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Basic technology and classification of touch screens

Basic technology and classification of touch screens

Classification of touch screens
1： In terms of installation methods, touch screens can be divided into external, internal, and integrated types.
External touch screen refers to installing the touch detection device of the touch screen system directly in front of the display device. This type of touch screen is easy to install and very suitable for temporary use. The built-in touch screen is a touch detection device installed inside the housing of the display device, in front of the cathode ray tube. When manufacturing display devices, the touch detection device is made on the cathode ray tube, so that the display device directly has touch function, which is the integrated touch screen.

2： From the perspective of technical principles, touch screens can be divided into five basic types: vector pressure sensing technology touch screens, resistive technology touch screens, capacitive technology touch screens, infrared technology touch screens, and surface acoustic wave technology touch screens.
Among them, the vector pressure sensing technology touch screen has exited the historical stage; Infrared technology touch screens are inexpensive, but their outer frames are fragile and prone to light interference, resulting in distortion on curved surfaces; The design concept of capacitive technology touch screen is reasonable, but its image distortion problem is difficult to fundamentally solve; The positioning of resistive technology touch screens is accurate, but their price is quite high and they are susceptible to scratches and wear; Surface acoustic wave touch screen solves various defects of previous touch screens, with clear and not easily damaged, suitable for various occasions. The disadvantage is that if there are water droplets and dust on the screen surface, the touch screen will become sluggish or even not work. According to the working principle and information transmission medium of touch screens, they are divided into four types: resistive, infrared, capacitive sensing, and surface acoustic wave.

Absolute coordinate system

Touchscreen is an absolute coordinate system, characterized by the fact that the current positioning coordinates are not related to the previous positioning coordinates, and the data of each touch is directly converted to the coordinates on the screen through calibration. In any case, the coordinate system of the touch screen is stable for the output data of the same point. However, it cannot guarantee that every sampling of the same touch point is the same, that is, it cannot guarantee absolute coordinate positioning, which is the so-called drift problem.

location

All kinds of touch screens rely on sensors to work, and some touch screens are even a set of sensors themselves. Their respective positioning principles and the sensors they use determine the response speed, reliability, stability, and lifespan of the touch screen. The technical characteristics of various touch screens are shown in Table 1.

Touchscreen capacitive screen principle _ What are the application areas of touch screens
Principle of capacitive touch screen

Touch screen is currently the most user-friendly computer interface, and its application in consumer electronics products is becoming increasingly widespread. Touch detection devices and touch screen controllers can cause damage to the mechanical structure of the detection device during the touch screen installation process, leading to a decrease in touch accuracy and a shortened lifespan of the touch screen; In addition, the cost of commonly used capacitive and resistive touch screens is relatively high. Inductive touch screen avoids damage to the touch detection device during the touch process and extends the lifespan of touch screen products.
The working principle of the inductive touch screen, as well as the hardware circuit and partial program design of the controller, have all been verified. The non direct touch of the inductive touch screen avoids damage to the touch detection device, extends the lifespan of the entire touch control system, and achieves the expected design requirements for the repeatability and sensitivity of touching the same point.

Capacitive touch screens are not affected by dirt, dust, or oil stains, but due to their electric field coupling principle, they are subject to varying degrees of influence from the surrounding environment. At the same time, capacitive touch screens have serious drift phenomena.

What are the application areas of touch screens

Touchscreens have become a hot topic in the market, with smartphones still being the mainstay in places such as shopping malls and hotels. The growth momentum of the smartphone market has slowed down and entered a period of steady development. The application of touch screens outside of mobile phones, such as automotive electronics, retail, healthcare, public facilities, leisure and entertainment, will drive the rapid growth of the touch screen market.

In addition to large-scale applications, touch screens can be greatly innovated in segmented fields. Innovate touch screens in the field of “pen writing tablets”.

The product has been extended to tablets, e-books, all-in-one machines, electronic whiteboards, etc. with pen writing function. And the pen and hand can be used simultaneously, with one hand touching and the pen writing at the same time.

The traditional materials for touch screens include ITO, metal mesh, nano silver wires, carbon nanotubes, conductive polymers, graphene, and others. Metal grids and nano silver wires have many supporters, both of which are metals (silver or copper) with better conductivity than ITO.

