Timing Chart

Here, I/O timings of various commands are described.

When "Output Control" Is Set to "None"

Output the measurement results if controller is not synchronous with external devices. Have the external devices detect the GATE signal of the controller, and load DO signal during ON status.

Inputting a measurement trigger in the STEP signal

Example 1) When 3 expressions are set in [Parallel Data Output]:

Example 2) If there is a process after a [Parallel judgement output]

Output signal

Signal	Function
RUN	Turns on when the controller is available for measurement and the RUN window is displayed. It is OFF in the ADJUST window, so switch to the RUN window during operation.
BUSY	Indicates that controller is currently measuring or switching the scene. Do not input next command while the BUSY signal is on. Otherwise, on-going processing or commands that are input will not be performed correctly.
OR	Outputs overall judgement. This is determined when the measurement is completed (BUSY signal ON → OFF). Selection of whether ON occurs during an OK judgement result or NG judgement result can be performed in the communication specifications settings window. Setting Communication Specifications (Parallel Interface)
DO	Outputs the results for expressions set in the processing item [Parallel Judgement Output]/[Parallel Data Output]. Selection of whether ON occurs during an OK judgement result or NG judgement result can be performed in the communication specifications settings window. Setting Communication Specifications (Parallel Interface)
GATE	Used to control the loading time of the DO signal to external devices. ON for the time required for external devices to securely load the DO signal. Set the output cycle so that the total output time is shorter than measurement interval (input interval of STEP signal). GATE signal is output only when the [Parallel judgement output] and [Parallel data output] are set in the measurement flow, and the output process begins when the signal passes through the parallel judgement output (parallel data output) point in the flow. Depending on the setting flow, GATE output may be started when the BUSY signal is ON. Note that the OR signal and GATE signal do not necessarily operate simultaneously. Example 2)
READY	ON when STEP signal can be input. When through images are being displayed, the READY signal will turn to OFF, but the STEP signal is received. During the through display, determine whether or not STEP input is allowed based on the BUSY signal.

Input signal

Signal	Function
STEP	Input measurement triggers from external devices such as optic switches, etc. Perform measurement once synchronous with the STEP signal turning on (OFF →ON). Turn the STEP signal ON for at least 0.5 ms. A noise filter (filter initial setting value: 100 μs) is set in STEP input.

Reference

The following can be changed with regard to the READY signal.
- Handling of ERROR signal when STEP signal is input during measurement
  Setting Conditions Related to Operation during Measurement

Important

When parallel continuous measurement is engaged and continuous STEP signal is input, switching of scene group should be avoided. When this is performed, set "Unchecked" in "Save scene group on switch scene" in either of the settings items below.
- Switch Scene Group windowSwitching Scene Groups
- [Measure setting] in the [Measure] menuSetting Conditions Related to Operation during Measurement

Continuous measurement

Important

Measurement is given priority when continuous measurement is being performed. As a result, the measurement result display (overall judgement, image, judgement for each processing unit in the flow display, detailed results) may not be updated.
When continuous measurement ends, the measurement results of the final measurement are displayed.

Example) When 1 expressions are set in [Parallel Data Output]:

Reference

The output signal functions the same as when "Output Control" is set to "None".
When "Output Control" Is Set to "None"

Input signal

Signal	Function
DI0 to 6	It turns off while continuously measuring (DI7 being turned on).
DI7	This is the execution trigger. After DI0 to 6 is set, turn DI7 on after an interval over 1 ms. Always have this turned ON during a continuous measurement. Stops continuous measurement when this is turned OFF.

Reference

The ERROR signal turns on when the input command is not correctly performed.
Acquisition is difficult since the amount of time during which the BUSY signal is turned OFF during a continuous measurement by the parallel command is extremely short at 1 ms or less. Acquires the OR signal at the time when the GATE signal turns ON after adding the parallel judgement output at the end of the flow.

When "Output Control" Is Set to "Handshaking"

Output the measurement results if controller is synchronous with external devices. If this function is used when multiple measurement results are output in sequence, it enables efficient and effective data transfer.

