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/ Perfect Charging / Perfect Welding / Solar Energy User information TPS/i Interface Signal Descriptions Signal description 42,0426,0227,EA 021-20052021 Fronius prints on elemental chlorine free paper (ECF) sourced from certified sustainable forests (FSC).
Table of contents General Data Types Used Behavior of the Power Source when an Interface is Connected Availability of Functions Signal Transmission Time Safety Digital Inputs Welding start (Welding on) - Single Bit Robot ready (Robot ready) - Single Bit Working mode (Operating mode) - Single Bit Gas on (Gas on) - Single Bit Wire forward (Wire forwards) - Single Bit...
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Information on the Use of the MIG/MAG Standard Manual, TIG, and Electrode Welding Processes MIG/MAG Standard Manual Electrode Arc Break Monitoring Arc Break Monitoring Fronius Data Channel Fronius Data Channel Signal sequence when selected using "Job Mode" operating mode Signal sequence when selected using "Characteristics Mode" operating mode WireSense - more information...
Bit is High – see markings Behavior of the If a power source from the TPS/i series is connected to a robot interface, the settings on Power Source the power source remain unchanged (2-step mode, special 2-step mode, etc.).
Signal Transmis- sion Time Welding start TPS/i <10 ms Process active TPS/i Representation of the signal transmission time; the signals shown are for illustrative purposes only Safety WARNING! Danger from incorrect operation and work that is not carried out properly.
Digital Inputs Welding start The rising edge of the Welding start signal starts the welding process. (Welding on) - The welding process runs for as long as the Welding start signal is active. Single Bit Exceptions: The Robot ready signal is deactivated or the power source is reporting an error (for example: overtemperature, too little coolant, etc.).
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Description of special 2-step mode characteristics: To select welding parameters using the analog set values and the characteristic number (characteristic ID), the correct characteristic number must be used. The characteristic numbers can be found on the website of the power source, in the characteristics overview.
The Wire forward signal can only be set if the Robot ready signal is set at the same time. If this is not the case, wire threading must be controlled using the wire thread- ing button on one of the Fronius system components (wirefeeder, torch hosepack, etc.) The wire electrode can be threaded a maximum of 50 m (164 feet 0.5 inches)
The Wire backward signal can only be set if the Robot ready signal is set at the same time. If this is not the case, retraction of the wire electrode must be controlled using the wire-return button on one of the Fronius system components (wirefeeder, torch hosepack, etc.) The wire electrode can be retracted a maximum of 50 m (164 feet 0.5 inches)
WARNING! Danger due to welding processes starting unexpectedly if the Error reset signal is always active and the Welding start signal is set at the same time. This can result in severe personal injury and damage to property. ▶ Ensure that the Welding start signal is not set during troubleshooting if the Error reset signal is active at the same time.
delta u (rising voltage) --> delta t (time) Condition: voltage drop i.e. 1,5 volt (adjustable) max. Open circuit voltage depends on PowerSource type (i.e. 60V) max. current aprox. 3A digital I/O plus. 300ms * or as long as the wire touches the work piece <...
Torch blow out If the robot wirefeeder is fitted with an additional solenoid valve for compressed air, this (Blow out weld- is controlled using the Torch blow out signal. ing torch) - Single The signal is used to remove contaminations from the gas nozzle during torch cleaning. Welding simula- The power source uses the Welding simulation signal to simulate an actual welding pro- tion (Welding...
Torchbody Xchange can be activated independently of the operating mode (internal parameter selection, S2-step mode characteristics, Job Mode). NOTE! Risk of signal overlap. This may result in problems changing the torch body. ▶ It is not recommended to activate any other signals while the Torchbody Xchange signal is active.
The wire electrode will not be unwound any fur- ther once the set Stickout- value has been reached, even if the wire electrode is no longer in = 15 mm = 5 mm = 5 mm (0.59 inch) contact with the workpiece. The Touch signal is set as follows when using Teach mode: As soon as the wire electrode touches the workpiece, the Touch signal is set to High Only when the wire electrode is no longer in contact with the workpiece is the Touch...
Additional information for TWIN systems: TWIN systems are only compatible with the OPT/i RI FB REL EXT 8I/8O option The signals are forwarded to both power sources and are then available at the out- puts of the relay station used Job number This signal is used to carry out welding using the welding parameters that are saved (Job‑number) -...
(starting the count at 10 instead of 0, for example). • With the exception of: If the Fronius Data Channel is used, the number of weld seams is specified using the Fronius Data Channel and not the power source.
