6 "Cam/Cam Track” Technology Object 
 
TOs of S7-1500(T) 
Entry ID: 109743134,    V1.0,    05/2017 
 
 Siemens AG 2017 All rights reserved 
6  "Cam/Cam Track” Technology Object 
6.1  General information 
The cam or cam track technology object is used for the highly precise output of 
switching signals, depending on the position of an axis or an encoder. 
For the output of switching signals it can be differentiated between the following 
two cam types: 
  Distance output cams (position-based cams) 
  Time-based cams 
 
Within a "cam" or "cam track" technology object, only one cam type each can be 
used that has to be specified during the configuration of the technology object. 
However, several technology objects can be interconnected on the same axis or 
the same encoder. 
 
6.1.1  Distance output cams (position-based cams) 
For a distance output cam, the start and the end position of the cam is specified 
absolute in relation to the interconnected axis. Here, it can be basically 
differentiated between the setpoint and actual position of the axis. 
 
Figure 6-1 Distance output cams 
 
 
A distance output (position-based) cam can be switched on depending on the 
direction, either only in forward direction, only in backward direction or in both 
directions. If the axis position is located within the start and end position of the 
defined cam and if the direction condition is met, the cam is switched on. Otherwise 
the cam is switched off. 
 
Figure 6-2 Direction-dependency of distance output (position-based) cams 
Movement in positive direction Movement in negative direction
Path
100 110 1209080
Path
100 110 1209080
Start position End position Start position End position
Rising
edge
Rising
edge
Falling
edge
Falling
edge
+ -