Inputting a measurement trigger in the STEP signal

Example) When 3 expressions are set in [Parallel Data Output]:

Reference

The output signal functions the same as when "Output Control" is set to "None".
When "Output Control" Is Set to "None"

Input signal

Signal	Function
DSA	This signal is used to request the next data transfer from external devices. The controller does not output data until the DSA signal is on. Turn the DSA signal on in the following cases: The receiving system for external devices is complete The controller has completed measurement The BUSY signal is on during measurement. As a result, the timing of when measurement is complete can be understood by observing the BUSY signal.

Signal

Function

DSA

This signal is used to request the next data transfer from external devices. The controller does not output data until the DSA signal is on. Turn the DSA signal on in the following cases:

The receiving system for external devices is complete
The controller has completed measurement

The BUSY signal is on during measurement. As a result, the timing of when measurement is complete can be understood by observing the BUSY signal.

When "Output Control" Is Set to "Synchronization Output"

This method enables synchronization between processing timing on the line and timing for output of controller results. After the STEP signal has turned on the number of times set in "number of delay" in the communication specifications, measurement results will be output the next time the STEP signal turns on.

Reference

When the communication specification "Output Control" is set to "Synchronization output", levels will be counted according to the number of times the STEP signal turns on. For this reason, perform settings so that results are output only once for each measurement. (1 unit for [Judgement Output], 1 data item for [Data Output])
Setting Communication Specifications (Parallel Interface)
Only designate the STEP signal for measurement command input.
When measurement using serial commands and continuous measurement are performed, the output time will not match and this can cause controller malfunctions.

Example) Stepped transmission line utilizing star wheel

The discharge timing for when a defective part is found and the measurement results output timing can be synchronized.

Illustration of a Synchronized Output Setting Example when Star Wheel Is Utilized

Inputting a measurement trigger in the STEP signal

Example) When "2" is set for "Number of delay"

Reference

The output signal functions the same as when "Output Control" is set to "None".
When "Output Control" Is Set to "None"

Scene/Scene Group Switch

Output signal

Signal	Function
RUN	Turns on when the controller is available for measurement and the RUN window is displayed. Turns off in the ADJUST window.
READY	Turns OFF when a scene or a scene group is being switched. Turns OFF as long as the BUSY signal is turned ON.
BUSY	Indicates that the controller is currently switching the scene or scene group. Do not input next command while the BUSY signal is on. Otherwise, on-going processing or commands that are input will not be performed correctly.

Input signal Scene switching

Signal	Function
DI0 to 4	Set scene No. (0 to 31).
DI5	ON
DI6	OFF
DI7	This is the execution trigger. After DI0 to 6 is set, turn DI7 on after an interval over 1 ms. BUSY signal is on during implementation of commands. If the DI7 signal OFF timing cannot be set faster than the BUSY signal OFF timing on the control side, set the scene switching additional time to lengthen the BUSY signal OFF timing.

Reference

The amount of time during which the BUSY signal is turned ON when a scene is switched can be changed.
[Measurement setting] in the [Measure] menu Setting conditions related to operation during measurement

Input signal Scene group switching

Signal	Function
DI0 to 4	Set scene group No. (0 to 31).
DI5	ON
DI6	ON
DI7	This is the execution trigger. After DI0 to 6 is set, turn DI7 on after an interval over 1 ms. BUSY signal is on during implementation of commands. After checking that the BUSY signal has turned on, turn DI7 off, and then turn DI0 to 6 off. If the DI7 signal OFF timing cannot be set faster than the BUSY signal OFF timing on the control side, set the scene switching additional time to lengthen the BUSY signal OFF timing.

Clears measurement value by the parallel command

Output signal

Signal	Function
RUN	Turns ON when the controller is set to the RUN window. Turns OFF in the ADJUST window.
READY	Turns OFF when the command to clear the measurement value is being executed. Turns OFF as long as the BUSY signal is turned ON.
BUSY	Turns ON when the measurement value is being cleared. The amount of time during which the BUSY signal is turned ON is approximately 1 ms.

