1.0. Introduction
The state-of-art electronics supplied in the eP2 Controller utilizes a 32-bit microprocessor that makes it possible for fast, accurate
data acquisition and automatic control to be applied to material and product test applications.
The eP 2 Digital Controller electronics includes inputs for force and position measurement plus limit switches for over travel
protection, digital outputs for machine interaction and a servo control analog output. A 24 bit (1 part in 16777216) A/D converter
provides unparalleled force resolution and accuracy while a high accuracy rotary encoder measures position changes in the microns.
The control output connects to an integral pulse width modulated (PWM) motor amplifier that controls machine movement. A PID
algorithm, including user definable tuning parameters (factory preset), ensures precise control from in both directions by using
continuous control feedback.
Control can be Single segment, Dual segment or Cyclic with the speeds programmed into memory ahead of time and recalled
whenever that test is to be run. Single segment control is a single speed test from beginning to end and can be either in the pull
(tensile) or push (compression) direction. On the testing machines equipped with the eP 2 Controller, as the force increases the
speed will not drop off, the PID control algorithm corrects automatically keeping the speed constant, even up to the capacity of
the testing machine. The test will stop upon either automatically based upon the Specimen Break or Test Time, or if the Stop key
is pushed. Over travel protection is provided by means of independent limit switches.
Dual Segment control provides a means of more complex control including a true hold force feature, and Cyclic control provides the
means to cycle between either two (2) load values or two (2) position values from to 1 – 300,000 times.
Six Test Methods can be predefined and stored in internal nonvolatile memory for later recall and execution. Test Methods are
named M1 - M6. The control, analyses, engineering units, data acquisition, and alarm functions are all stored within the specific Test
Method. Changing options within one Test Method does not change another Test Method, but changes made within the Utils Menu
does affect all Test Methods.
The eP2 controller can store up to four multipoint load cell calibrations. The controller features automatic transducer recognition so
that the correct calibration table is automatically loaded for the currently connected transducer.
The eP2 control panel consists of a four (4) line by twenty (20) character LCD display, a twenty four (24) key keypad and an
Emergency Stop button.
The Emergency Stop will stop all movement of the testing machine and end the test, if currently active.
The Display consists of four (4) lines of twenty (20) characters that are used to display measurements and test status during testing
and calculated results after the test has concluded.
The Keypad consists of twenty four (24) keys which are used for initial test setup and data entry, Starting and Stopping the test,
Jogging the machine Up and Down, Zeroing measurements at test start, returning the machine to the Home position, initiating ABS
and selecting Test Methods.
The automatic calculation capabilities are extremely powerful and flexible. Included are calculations of Load at Displacement, Max
Load, Minimum Load, Average Load between Displacements, Load at Break, Displacements Load, Energy, Stiffness and Free Height.
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