Resistive touch screen, what is a resistive touch screen

This touch screen uses pressure sensing for control. The main part of a resistive touch screen is a resistive thin film screen that fits well with the surface of the display. This is a multi-layer composite film that uses a glass or hard plastic flat plate as the base layer, coated with a transparent oxide metal (transparent conductive resistor) conductive layer on the surface, and covered with an outer surface hardened, smooth and scratch resistant plastic layer on the top. Its inner surface is also coated with a layer of coating, and there are many small (less than 1/1000 inch) transparent isolation points between them to isolate the two conductive layers.
When a finger touches the screen, the two conductive layers make contact at the touch point, causing a change in resistance and generating signals in the X and Y directions, which are then sent to the touch screen controller. The controller detects this contact and calculates the position of (X, Y), and then operates according to the simulated mouse mode. This is the most basic principle of resistive touch screen technology.

A、ITO， Indium oxide, a weak conductor, has the characteristic of suddenly becoming transparent when the thickness drops below 1800 angstroms (angstroms=10-10 meters), with a transmittance of 80%. If it becomes thinner, the transmittance decreases, and when it reaches a thickness of 300 angstroms, it rises to 80%. ITO is the main material used in all resistive and capacitive touch screens, and in fact, the working surface of resistive and capacitive touch screens is ITO coating.
B. The nickel gold coating is used for the outer conductive layer of the five wire resistive touch screen, which is made of nickel gold coating material with good ductility. Due to frequent touch, the purpose of using nickel gold material with good ductility for the outer conductive layer is to extend its service life, but the process cost is relatively high. Although nickel gold conductive layer has good ductility, it can only be used as a transparent conductor and is not suitable as a working surface for resistive touch screens because of its high conductivity. Moreover, the metal is not easy to achieve a very uniform thickness and is not suitable as a voltage distribution layer. It can only be used as a probing layer.

Performance characteristics of resistive screen:
① They are all completely isolated working environments from the outside world, not afraid of dust, water vapor, and oil stains
② They can be touched with any object and used for writing and drawing, which is their major advantage
③ The accuracy of resistive touch screens only depends on the accuracy of A/D conversion, so they can easily achieve 4096 * 4096 •. Compared to four wire resistors, five wire resistors are superior in ensuring resolution accuracy, but the cost is high, so the selling price is very high.
Basic concepts
A resistive touch screen is a sensor that converts the physical position of a touch point (X, Y) in a rectangular area into a voltage representing the X and Y coordinates. Many LCD modules use resistive touch screens, which can generate screen bias voltage using four, five, seven, or eight wires and read back the voltage at the touch point.

Resistive touch screens are basically a structure of thin film and glass. The adjacent side of the thin film and glass is coated with ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) coating, which has good conductivity and transparency. When the touch operation is performed, the ITO on the lower layer of the film will come into contact with the ITO on the upper layer of the glass, and the corresponding electrical signal will be transmitted through the sensor. After passing through the conversion circuit, it will be sent to the processor, and through calculation, it will be converted into X and Y values on the screen to complete the selection action and presented on the screen.
Touch screen principle
The touch screen consists of two transparent layers stacked on top and bottom. The four wire and eight wire touch screens are composed of two layers of transparent resistive materials with the same surface resistance. The five wire and seven wire touch screens are composed of a resistive layer and a conductive layer, usually separated by an elastic material. When the pressure on the surface of the touch screen (such as pressing with a pen tip or finger) is large enough, contact will occur between the top and bottom layers. All resistive touch screens use the voltage divider principle to generate voltages representing the X and Y coordinates. As shown in Figure 3, the voltage divider is achieved by connecting two resistors in series. The upper resistor (R1) is connected to the positive reference voltage (VREF), and the lower resistor (R2) is grounded. The voltage measurement at the connection point of two resistors is directly proportional to the resistance value of the resistor below. Figure 3
In order to measure a coordinate in a specific direction on a resistive touch screen, it is necessary to bias a resistive layer: connect one side to VREF and the other side to ground. Meanwhile, connect the unbiased layer to the high impedance input of an ADC. When the pressure on the touch screen is high enough to cause contact between the two layers, the resistive surface is separated into two resistors. Their resistance is directly proportional to the distance from the touch point to the bias edge. The resistance between the touch point and the ground edge is equivalent to the lower resistance in the voltage divider. Therefore, the voltage measured on the unbiased layer is proportional to the distance between the touch point and the ground edge.
Four line touch screen
The four wire touch screen contains two resistive layers. One layer has a vertical bus at the left and right edges of the screen, while the other layer has a horizontal bus at the bottom and top of the screen, as shown in Figure 4. To measure in the X-axis direction, bias the left bus to 0V and the right bus to VREF. Connect the top or bottom bus to the ADC, and a measurement can be taken when the top and bottom layers are in contact.
To measure in the Y-axis direction, bias the top bus to VREF and the bottom bus to 0V in Figure 4. Connect the ADC input terminal to the left or right bus, and measure the voltage when the top and bottom layers are in contact. Figure 5 shows a simplified model of a four wire touch screen when two layers are in contact. The most ideal connection method for a four wire touch screen is to connect the bus biased to VREF to the positive reference input of the ADC, and connect the bus set to 0V to the negative reference input of the ADC.

