Introduction - Renishaw EQUATOR EQ-IQ User Manual

Introduction

The Equator™ automation kit consists of EQ-IO interface units and the EZ-IO software which runs on the
Equator Controller .
The kit is designed to provide an interface between the Equator and external equipment e .g . PLC's
(Programmable Logic Controllers), machine tools, robots, loading systems, etc .
The flexibility of a digital I/O connection allows the Equator to be commissioned on a variety of different
types of automated work-cells . Common applications include part loading and unloading performed by a
robot .
In these applications, a pneumatic or electrically driven fixture is often used to ensure that the part
being loaded is placed in the correct position and orientation in order to achieve highly repeatable
measurements . Once the part has been measured, the EZ-IO software signals whether the part is inside
or outside the specified tolerances. Based on this information, the robot can take different actions.
If required, a PLC may be programmed to handle manual selection of operations . In this case, a button
console would be used to send signals to the Equator to start the measurement cycle . As an alternative, a
button console could be connected to the Equator to control component loading/unloading .
EZ-IO's built in custom signal facility allows for customisation of digital I/O to allow inputs and outputs to
be directly controlled from the DMIS program . This could be for switching outputs such as status lights,
audible alarms etc . or inputs such as start buttons or to other devices such as PLCs or Machine Tool
Controllers .
Input and output signals interpreted by MODUS only, are not subject to the same signal checks that are
within EZ-IO .
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