Input signal

Signal	Function
DI0～4	Turns the command OFF.
DI5	Turns the command OFF.
DI6	Turns the command ON.
DI7	This is the trigger signal to clear a measurement value. After DI0 to 6 is set, turn DI7 ON after an interval over 1 ms. BUSY signal is ON during execution of commands. After checking that the BUSY signal has turned ON, turn DI7 OFF, and then turn DI0 to 6 OFF. Note, however, that the amount of time during which the BUSY signal is turned ON is approximately 1 ms. If it cannot be recognized whether the BUSY signal is turned ON or not by an external device, control the timing so that the DI7 signal is turned ON for approximately 5 ms.。

Clears the OR and DO signal by the parallel command

Output signal

Signal	Function
RUN	Turns ON when the controller is set to the RUN window. Turns OFF in the ADJUST window.
READY	This does not change when the OR and DO signal is being cleared. Do not, however, clear the OR and DO signal when the READY signal is turned OFF. The command will not be executed correctly.
BUSY	This does not change when the OR and DO signal is being cleared. Do not, however, clear the OR and DO signal when the BUSY signal is turned ON. The command will not be executed correctly.
OR	It will turn OFF if it was turned ON.
DO0～15	It will turn OFF if it was turned ON.
GATE	This does not change when the OR and DO signal is being cleared. Do not, however, clear the OR and DO signal when the GATE signal is turned ON. The command will not be executed correctly. Or, the DO and GATE will not be output correctly.

Input signal

Signal	Function
DI0	Turns the command OFF.
DI1	Turns the command ON.
DI2～5	Turns the command OFF.
DI6	Turns the command ON.
DI7	This is the trigger signal to clear the OR and DO signal. After DI0 to 6 is set, turn DI7 ON after an interval over 1 ms. After checking that the OR or DO signal has turned OFF, turn DI7 OFF, and then turn DI0 to 6 OFF.

Clears error by the parallel command

Output signal

Signal	Function
RUN	Turns ON when the controller is set to the RUN window. Turns OFF in the ADJUST window.
READY	This does not change when an error is being cleared. Do not, however, clear the error signal when the READY signal is turned OFF. The command will not be executed correctly.
BUSY	This does not change when an error is being cleared. Do not, however, clear an error when the BUSY signal is turned ON. The command will not be executed correctly.
OR	This does not change when an error is being cleared.
DO0～15	This does not change when an error is being cleared.
GATE	This does not change when an error is being cleared.

Input signal

Signal	Function
DI0	Turns the command ON.
DI1～5	Turns the command OFF.
DI6	Turns the command ON.
DI7	This is the trigger signal to clear an error. After DI0 to 6 is set, turn DI7 ON after an interval over 1 ms. After checking that the ERROR signal has turned OFF, turn DI7 OFF, and then turn DI0 to 6 OFF.

About Multiple Image Input Function

The function that enables continuous high speed image input is called the multiple image input function. The next STEP signal can be received at the point when image input is complete. It is not necessary to wait until measurement processing is complete. Whether image input is complete or not can be checked with the status of the READY signal.
In the case of FZ3-9

/H9

where two CPUs are installed, you can use the [Single-line High-speed mode] function that causes the two CPUs to alternately process measurement to shorten the shortest takt time*1 to as much as one half.

*1: The shortest takt time refers to the shortest time over which a STEP can be accepted without generating a pool of captured images.

Single-line High-speed Mode

Important

Set the image mode to "Freeze".
When loading images continuously at high speed, the number of images that can be loaded is limited. Once the maximum number of images have been loaded, the READY signal will not turn on until the current measurement processing is complete. Accordingly, the next STEP cannot be input.
About Max. Number of Loading Images during Multiple Image Input
If STEP is input while READY is off, the ERROR terminal turns on.
If triggers are input continuously and too quickly for the communication output to catch up, some steps may not be output or measurement delays may occur. Input triggers at appropriate timings that do not cause communication delays.
The multiple image input function cannot be used in the following cases:
- Multiple camera input processing units are present in the flow.
- An Camera Image Input HDR is present in the flow.
- 1 camera input processing unit is used in multiple processes using the branching function.
- Measurement triggers are input other than in the parallel mode (such as when non-procedure commands or PLC-link measurement commands are sent).