WireSense start - WARNING! Single Bit Danger from electrical current. When the WireSense start signal is active, a voltage of approx. 50 V (up to 1 A) is applied to the wire electrode/contact tip. This may result in serious injuries or death. ▶...
WireSense break This signal only has an impact if the WireSense start signal is active at the same - Single Bit time This signal is used to interrupt the WireSense process but at the same time to obtain the reference point that was determined when the WireSense process was first star- •...
Analog Inputs Wire feed speed As described below, the set value can be specified on a Digital Interface or an Analog command value Interface. (Wire speed set value) - Group The following set value specifications apply to the MIG/MAG standard synergic, Input / Analog MIG/MAG pulse synergic, MIG/MAG PMC, and MIG/MAG LSC welding processes.
Analog Interface: By entering a value between 0 and 10 V using an analog method, the arc length is cor- rected, but the wire speed is not changed. Value range Designation Min./max. possible value Arc length correction -10% = shorter arc Arc length correction 0% = saved value 10 V...
Digital Interface: The wire retraction correction is specified by entering a value between 0 and 65,535 (UINT 16). Value range Designation Min./max. possible value Wire retraction correction 65,535 Wire retraction correction Additional information for TWIN systems: The digital value must be entered separately for both power sources. Analog Interface: The wire retraction correction is specified by using an analog method to enter a value between 0 and 10 V.
Edge detection: If a value of 0.5 - 20 mm (0.019 - 0.787 inches) is specified with the WireSense edge detection signal, the WireSense start signal is used to detect and measure a single edge The specified value (threshold value) defines the minimum edge height that can be detected by the power source •...
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Value range Min./max. possible value -32,768 1 mm (0.039 inches) +32,767 10,000 mm (393.7 inches) Additional information for TWIN systems: The digital set value must be entered separately for both power sources. Analog Interface: The set value for the length of wire to be fed is specified by entering an analog value of 0 to 10 V.
Digital Outputs Definition Digital outputs are signals from the power source to the robot. Robot input Power source output Heartbeat power As soon as the interface creates an authenticated connection to the power source, this source (Heartbeat signal changes its activity with a frequency of 1 Hz (1 second High, 1 second Low, 1 power source) - second High, etc.).
Process active The Process active signal is set from the beginning of gas pre-flow to the end of gas (Process active) - post-flow in order to inform the robot that welding is still taking place. This means that, Single Bit for example, the dwell time of the robot can be synchronized at the end of the weld seam to ensure that there is an ideal gas shield.
Robot motion The signal is active from the end of the starting current to the end of the gas post-flow. release (Robot motion release) - The starting current time begins as soon as Current flow is High. Even if Current flow is Single Bit interrupted, the starting current time continues to run until the set end (the starting cur- rent time does not reset).
Arc stable/Touch This signal is set as soon as the wire electrode touches the workpiece and current signal (Arc flows, thus reporting to the robot controller that the arc is burning. stable/touch sig- nal) - Single Bit If the Arc stable / Touch signal is active, the arc monitoring is also active. This is not the case for the Current flow signal.
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MIG/MAG pulse synergic, MIG/MAG PMC, mixed processes: Example of incorrect ignition at the start of welding MIG/MAG standard synergic, MIG/MAG standard manual, MIG/MAG LSC, MIG/MAG CMT, MIG/MAG CMT Mix: Example of correct ignition at the start of welding...
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MIG/MAG standard synergic, MIG/MAG standard manual, MIG/MAG LSC, MIG/MAG CMT, MIG/MAG CMT Mix: Example of incorrect ignition at the start of welding 150-200ms...
The signal has no effect on the power source. Torchbody This signal indicates that a Fronius torch body has been registered in the system. gripped (Torch body gripped) - Single Bit...
Command value This signal indicates that the „Wire feed speed command value“ input is outside of the out of range (Set possible range. value out of range) - Single The signal is High if, for example: The possible range is limited by the wirefeeder: •...
OPT/i RI External FB REL Device Robot input Power source output Options input Additional information for TWIN systems: TWIN systems are only compatible with the OPT/i RI FB REL EXT 8I/8O option If an input signal is set on one of the two power sources, the signal is also set on the fieldbus output Touch signal The signal is used for various functions and indicates that...
If there is no sensor in the system, the signal is set to High. Additional information for TWIN systems: The signal is output separately for both process lines. Sensor Status 2 This signal indicates the status of the wire end option 4,100,879,CK. (sensor status 2) - Single Bit Signal level...
The following signals can be set on the power source itself if the Parameter selection internally High signal is active: Welding process (MIG/MAG pulse synergic, MIG/MAG standard synergic, etc.) Operating mode (2-step mode, etc.) Characteristic/job number (depending on the welding process) Wire speed Arc length correction Pulse/dynamic correction...
