- The CLOAK 500 was developed in response to the need for reducing waste and quality loss caused by encoder backlash.
- Many control systems utilize encoder feedback to track machine and/or product movement through a process. When the equipment is stopped, movement in the reverse direction will often take place. Since most encoders cannot differentiate between forward or reverse motion, this can cause the control system to lose track of the process by an amount equal to twice the reverse travel. Frequently, when backlash periods are experienced, register of the product or machine is lost, effecting quality, production rates, and many times requiring operator intervention. Additionally, "jitter" will have an adverse impact on tracking accuracy. Jitter is defined as the encoder pulses generated by vibration. This generally occurs when the machine or process is stopped, or there is plant vibration caused by other equipment operating nearby.
- The CLOAK 500 electronic backlash compensator is an enhancement for systems using encoder feedback to control a process. It is placed between the encoder and the controller, processing the encoder pulses before they reach the control system. It electronically filters the encoder signal to remove reverse pulses or jitter any time these are encountered.
- The Cloak 500 system will compensate for reverse movement of up to 9999 encoder pulses, not allowing the control system to receive pulses until the forward travel is equal to the amount of reverse. The CLOAK 500 also electronically removes encoder Jitter. However, there is no limit to the amount of Jitter the system is capable of filtering. Included on board the CLOAK 500 are encoder frequency doubling circuits. This feature expands the number of encoder options available to the user.
The CLOAK 500 is applicable to a wide range of processes:
