Reducing Noise; Mechanical Vibration; Electrical Interference; Improving Ethernet Throughput - Novanta ATI Axia80 Manual

Manual, F/T Sensor, Ethernet Axia
Document #9620-05-C-Ethernet Axia-02
13.6 Reducing Noise

13.6.1 Mechanical Vibration

In many cases, perceived noise is actually a real fluctuation of force and/or torque, caused by
vibrations in the tooling or the robot arm. The Axia sensor offers digital low-pass filters that can
dampen frequencies above a certain threshold. If digital low-pass filters are insufficient, a digital
filter may be added to the application software.

13.6.2 Electrical Interference

To reduce the effects of electrical noise on the sensor, do the following:
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13.7 Improving Ethernet Throughput
In an optimum network setup, the sensor's RDT data arrives at the host computer with no loss of data. If
data samples are lost, consider the following:
13.7.1 Direct Connection between Axia Ethernet and Host
To achieve the best Ethernet performance (and avoid the loss of data packages), connect the sensor
directly to the host computer. If using a switch, then try to use only one switch between sensor
system and host. Avoid going through several switches or going through a hub.
13.7.2 Choice of Operating System
The Windows
significant amount of processing power over a short amount of time. During these intervals, a loss
of data can occur because Windows does not treat UDP data with a high enough priority. If a loss of
data is not acceptable for the application, then use a real-time operating system.
13.7.3 Increasing Operating System Performance
The following items may also help increase the performance of a computer system so that it can
best respond to the Ethernet Axia's fast data rates:
• Disable software firewall. One way to improve the Ethernet performance is to not have any
software firewall activated. In some cases, this may require help from IT personnel.
• Disable file and printer sharing. File and printer sharing can slow down an operating system's
response to Ethernet data and may lead to lost data.
• Disable unnecessary network services. Unnecessary network services and protocols can slow
down an operating system's response to Ethernet data and may lead to lost data.
• Use an Ethernet traffic snooper. An Ethernet traffic snooper can detect that there are processes
using up Ethernet bandwidth and potentially slowing down the response of a computer's
operating system. This is an advanced technique that your IT department may need to perform.
The free software program Wireshark (www.wireshark.org) is commonly used for this type
of investigation.
• Use a dedicated computer. A dedicated measurement computer isolated from the company
network is not burdened by the company network processes.
Pinnacle Park • 1031 Goodworth Drive • Apex, NC 27539 • Tel:+1 919.772.0115 • Fax:+1 919.772.8259 •
If interference by motors or other noise-generating equipment is observed, check the sensor's
ground connections.
If sufficient grounding is not possible or does not reduce noise, consider using the sensor's
digital low-pass filters.
Verify the power supply is Class 1 which has an earth ground connection.
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operating system periodically performs housekeeping processes that can require a
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