Five line touch screen
The five wire touch screen uses a resistive layer and a conductive layer. The conductive layer has a contact point, usually on one side of its edge. There are contacts on each of the four corners of the resistive layer. To measure in the X-axis direction, bias the upper left and lower left corners to VREF, and ground the upper right and lower right corners. Due to the same voltage in the left and right corners, its effect is similar to that of a bus connecting the left and right sides, similar to the method used in a four wire touch screen.
To measure along the Y-axis direction, bias the upper left and upper right corners to VREF and the lower left and lower right corners to 0V. Due to the fact that the upper and lower corners have the same voltage, their effect is roughly the same as the bus connecting the top and bottom edges, similar to the method used in a four wire touch screen. The advantage of this measurement algorithm is that it keeps the voltage in the upper left and lower right corners constant; But if grid coordinates are used, the X and Y axes need to be reversed. The best connection method for a five wire touch screen is to connect the upper left corner (biased at VREF) to the positive reference input of the ADC and the lower left corner (biased at 0V) to the negative reference input of the ADC.
Figure 5
Seven line touch screen
The implementation method of a seven wire touch screen is the same as that of a five wire touch screen, except for adding one wire in the upper left corner and one wire in the lower right corner. When performing screen measurements, connect one wire in the upper left corner to VREF and the other wire to the positive reference terminal of the SAR ADC. At the same time, one wire in the lower right corner is connected to 0V, and the other wire is connected to the negative reference terminal of the SAR ADC. The conductive layer is still used to measure the voltage of the voltage divider.

Eight line touch screen
The implementation method of an eight wire touch screen is the same as that of a four wire touch screen, except for adding one wire to each bus. For the VREF bus, one line is used to connect the VREF and the other line serves as the positive reference input for the digital to analog converter of the SAR ADC. For the 0V bus, use one wire to connect 0V and the other wire as the negative reference input of the SAR ADC’s digital to analog converter. Any of the four wires on the unbiased layer can be used to measure the voltage of the voltage divider.
Detecting Contact
All touch screens can detect whether a touch has occurred by using a weak pull-up resistor to pull up one layer and a strong pull-down resistor to pull down the other layer. If the measured voltage of the pull-up layer is greater than a certain logic threshold, it indicates that there is no touch, otherwise there is touch. The problem with this method is that the touch screen is a huge capacitor, and it may also require increasing the capacitance of the touch screen leads to filter out the noise introduced by the LCD. Connecting a weak pull-up resistor to a large capacitor can prolong the rise time and may result in false touch detection.
The four wire and eight wire touch screens in Figure 6 can measure the contact resistance, which is RTOUCH in Figure 5. RTOUCH is approximately proportional to touch pressure. To measure touch pressure, it is necessary to know the resistance of one or two layers in the touch screen. The formula in Figure 6 provides the calculation method. It should be noted that if the measurement value of Z1 is close to or equal to 0 (when the touch point is close to the grounded X bus during the measurement process), there will be some calculation problems, which can be effectively improved by using a weak pull-up method.
Advantages and disadvantages of resistive touch screens
The advantages of resistive touch screens are that their screen and control system are relatively inexpensive, and their response sensitivity is also very good. Moreover, whether it is a four wire resistive touch screen or a five wire resistive touch screen, they are a completely isolated working environment from the outside world, not afraid of dust and water vapor, and can adapt to various harsh environments. It can be touched with any object and has good stability performance. The disadvantage is that the outer film of the resistive touch screen is easily scratched, making the touch screen unusable. The multi-layer structure can cause significant light loss. For handheld devices, it is usually necessary to increase the backlight source to compensate for the poor transparency, but this will also increase battery consumption.

What is the difference between capacitive touch screen and resistive touch screen based on the principle of capacitive touch screen

Capacitive touch screen and resistive touch screen are two common touch screen technologies, which have significant differences in principles, structures, and applications. The following will provide a detailed introduction to the principle, structure, and characteristics of capacitive touch screens, and compare and analyze them with resistive touch screens.

1、 The principle of capacitive touch screen
Capacitive touch screen is a technology that utilizes the capacitance changes of human body charges or other conductive materials to achieve touch positioning. The basic principle is to use the electric field formed by the transparent conductive layer on the touch panel. When the human body or other conductive body comes into contact with the touch panel, the distribution of the electric field will be changed, which will be sensed and used to calculate the touch coordinates.

