense patented technology (see below) to deliver
the power regulation, intensity control, timing and triggering functions
required for the highest-performance machine vision systems.
The RC series have the flexibility to operate in either continuous
or strobe modes. In continuous mode, a highly-stable and accurate
constant current of up to 1.2A is provided. In pulse mode, high-current
pulsing to 2A is possible with up to 10X safe-overdriving capacity.
The units have a maximum power rating of 25W, the SafePower technology
providing much greater flexibility in the DC power supply
used with the advantages being that no heat-sinking
is required and the output voltage not being limited
to the supply voltage.
The RC Series models can be quickly configured using Gardasoft's
free-of-charge, downloadable software; or for the Ethernet-enabled
RC120 controller, accessing the controller can be made via internet browser
by typing the IP address for the controller into the browser to be allowed
access to all of the parameters. If third-party software is preferred,
the RC range has a simple command set that allows
easy communication. As with all Gardasoft products, all
the settings are stored in non-volatile memory, and it will
retain these settings even when the Ethernet connection is disconnected.
What is SafeSense and SafePower technology?
To get the most benefit from lighting in terms of brightness, stability
and control, lighting should be driven from a current source and not from
a nominal voltage supply.
When it comes to universal control of lighting, it is important to know
the current rating of the light that is being driven. With inherent SafeSense
technology, an RC Series controller can detect the current rating of a
light to be controlled so it can set safe overdriving pulse width and
duty cycle limits. So, using the SafeSense™, the RC range allows
the overdriving of the LED lights safe in the knowledge that they will
be protected from damage. The RC Series will protect the lights ensuring
that the high current pulses are regulated in terms of pulse width timing
and frequency, the end result being the provision of the maximum light
possible for the application.
SafePower™ allows overdriving of lights without having to increase
the input power supply voltage - making implementation and system integration
more simple. Implementing SafePower technology is easy and removes the
need for having to use a bespoke DC power supply or heat sinking the controller.
Key
features and benefits |
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Unique flexibility with SafePower™
Single channel LED controller with SafePower™ which allows much
greater flexibility in the DC power supply used. The advantages of
SafePower™ are that thermal dissipation is minimised and the
output voltage is not limited to the supply voltage. |
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No Heat-sinking required |
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SafePower™ supply removes
the need to mount the controller onto a heat-sink, making the installation
process much simpler and easier. SafePower™ automatically minimises
the heat generated for continuous, pulsed and switched operation. |
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Voltage Step-up |
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SafePower™ removes the usual restriction
on the output voltage. It will step-up the output voltage as needed
to drive or Overdrive the lighting, up to a limit of 32V and works
automatically without needing any configuration or user input. For
example, the RC range can run from 24VDC, regardless of the lighting
connected, heat generation or Overdriving required. |
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Extra LED Brightness |
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Patented SafeSense™
technology creates a safe working environment for overdriving LED
lights. Driving the LEDs with a highly accurate current source allows
for very precise Overdriving, and SafeSense™ ensures that the
pulse width and duty cycle are kept within safe working limits. The
end result is that much more light is gained from the LED lighting
for your machine vision application. |
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Miniature Web Server |
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The Ethernet option within
RC controllers enables the devices to act as a miniature Web Server
and can be controlled by image processing software on a remote PC.
With the introduction of GigE cameras, the Machine Vision market is
moving towards Ethernet - with the inherent Ethernet advantages of
high speed, long distance, standardisation worldwide, and inexpensive
implementation. |
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Flexible operation |
Three modes of operation are provided for
each model of the
RC Series: Continuous: Output is a continuous current. Pulsed:
Output is pulsed once per trigger. Switch: Output is toggled
on or off upon each trigger |
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Two ways to configure |
RC products can be configured by either
Ethernet or push-button interface, depending on model type. With the
Ethernet options, a web browser can be used to access the RC Series
internal Web pages allowing status to be viewed and parameters to
be changed. The Ethernet version of the RC Series can also be configured
using simple string commands sent from an application program using
TCP/IP or UDP. The configuration is stored in non-volatile memory
providing turn-key operation. |
Specifications |
RC
100 |
RC
120 |
|
Why
use LED Controllers? |
User interface |
Push-button |
Ethernet and Push-button |
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Output channel |
One constant
current output with SafeSense™ |
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Output current |
Up to 1.0A continuous or 1.0A pulsed |
Up to 1.2A continuous or 2.0A pulsed |
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Output power |
Max 25W |
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Trigger input |
Smart input compatible with 3V-24V,
TTL, NPN, and PNP. Input impedance (nominal): 50kohm |
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Pulse timing |
From 100µs
to 100ms in steps of 100µs |
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Trigger-to-pulse delay |
From 2µs to 100ms in steps
of 100µs |
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Switch mode
latency |
Maximum 100µs |
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Trigger rate |
Maximum 100Hz |
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Output voltage |
0V to 32V |
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Supply voltage |
Regulated 24V ±10%. A SELV
power supply is required |
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Dimensions |
101mm long by
35mm wide by 120mm high (excluding DIN fixing) |
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Weight |
175g |
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Mounting |
DIN rail mount
as standard |
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Operating temp |
5 to 50°C |
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Humidity |
Up to 95% non-condensing |
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RC
series datasheet
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