Twin synchroniz- The signal indicates that the synchronization between the two power sources is active. ation active - Single Bit System not ready This signal indicates whether the welding system is ready for use: - Single Bit This signal is Low if there are no error messages in the welding system (all error sources must be eliminated for the signal to change to Low) This signal is High as soon as a component of the welding system outputs an error message...
Analog Outputs Welding voltage As described below, the current welding voltage actual value can be output on a Digital (Welding voltage) Interface or an Analog Interface. - Group Output / Analog Output Digital Interface: During the welding process, the current welding voltage actual value will be out- put as a value between 0 - 65,535 (UINT 16).
Value range Designation Min./max. possible value Welding current 0 A (set value/actual value/Hold value) 10 V Welding current 1000 A (set value/actual value/Hold value) Additional information for TWIN systems: The analog actual value is not output on TWIN systems. Wire feed speed As described below, the current wire speed actual value can be output on a Digital Inter- (Wire speed) - face or an Analog Interface.
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Current actual value for seam (depending on the position of the welding tracking torch) 65,535 Current actual 10,000 value for seam (actual value/Hold- value) tracking Additional information for TWIN systems: The digital actual value is output separately for both power sources. Analog Interface: During the welding process, the current actual value for seam tracking will be output using an analog method as a value between 0 - 10 V.
Motor current M1 Motor current M1 is the motor current of the central motor in the welding system (drive (Motor current unit of the welding torch, etc.). As described below, the present motor current actual M1) - Group Out- value M1 can be output on a Digital Interface or an Analog Interface. put / Analog Out- Digital Interface: During the welding process, the present motor current actual value will be output as a...
Motor current M3 Motor current M3 is the motor current of the rear motor in the welding system (unwinding (Motor current wirefeeder, etc.). As described below, the present motor current actual value M3 can be M3) - Group Out- output on a Digital Interface or an Analog Interface. put / Analog Out- Digital Interface: During the welding process, the present motor current actual value will be output as a...
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Digital Interface: During the active WireSense process, the wire position is output in the range of ‑32768 to +32767 (SINT 16). Value Range Designation Min./max. possible value Wire position -327.68 mm ‑32768 +32767 Wire position +327.67 mm For more information on WireSense, see section WireSense - more information page 52.
Available Process Images Process Image Dip switch Types 6 5 4 3 2 1 Process image and configuration Standard Image 320 Bit Economy Image 128 Bit Retrofit Image (scope dependent on bus module) Not used Changing/ For power sources in the TPS series, the material, the wire diameter, and the protective Assigning Char- gas shield can be selected using the program number.
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Note down the IDs of the desired characteristics: On the power source website, select the "Synergic lines overview" tab Note down the IDs of the characteristics that it should be possible to select using the interface On the power source website, select the tab for the interface used For example: RI IO PRO/i Under "Synergic line assignment", assign the program numbers (= bit numbers) the desired characteristic IDs.
Information on the Use of the MIG/MAG Standard Manual, TIG, and Electrode Welding Processes MIG/MAG Stand- Use the MIG/MAG standard manual welding process: ard Manual Select 2-step mode characteristics Select the MIG/MAG standard manual welding process using the appropriate char- acteristic number During the standard manual welding process, the wire speed and welding voltage para- meters are set as follows:...
Arc Break Monitoring Arc Break Monit- The arc break monitoring is a function that can be activated on the power source. The oring function becomes active when arc breaks occur. If the arc break monitoring is activated, the Robot motion release signal is set to Low. The following can be set in order to use the arc break monitoring: The break length after which the arc break monitoring becomes active In which way the arc break monitoring is activated...
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arc break arc break <190ms <200ms Example of Arc Break Monitoring Behavior (1) The status of the Welding start signal is dependent on: The arc break monitoring setting The robot setting (how the robot should react to the "Ignore" setting on the arc break monitoring) For the "Ignore"...
(robot controller, etc.) via the Ethernet connection on the rear of the power source (service port). In order to be able to use the Fronius Data Channel, OPT/i Documentation must be enabled for the power source.
Signal sequence when selected using "Job Mode" operating mode Robot ready Power source ready Error number Working mode (Job mode) Job number Welding start Process active Arc stable Robot motion release Main current signal Wait time of at least 0.1 seconds Wait time of at least 0.1 seconds Gas pre-flow time Starting current time...
Signal sequence when selected using "Character- istics Mode" operating mode Robot ready Power source ready Error number Working mode (2-step mode characteristics) Welding characteristic Wire feed speed command value Arclength correction Pulse-/ dynamic correction Wire retract correction Welding start Process active Arc stable Robot motion release Main current signal...