Specifically, capacitive touch screens are composed of glass, transparent conductive layers, coating insulation layers, etc. The transparent conductive layer can be made of materials such as silver nanowire mesh, ITO film, or grid structure. Electrode sensors are installed at the four corners or edges of the touch panel, which convert changes in the electric field into electrical signals through scanning, and then process them to ultimately determine the coordinate position of the touch.

2、 Structure of capacitive touch screen
Capacitive touch screens typically use glass as the substrate for touch panels, coated with a transparent conductive layer and covered with a scratch resistant coating. The transparent conductive layer is generally uniformly distributed throughout the entire touch panel and can be made by methods such as fine micro wire mesh or uniform coating. On top of the conductive layer, there is also a coating insulation layer to protect the transparent conductive layer.

3、 Characteristics of capacitive touch screen

High sensitivity: Capacitive touch screens are based on the principle of capacitance changes and have higher sensitivity to touch. You don’t need to press hard when touching, just touch lightly to operate.
Fast response speed: The response speed of capacitive touch screens is very fast, and the feedback of touch operations is almost real-time.
Support for multi touch: Capacitive touch screens can detect multiple touch points simultaneously, enabling multi touch functionality. This allows users to perform various gesture operations such as zooming, rotating, sliding, etc. with their fingers.
High transparency: Capacitive touch screens have excellent transparency and almost no impact on display performance.
Wear resistance: The capacitive touch screen adopts wear-resistant coating, which has good wear resistance and long service life.
4、 The difference between capacitive touch screen and resistive touch screen

Working principle: Capacitive touch screens are based on the principle of capacitance variation, while resistive touch screens are based on the principle of resistance variation.
Touch mode: The capacitive touch screen adopts a pressure free touch mode, which can be operated with just a light touch. A resistive touch screen requires a certain amount of pressure to bring the two resistive layers into contact in order to perform positioning.
Touch perception: Capacitive touch screens can sense conductor contact without the need for actual physical contact. Resistive touch screens require physical contact and can only sense objects with conductivity.
Sensitivity: Capacitive touch screens have higher sensitivity and only require gentle touch when touched. Resistive touch screens require a certain amount of pressure, so their sensitivity is relatively low.
Multi touch: The capacitive touch screen supports multi touch and can achieve multiple gesture operations. Resistive touch screens can only achieve single point touch.
Transparency: Capacitive touch screens have good transparency and almost do not affect the display effect. Resistive touch screens can affect display performance and require the addition of a transparent layer for protection.
Summary:
Capacitive touch screen and resistive touch screen are two common touch screen technologies, which have significant differences in principles, structures, and characteristics. Capacitive touch screens use capacitance changes to achieve touch positioning, with high sensitivity, fast response speed, and support for multi touch, making them widely used in modern intelligent devices.

Operation process and precautions of ABB industrial robots

ABB industrial robots are widely used automation equipment in the manufacturing industry, characterized by high efficiency, precision, and stability.

1、 Overview of ABB Industrial Robots
ABB industrial robots are highly automated equipment widely used in fields such as automotive manufacturing, electronic assembly, food processing, and metal processing. Its main advantages include:

High precision: The robot’s repeated positioning accuracy is high, reaching the micrometer level.
High efficiency: Robots can work continuously 24 hours a day, improving production efficiency.
Flexibility: Robots can be programmed according to different production needs to achieve multiple functions.
Safety: Robots can work in harsh environments, reducing the risk of manual operation.
2、 Operation process of ABB industrial robots

Installation and Debugging
(1) Installation: Install ABB industrial robots in suitable positions to ensure their stability and reliability. During the installation process, attention should be paid to the balance and load-bearing capacity of the robot.

(2) Debugging: After the robot installation is completed, debugging is required. Debugging mainly includes robot zero calibration, motion range testing, speed and acceleration settings, etc.

programming
(1) Choose programming language: ABB industrial robots support multiple programming languages, such as RAPID, Python, etc. Choose the appropriate programming language based on actual needs.

(2) Programming: Write control programs for robots based on production requirements. The program should include parameters such as the robot’s motion trajectory, speed, acceleration, etc.

(3) Debugging program: After writing the program, debugging is required. During the debugging process, attention should be paid to the logic, stability, and security of the program.

function
(1) Start the robot: After the program debugging is completed, start the robot to run. Before starting, check whether the various parameters of the robot are normal.

(2) Monitoring operating status: During the operation of the robot, its operating status should be monitored in real time, such as speed, acceleration, temperature, etc. Any abnormal situation should be dealt with promptly.

(3) Adjust parameters: Adjust the robot’s parameters such as speed, acceleration, etc. in a timely manner based on actual operating conditions to improve production efficiency and ensure product quality.

