• • • COMMENT • • •
data from the cobot’s joints and transmit that information to the controller.
Capacitive sensors can act as proximity sensors, allowing the cobot to slow down when it detects the presence of an object in its path. Most detection sensors, like area sensors, to help it slow down or stop when human workers are close by avoiding collisions.
Sensor technology can also aid robot maintenace. Temperature sensing is an important part of a robot’s self-diagnosis, as overheating parts are a good indication of a fault. In addition, machine axis patterns — determined by smart sensors in linear encoders — can be used to predict how much wear different parts experience, and therefore when they will need replacing.
The ASIC within The third thing to know, and a fundamental technology behind these Industry 5.0 trends, is the role of a custom IC. It’s clear that the themes underpinning Industry 5.0 rely on one thing – smart sensors. And, behind those sensors, an ASIC can enable a smarter, smaller, more sophisticated end result. ASICs are often designed to interface directly with the sensor element, enabling efficient and accurate signal acquisition. They can provide sensor-specific conditioning, amplification, filtering, and digitisation of the sensor’s analogue output to simplify the sensor system design and improve overall performance.
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An ASIC could also, if required, optimise power consumption within the smart sensor system by integrating power management functions such as voltage regulators. Other functionalities include data communication, with the ASIC designed to include communication interfaces such as UART, SPI, I2C, or even wireless protocols to enable seamless data transmission to external devices or networks. While some of these requirements could be achieved using an off-the-shelf IC, there are many benefits to the ASIC route. First, an ASIC design allows investment in
performance where it matters. In position sensors
for cobots, for instance, this might be a non- linearity specification, equating to accuracy at different scale points. It could equally be an aggressive target on low-frequency noise, which cannot be easily averaged away. This is where working with an experienced ASIC partner yields benefits: the entire signal path can be optimised and simulated down to the finest detail, and proven IP and expertise can be deployed. In addition, the PCB’s size is reduced, leading to a smaller and lighter device that offers improved dynamics, and is able to serve new applications. Assembly becomes simpler, and the electronics are afforded greater protection from environmental factors. Some customers also value the protection it affords for their circuit IP, particularly those getting ahead of the game with smart Industry 5.0 devices or those working on highly personalised products, as monolithically integrated circuits are far more difficult to reverse engineer than a collection of standard parts wired together in plain sight.
While many manufacturers get to grips with
Industry 4.0, knowing how the next phase of industry will take shape has never been more important. The rapid rate at which technology now evolves means Industry 5.0 could creep up sooner than many anticipate. Therefore, knowledge of impending trends and a solid understanding of the electrical components that sit central to their success is key to staying ahead of the curve.
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • JULY/AUGUST 2023 17
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