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Wait time of at least 0.1 seconds Wait time of at least 0.1 seconds Wait time of at least 0.1 seconds Gas pre-flow time Starting current time Slope 1 Gas post-flow time Slope 2 + final current time...
WireSense - more information Process descrip- WireSense Edge Detection = 0mm tion WireSense (OFF) (contour detec- Input: BIT 256 - 271 tion) WireSense start = High (ON) Input: BIT 29 Wait for: Arc stable = High (ON) Output Bit 5 Start robot movement for WireSense action WireSense position = 0mm...
Signal curve of Edge Detection Mode on a level Robot surface h=2,5mm h in mm (for example 2mm) 20 ms 250ms 100ms h= -2,5mm...
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* The start time of the Arc stable / Touch signal signal may vary depending on the condi- tion and electrical conductivity of the tip of the wire electrode. Two examples are shown below. No slag on the tip of the wire electrode: The WireSense process starts without the WireSense -Slaghammer function and the Arc stable / Touch signal signal is output around 20 ms after the wire electrode touches the workpiece...
Signal curve of Edge Detection Robot Mode on a slanted surface h=2,5mm h in mm (for example 2mm) 20 ms 250ms 100ms h= -2,5mm...
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* The start time of the Arc stable / Touch signal signal may vary depending on the condi- tion and electrical conductivity of the tip of the wire electrode. Two examples are shown below. No slag on the tip of the wire electrode: The WireSense process starts without the WireSense -Slaghammer function and the Arc stable / Touch signal signal is output around 20 ms after the wire electrode touches the workpiece...
Signal curve of Sensing Mode for different surface geometries Robot 20 ms...
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* The start time of the Arc stable / Touch signal signal may vary depending on the condi- tion and electrical conductivity of the tip of the wire electrode. Two examples are shown below. No slag on the tip of the wire electrode: The WireSense process starts without the WireSense -Slaghammer function and the Arc stable / Touch signal signal is output around 20 ms after the wire electrode touches the workpiece...
* The start time of the Arc stable / Touch signal signal may vary depending on the condi- tion and electrical conductivity of the tip of the wire electrode. Two examples are shown below. No slag on the tip of the wire electrode: The WireSense process starts without the WireSense -Slaghammer function and the Arc stable / Touch signal signal is output around 20 ms after the wire electrode touches the workpiece...
Reference-Point *CTWD: Contact-Tip To Workpiece Distance *NTWD: Nozzle To Workpiece Distance Note on ignition If the ignition timeout is set to 30 mm, for example, but the end of the wire electrode is timeout (Ignition more than 30 mm away from the workpiece, the WireSense function will not start suc- Timeout) cessfully because the wire feed is stopped after 30 mm.
Available signals for component scanning Signal list WireSense (contour detection): Signal designation Type of sig- Data type Factor Value range WireSense start Input (BIT 29) WireSense break Input (BIT 30) WORD Wire position Output (SINT) in -327.68 to +327.67 (BIT 256-271) WireSense Edge Detection (edge detection): Signal designation Type of sig-...
Limit Monitoring - functions and activation Functions of Limit Monitoring monitors the welding parameters of the welding process. Limit Monitoring Limit Monitoring indicates whether the weld is performed within the predefined limit values of the weld specification (= job set values). If Limit Monitoring determines that the actual values are outside the defined limits, the weld seam should be checked.
Prerequisites for Job mode must be enabled for each power source the successful At least 1 job must be assigned to each weld seam use of Limit Mon- It is recommended to use several jobs per weld seam if significant influencing itoring factors change during welding, such as robot speed, angle of attack of the weld- ing torch, Stick-Out, etc.
Detailed descrip- Limit Monitoring is only active in the main current phase tion of Limit Mon- The data is recorded / checked every 50 ms during Limit Monitoring itoring At point A, the upper voltage limit is exceeded; the time until the reaction of Limit Monitoring begins to count constantly upwards At point B, the voltage falls below the upper limit again;...
Limit Monitoring - details on the individual welding parameters Voltage monitor- Serves to: Set the voltage set value and the desired limits Monitor the voltage actual value per weld seam / job Voltage monitoring Adjustable parameters: Voltage set value: 0 to 100 V Lower voltage limit: -10 to 0 V Upper voltage limit:...
Current monitor- Serves to: Set the current set value and the desired limits Monitor the current actual value per weld seam / job Current monitoring Adjustable parameters: Current set value: 0 to 100 A Lower current limit: -10 to 0 A Upper current limit: 0 to 10 A Time limit for the reaction of Limit Monitoring:...