Maintenance and upkeep
(1) Regular inspection: Regularly inspect robots, including mechanical components, electrical components, sensors, etc. Discover problems and promptly repair them.

(2) Cleaning and lubrication: Regularly clean and lubricate the robot to ensure its normal operation.

(3) Software update: According to the new version of software released by ABB, update the control system of the robot in a timely manner to improve performance and safety.

3、 Precautions for ABB industrial robots

Safe operation
(1) Adhere to operating procedures: When operating ABB industrial robots, strictly follow the operating procedures to ensure safe operation.

(2) Wear protective equipment: Operators should wear protective equipment such as helmets, protective goggles, gloves, etc. to prevent accidental injuries.

(3) Set up a safety zone: Set up safety warning signs in the robot’s work area to prohibit unrelated personnel from entering.

Environmental requirements
(1) Temperature: The temperature of the robot’s working environment should be maintained within the specified range, as temperatures that are too high or too low can affect the performance of the robot.

(2) Humidity: The humidity of the robot’s working environment should also be maintained within an appropriate range, as excessive humidity may cause damage to electrical components.

(3) Cleanliness: Keep the working environment clean and avoid contaminating the mechanical components and sensors of the robot with dust, oil, and other contaminants.

Programming and Debugging
(1) Logic: When writing robot programs, it is important to ensure the logic of the program and avoid situations such as dead loops and incorrect instructions.

(2) Stability: The program should have high stability and be able to operate normally under various working conditions.

(3) Security: Set up security protection measures in the program, such as emergency stop, overload protection, etc., to prevent accidents from occurring.

Robot maintenance and upkeep
(1) Regular inspection: Regularly inspect and maintain the robot, and promptly solve any problems found.

(2) Cleaning and lubrication: Regularly clean and lubricate the robot to extend its service life.

(3) Software update: Timely update the control system software of the robot to improve performance and safety.

Fault handling
(1) Fault diagnosis: When a robot is found to have a malfunction, fault diagnosis should be carried out to identify the cause of the malfunction.

(2) Troubleshooting: Take corresponding measures to troubleshoot based on the cause of the fault.

(3) Record and analyze: Record and analyze faults to avoid similar problems in future operations.

4、 Summary

ABB industrial robots play an important role in manufacturing as efficient automation equipment. Understanding its operation process and precautions can ensure the normal operation and production efficiency of the robot. Meanwhile, through regular maintenance and upkeep, the lifespan of the robot can be extended and the failure rate can be reduced. During the operation process, safety should always be given top priority, and operating procedures should be followed to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.

The difference between ABB robot movej and movel

ABB robots are intelligent devices widely used in the field of industrial automation, with high flexibility and reliability. In the programming and operation of ABB robots, movej and movel are two commonly used motion commands. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the differences between movej and movel, as well as their advantages and disadvantages in practical applications.

introduction
In the field of industrial automation, the application of robots is becoming increasingly widespread, especially in assembly, welding, and handling processes. ABB robots, as a leading global manufacturer of industrial robots, have high flexibility and reliability in their products. In the programming and operation of ABB robots, movej and movel are two commonly used motion commands. Understanding their differences and application scenarios is of great significance for improving the efficiency of robots and reducing production costs.

Basic concepts
2.1 movej

Movej (Joint Space Motion) is a type of joint space motion command that controls the movement of a robot by specifying the angles of each joint. In the movej instruction, the movement of the robot is achieved by changing the angles of each joint, rather than by changing the position or posture of the robot’s end effector.

2.2 movel

Move (Linear Space Motion) is a type of linear space motion instruction that controls the motion of a robot by specifying the position or posture of its end effector in space. In the move command, the movement of the robot is achieved by changing the position or posture of the end effector, rather than by changing the angles of each joint.

Sports characteristics
3.1 Motion characteristics of movej

The motion characteristics of movej are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

(1) Joint space control: movej achieves motion by controlling the angles of each joint of the robot, thus having high control accuracy in joint space.

(2) Speed control: Movej can easily control the speed of each joint of the robot, thereby achieving precise control of the robot’s motion speed.

(3) Flexibility: As movej achieves motion by controlling joint angles, it has high flexibility in some complex motion scenarios, such as when it is necessary to bypass obstacles or work in narrow spaces.

3.2 Motion Characteristics of Movel

The motion characteristics of a move are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

(1) Linear space control: Movel achieves motion by controlling the position or posture of the robot’s end effector in space, thus having high control accuracy in linear space.

(2) Path planning: Movel can facilitate path planning and achieve continuous motion of robots in space.

