Network Force/Torque Sensor System

Net F/T Installation and Operation Manual
Document: 9620-05-net ft-11
3.3.2 Transducer Cable
The Transducer Cable delivers power from the Net Box to the transducer and transmits the
transducer’s strain gage data back to the Net Box.
Transducers with on-board electronics (ATI Industrial Automation part number prefix 9105-
NET) are connected to the Net Box (ATI Industrial Automation part number prefix 9105-
NETB) via industry standard M12 Micro DeviceNet cabling. Any DeviceNet-compatible cable
with correct gender M12 Micro connectors can be used, but non-IP rated transducers are not
compatible with right-angled connectors. ATI Industrial Automation supplies a robotic grade
high-flex transducer cable with each Net F/T system. Many other DeviceNet cable choices are
available to address different requirements. In case of special requirements, contact ATI
Industrial Automation or an industrial cable manufacturer (see www.turck.com,
www.woodhead.com, and others) for available products.
ATI’s 9105-C-MTS-MS cables can be connected to each other to make a multi-section cable.
Transducers that do not have on-board electronics (ATI Industrial Automation part number
prefix 9105-TW) usually have integral cabling. Those that require cabling must use an ATI
Industrial Automation cable specifically made for these transducers. Transducers without the
on-board electronics connect to Net Box version 9105-NETBA.
The transducer can be used in a variety of applications that will affect how best to route the
cable and determine the proper bending radius to use. Some applications will allow the
transducer and the cable to remain in a static condition, other applications require the
transducer to be in a dynamic condition that requires the cable to be subjected to repetitive
motion. It is important not to expose the transducer cable connectors to this repetitive motion,
and properly restrain the cable close the transducer connection. Refer to (9620-05 Transducer
Section) manual for proper cable routing and bending radius instructions.
3.3.3 Net Box
WARNING: Transducers are not compatible with DeviceNet. Do not
attempt to directly connect a transducer to a DeviceNet network.
Transducers must be connected to a Net Box.
NOTICE: If a transducer is accidentally connected to a DeviceNet network, neither
the transducer nor the network will be physically harmed. Communication errors
may occur on the DeviceNet network while the transducer is connected.
CAUTION: Do not subject the transducer cable connector to the
repetitive motion of the robot or other device. Subjecting the connector to
the repetitive motion will cause damage to the connector. Restrain the
cable close to the connector to keep the repetitive motion of the robot
from affecting the cable connector.
The primary function of the Net Box is to process and communicate the transducer’s force and
torque readings to the user’s equipment. Communication can be done through Ethernet,
EtherNet/IP, and CAN Bus. The Net Box also responds to DeviceNet commands sent over the
CAN Bus connection.
The Net Box should be mounted in an area that it is not exposed to temperatures outside of its
working range (see Section 19.1—Environmental). It is designed to be used indoors in a nondynamic,
non-vibratory environment and may be mounted in any orientation. It is designed to
meet IP65 ingress protection.
The Net Box should be grounded through at least one of the four mounting tabs.
Pinnacle Park • 1031 Goodworth Drive • Apex, NC 27539 USA • Tel: +1.919.772.0115 • Fax: +1.919.772.8259 • www.ati-ia.com • Email: info@ati-ia.com
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