Overview
The A2C-TRI sensor measures inclinations using a 3-axis accelerometer. It can measure complete roll and pitch 360deg. Communication is done via CAN Bus. The A2C-TRI contains a high performance processor and can be programmed to report both accelerations and or tilt angles. Alarms can be programmed to trigger when a given tilt angle limit is passed. After initial programming the sensor can be used in a standalone mode without any CAN bus connected. On an alarm event the PNP line is activated, which can be used to drive a relay or plc input. An optional USB programmer simplifies programming, and no knowledge of CAN bus communication is required.
This sensor can also be used for acceleration sensing. For a description of some of the acceleration functions go to this page.
Features
By incorporating a logic electric output, the sensor is able to operate without CAN bus communication and simply trigger the output when a predetermined threshold has been passed. No prior knowledge of CAN bus interface is required, simply attach the sensor to the USB programmer and setup the sensor. Once setup, it will run without CAN bus.
The following parameters are some of which can be programmed to trigger the logical output.
- Programmable alarms for acceleration on all axis
- Programmable alarms for tilt angles on all axis
By using a high performance CPU this is more than a simple sensor
For each axis the following information can be requested over the CAN-Bus:
- Roll and pitch angles
- Current acceleration in g
- Minimum acceleration in g since last reset
- Maximum acceleration in g since last reset
- FFT analysis on acceleration (future feature)
- Programmable Bandwidth
- Programmable alarms for acceleration on all axis
- Programmable alarms for angles on all axis
- Heartbeat CAN messages with programmable periods
- Periodic CAN messages with programmable data and time periods
- Logic alarm output (PNP) for standalone mode without the use of CAN bus
- Low power consumption
- Durable aluminum / stainless steel housing
- Software upgradable via CAN bus
Applications
On a truck mounted crane the sensor is used to meassure the crane boom position and accelerations.
The sensor can be setup to give an alarm on the following conditions.
The sensor can be setup to give an alarm on the following conditions.
- Boom Angle too high
- Boom Angle too low
- Boom sideways acceleration too high
On a truck mounted crane the sensor could also be used for the chassis leveling warning.
The sensor would be setup to give an alarm on the following conditions.
The sensor would be setup to give an alarm on the following conditions.
- Chassis Angle too high sideways (5deg)
- Chassis Angle too high longitudinal (3deg)
Accessories
U2C
A2C-TRI-M12
SimplicityUse the U2C programmer
No prior knowledge of CAN bus communication is required! You can check the U2C programmer and software here:
Program using U2C
Connect the U2C to your PC after installing the drivers and software. Connect the A2CTRI to the U2C and apply power.
Use free software
Using the free software, set the mode of operation and the alarm thresholds. View real time data from the sensor and have it shown graphically.
Install
Install the sensor in its application and verify that everything works as it should. It is still possible to connect the U2C and log the real world data, which can be used for analysis.
Examples of applications
Chassis Leveling - truck mounted crane
For a truck mounted crane, the A2C-TRI can detect if the chassis is within given angle thresholds. Each axis has programmable thresholds and hysteresis which is easily programmed with the U2C adaptor.
Chassis Leveling - arial platform
For an arial platform, the A2C-TRI can detect if the chassis is within given angle thresholds. Each axis has programmable thresholds and hysteresis which is easily programmed with the U2C adaptor.