(3) Simplified programming: As movel achieves motion by controlling the position or posture of the end effector, it can simplify motion instructions and improve programming efficiency during programming.

Application scenarios
4.1 Application scenarios of movej

Movej is suitable for the following scenarios:

(1) Scenarios that require precise control of robot joint angles, such as welding, assembly, etc.

(2) Scenes that require bypassing obstacles or working in narrow spaces.

(3) Scenes that require complex motion trajectories, such as painting, writing, etc.

4.2 Application scenarios of movel

Movel is suitable for the following scenarios:

(1) Scenarios that require precise control of the position of the robot’s end effector, such as handling, spraying, etc.

(2) Scenarios that require continuous motion trajectories, such as cutting, polishing, etc.

(3) Scenarios that require simplified programming, such as automated production lines.

Advantages and disadvantages analysis
5.1 Advantages and disadvantages of movej

advantage:

(1) High precision joint space control, suitable for scenarios that require precise control of robot joint angles.

(2) Good flexibility, suitable for scenarios with complex motion trajectories.

(3) It is convenient to control the speed of each joint of the robot.

Disadvantages:

(1) Programming is relatively complex, requiring consideration of the angles and velocities of each joint.

(2) The control accuracy in linear space is relatively low.

5.2 Advantages and disadvantages of movel

advantage:

(1) Linear space control has high accuracy and is suitable for scenarios that require precise control of the position of the robot’s end effector.

(2) It can facilitate path planning and achieve continuous motion trajectories.

(3) Programming is relatively simple and can improve programming efficiency.

Disadvantages:

(1) The control accuracy in joint space is relatively low.

(2) Relatively poor flexibility, not suitable for scenarios that require bypassing obstacles or working in narrow spaces.

conclusion
Through the above analysis, we can see that there are significant differences between movej and movel in terms of motion characteristics, application scenarios, and advantages and disadvantages. In practical applications, it is necessary to select appropriate motion commands based on specific scenarios and requirements. Meanwhile, understanding their advantages and disadvantages can help us better utilize the flexibility and reliability of ABB robots, improve production efficiency, and reduce costs.

Where is the ABB robot system key

The ABB robot system key is a technical means used in ABB robot systems to protect their intellectual property and ensure system security. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the relevant knowledge of ABB robot system keys, including their definition, function, acquisition method, usage method, and precautions.

1、 Definition of ABB Robot System Key
The ABB robot system key is a special password used to protect software, hardware, and data resources in ABB robot systems. It usually consists of a string of characters, including letters, numbers, and special symbols. By using a key, it can be ensured that only authorized users can access and use resources in the ABB robot system.

2、 The role of ABB robot system key

Protecting intellectual property: ABB robot system keys can prevent unauthorized users from accessing and using software and hardware in ABB robot systems, thereby protecting ABB’s intellectual property.
Ensuring system security: By using keys, it can be ensured that only authorized users can access and use resources in ABB robot systems, thereby improving system security.
Authorization management: ABB robot system keys can be used for authorization management, such as authorizing users to access specific functions or modules, or restricting users from accessing certain sensitive data.
Software upgrade and maintenance: ABB robot system keys can be used for software upgrade and maintenance, ensuring that users can obtain the latest software versions and technical support.
3、 How to obtain ABB robot system key

Purchasing ABB robot systems: When purchasing ABB robot systems, corresponding keys are usually included. These keys can be used to activate and use software and hardware in the system.
Purchase authorization license: If users only need to use certain functions or modules in the ABB robot system, they can purchase the corresponding authorization license. After purchasing the authorization license, the user will receive the corresponding key.
Attend training courses: ABB regularly holds robot technology training courses, and users who participate in these courses can obtain corresponding keys for learning and practice.
Contact ABB: If the user is unable to obtain the key through the above methods, they can contact ABB to learn about the specific process and requirements for obtaining the key.
4、 How to use ABB robot system key

Installation and activation: When installing the ABB robot system, the corresponding key needs to be entered for activation. After successful activation, users can use the software and hardware in the system normally.
Authorization management: When using ABB robot systems, authorization management can be performed by entering a key, such as authorizing users to access specific functions or modules, or restricting users from accessing certain sensitive data.
Software upgrade and maintenance: When using ABB robot systems, software upgrade and maintenance can be performed by entering a key, ensuring that users can obtain the latest software version and technical support.
Troubleshooting: When using ABB robot systems, if you encounter problems or malfunctions, you can troubleshoot by entering a key, such as resetting the system, restoring data, etc.
5、 Notes on ABB Robot System Key