Wirefeeder monitoring Adjustable parameters: Wirefeeder set value: 0 to 100 m/min Lower wirefeeder limit: -10 to 0 m/min Upper wirefeeder limit: 0 to 10 m/min Time limit for the reaction of Limit Monitoring: Off / 0 to 10 seconds Explanation for setting from 0 to 10 seconds: If, for example, 5 seconds are set, Limit Monitoring will only react after a limit has been exceeded or undershot continuously for 5 seconds Explanation for "Off"...
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Example: A weld seam consists of 4 jobs, each with a duration of 4 seconds Limit Monitoring ignores the first 3 jobs and only records the last job For this reason, a welding time set value of at least 16 seconds must be set for the last job (4 x 4 seconds) in order to prevent Limit Monitoring from unintentionally issu- ing a message Welding time monitoring...
Energy monitor- Serves to: Set the energy set value and the desired limits Monitor the energy input per weld seam / job If a weld seam consists of 2 or more jobs, the energy input of the previously welded job must be added for the subsequent jobs in the weld sequence.
Setting of the The setting is used for: reaction when Determination of how the power source reacts when the set limits are exceeded or exceeding or fall- not reached ing below the lim- its: The following reactions are possible: Ignore Warning Error The following is a description of each reaction.
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Reaction when limits are exceeded or undershot = Warning Overview of the entries in the logbook...
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Display of the individual sections in the logbook Additional information on reactions of the power source to a warning: The power source indicates whether the limits have been overrun or undershot The overrun or undershoot is displayed until the end of welding The welding parameters affected by exceeding or falling below the limits are marked in red Display of the warning with the welding parameters...
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Display of the warning with the system data Display of the warning with Job optimization Additional information on reactions at the interface to a warning: During welding, the limit signal (WORD 1 / Byte 2 / Bit 19) reacts directly to exceed- ing or falling below the limits If no overshoot or undershoot of the limits is detected, the Limitsignal Low remains...
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Indicator on the interface; Limitsignal = Low Anzeige am Interface; Limitsignal = High Reaction when limits are exceeded or undershot = error: Power source stops the welding process Entry is made in the logbook The welding parameters affected by exceeding or falling below the limits are marked in red...
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Overview of the entries in the logbook Logbook details Additional information on reactions at the interface to an error: During welding, the limit signal (WORD 1 / Byte 2 / Bit 19) reacts directly to exceed- ing or falling below the limits If no overshoot or undershoot of the limits is detected, the Limitsignal Low remains If an overshoot or undershoot of the limits is detected, the Limitsignal changes to High...
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Indicator on the interface; Limitsignal = Low Anzeige am Interface; Limitsignal = High Overview of the interface functionalities in case of exceeding or falling below the limits:...
Set reaction Limit signal Error number Warning num- Stop weld- (WORD 1 / Byte (WORD 8 / Byte ber (WORD 9 / ing: yes / 2 / Bit 19) 16 - 17 / Bit 128 Byte 18 - 19 / - 134) Bit 144 - 159) Ignore...
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Reaction when limits are exceeded or undershot = warning: The welding parameters affected by exceeding or falling below the limits are marked in red Reaction when limits are exceeded or undershot = Warning Display of the warning with the system data Additional information on reactions at the interface to a warning: During welding the limit signal (WORD 1 / Byte 2 / Bit 19) reacts directly to exceed- ing or falling below the limits...
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Indicator on the interface; Limitsignal = Low Anzeige am Interface; Limitsignal = High Reaction when limits are exceeded or undershot = error: Power source stops the welding process Entry is made in the logbook The welding parameters affected by exceeding or falling below the limits are marked in red...
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Reaction when limits are exceeded or undershot = Error Error message...
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Overview of the entries in the logbook Logbook details Additional information on reactions at the interface to an error: During welding, the limit signal (WORD 1 / Byte 2 / Bit 19) reacts directly to exceed- ing or falling below the limits If no overshoot or undershoot of the limits is detected, the Limitsignal Low remains If an overshoot or undershoot of the limits is detected, the Limitsignal changes to High...
Indicator on the interface; Limitsignal = Low Anzeige am Interface; Limitsignal = High Smart Manager + If the function package OPT/i Jobs has been activated, the desired limits can also be OPT/i Jobs defined via the Smart Manager: (4,067,002)
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Define limit in Smart Manager Information on exceeding or falling below limits is also displayed in the Smart Manager : Smart Manager...
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Smart Manager Display of overshooting or undershooting limits in the system data display of the Smart Manager: System data display in the Smart Manager The welding parameters affected by exceeding or falling below the limits are marked in red.
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