Confidentiality: The ABB robot system key is an important means of protecting system security, so users need to keep the key properly to prevent it from being leaked to unauthorized users.
Authorization scope: When using ABB robot systems, it is necessary to comply with the scope of authorization and not exceed the authorized scope to use resources in the system.
Compliance with laws and regulations: When using ABB robot systems, relevant laws and regulations must be followed and they must not be used for illegal purposes.
Technical support: When using ABB robot systems, if you encounter problems or need technical support, you can contact ABB company for professional technical support and services.
Regular updates: When using ABB robot systems, it is necessary to regularly update keys and software to ensure the security and stability of the system.
6、 Summary

The ABB robot system key is an important means of protecting resources and ensuring system security in ABB robot systems. Users need to understand the definition, function, acquisition method, usage method, and precautions of the key to ensure the correct and secure use of the ABB robot system.

Profinet communication settings between ABB robots and Siemens PLCs

1、 Introduction

In the field of modern industrial automation, communication between robots and PLCs is an important link in achieving efficient and precise production. The Profinet communication setting between ABB robots and Siemens PLCs is the key to achieving seamless integration between the two. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the Profinet communication setup steps between ABB robots and Siemens PLCs, aiming to provide readers with a comprehensive and in-depth guide.

2、 Overview of Profinet Communication

Profinet is an industrial automation communication protocol based on Ethernet, which supports high-speed data transmission and plug and play of devices. It is one of the widely used communication standards in the field of industrial automation. The Profinet communication settings between ABB robots and Siemens PLCs are based on this protocol.

3、 Profinet communication setup steps between ABB robot and Siemens PLC

Hardware preparation

Ensure that both ABB robots and Siemens PLCs support Profinet communication protocol.

Prepare necessary communication cables, such as Ethernet cables, etc.

Ensure that the network settings of ABB robots and Siemens PLCs are within the same local area network, i.e. have the same IP address range.

Setting up ABB robot end

Open the ABB robot’s teaching pendant and enter the control panel.

In the control panel, select the “Configuration” option, then go to “Theme” ->”Communication” ->”IP Setting” ->”PROFINET Network”.

In the PROFINET Network interface, set network parameters such as the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway for the ABB robot. Note that these parameters need to match the network parameters of Siemens PLC.

In the same interface, select Interface as WAN (if necessary) to ensure consistency with the robot’s public IP.

After clicking OK, the teaching pendant will prompt to restart. At this point, you can choose ‘No’ and restart uniformly after all configurations are completed.

Next, modify the PROFINET device name. In the control panel, go to “I/O” ->”IndustrialNetwork” ->”PROFINET” and modify the device name to match the PROFINET device name in the Siemens PLC configuration.

Finally, modify the communication byte length. In the control panel, go to “I/O” ->”PROFINET Internal Device” ->”PN_internalDivice”, and set the byte count to be consistent with the byte count set in the Siemens PLC configuration.

Settings for Siemens PLC end

Open the programming software for Siemens PLC (such as TIA Portal) and create a new project.

Add Siemens PLC hardware to the project and set its network parameters such as IP address, subnet mask, and gateway to ensure they match the network parameters of ABB robots.

In the network view, add ABB robot hardware. Find ABB’s GSD file (such as ABB BASIC V1.4) in the hardware directory and add it to the network view.

Assign a Profinet controller to the PLC and set the name and IP address of the Profinet IO device to ensure consistency with the ABB robot settings.

According to actual communication needs, add the length of communication data and set the PLC addresses for input and output. Here, taking the example of both input and output being 64 bytes.

Save the hardware configuration and download it to Siemens PLC.

Communication testing

Connect ABB robots with Siemens PLCs via Ethernet cables.

In the programming software of Siemens PLC, click the “Go Online” button to ensure that both the PLC and ABB robot display online status.

Conduct communication testing. Firstly, send data to ABB robots through PLC and observe whether the robots can receive the data correctly; Then, send data to the PLC through ABB robots and observe whether the PLC can receive the data correctly. If the data sent and received are consistent, it indicates that the Profinet communication between ABB robot and Siemens PLC has been successfully set up.

4、 Precautions

When setting up Profinet communication between ABB robots and Siemens PLCs, it is important to ensure that the network parameters of both are matched, including IP address, subnet mask, gateway, etc.

When setting the length of communication data and input/output addresses, adjustments need to be made according to actual needs to ensure the correct transmission of data.

When conducting communication testing, it is important to observe the transmission and reception of data, promptly identify and resolve issues.

5、 Summary

The Profinet communication setting between ABB robots and Siemens PLCs is the key to achieving seamless integration between the two. Through the introduction of this article, readers can learn detailed setting steps and precautions, providing reference for practical applications. In practical operation, adjustments and optimizations need to be made according to specific situations to ensure the stability and reliability of communication.

ABB frequency converter is a widely used equipment in the field of industrial automation. It can adjust the speed of the motor according to actual needs, thereby achieving energy-saving and improving production efficiency. In practical applications, it is sometimes necessary to remotely control the frequency converter to achieve more flexible control methods. This article will introduce the frequency setting method for ABB frequency converters in remote mode.

Understand the basic concepts of ABB frequency converters
Before setting the remote mode frequency, we need to first understand some basic concepts about ABB frequency converters. ABB frequency converter is a device that converts AC power into adjustable frequency, which adjusts the motor speed by changing the power supply frequency of the motor. The frequency converter is mainly composed of rectifier, intermediate circuit, inverter, and control circuit.
1.1 Rectifiers: Convert alternating current to direct current.

1.2 Intermediate circuit: stores and smoothes direct current.

1.3 Inverter: Convert direct current into adjustable frequency alternating current.

1.4 Control circuit: Control the frequency converter according to actual needs.

Basic concepts of remote mode
Remote mode refers to the method of controlling a frequency converter through external signals or communication interfaces. In remote mode, the frequency converter can adjust the output frequency based on external signals or instructions received through communication interfaces, thereby achieving the regulation of motor speed.

Method for setting remote mode
3.1 Hardware Connection

Before setting up remote mode, it is necessary to complete the hardware connection first. According to actual needs, the following connection methods can be selected:

3.1.1 Analog signal input: Input external signals to the frequency converter through an analog signal input interface (such as 0-10V or 4-20mA).

3.1.2 Communication Interface: Connect the frequency converter to devices such as the upper computer or PLC through communication interfaces (such as RS485, Modbus, etc.).

3.1.3 Fieldbus: Connect the frequency converter to the upper computer or PLC equipment through fieldbus (such as Profibus, DeviceNet, etc.).

3.2 Software Settings

After completing the hardware connection, it is necessary to perform software settings on the frequency converter to achieve frequency control in remote mode.

3.2.1 Setting Control Mode

In the parameter settings of the frequency converter, select the “Control Mode” option and set it to “Remote Control” or “Communication Control”.

3.2.2 Setting frequency setting method

In the parameter settings of the frequency converter, select the “frequency setting method” option and choose the corresponding setting method according to actual needs, such as “analog signal input”, “communication interface” or “fieldbus”.

3.2.3 Setting frequency setting range

In the parameter settings of the frequency converter, select the “Frequency Setting Range” option and set the upper and lower limits of the frequency in remote mode. In general, the upper and lower limits should be set according to the rated frequency and actual requirements of the motor.

3.2.4 Setting Communication Parameters

If remote control is chosen through communication interface or fieldbus, corresponding communication parameters need to be set, such as baud rate, data bits, stop bits, verification method, etc.

3.3 Setting of external signals or communication instructions

After completing hardware connections and software settings, external signals or communication instructions need to be set according to actual needs.

3.3.1 Analog signal input

If remote control is chosen through analog signal input, the input range of external signals needs to be set. In general, the input range should correspond to the frequency setting range of the frequency converter.

3.3.2 Communication Interface

If remote control is chosen through a communication interface, corresponding communication instructions need to be set according to the communication protocol (such as Modbus). Communication instructions typically include information such as device address, function code, register address, and data length.

3.3.3 Fieldbus

If remote control is chosen through fieldbus, corresponding communication instructions need to be set according to the fieldbus protocol (such as Profibus). Fieldbus instructions typically include information such as device address, function code, data block address, and data length.

Example of Frequency Control in Remote Mode
4.1 Example of Analog Signal Input Control

Assuming we use a 0-10V analog signal input to control the output frequency of the frequency converter. Firstly, connect the analog signal input interface to an external signal source, such as the analog output module of a PLC. Then, in the parameter settings of the frequency converter, set the control mode to “remote control”, the frequency setting method to “analog signal input”, and the frequency setting range to 0-50Hz corresponding to 0-10V. Finally, by adjusting the output voltage of the external signal source, the output frequency of the frequency converter can be adjusted.

4.2 Example of Communication Interface Control

Assuming we use Modbus communication protocol to control the output frequency of the frequency converter through RS485 interface. Firstly, connect the frequency converter to the upper computer or PLC equipment through RS485 interface. Then, in the parameter settings of the frequency converter, set the control mode to “communication control”, the frequency setting method to “communication interface”, and the communication parameters to the baud rate, data bits, stop bits, and verification method corresponding to the upper computer or PLC equipment. Finally, by sending Modbus communication commands, the output frequency of the frequency converter can be adjusted.