This project is designed to control the number of active spray nozzles. In most projects it ensures there is no overspray by dynamically adjusting spray width.
Nozzles may be controlled from the centre out to both outside edges, or from one edge as a variable spray column.

This technology is coded into a PLCC and named "Flexible Saturating Counters" or "FSC for short". The PLCC was primarily designed to interface Grayhill Incremental Optical Encoders with standard quadrature outputs, including shaft encoders.
It offers a very big increase in reliability compared with mechanical rotary switches yet is just as easy to understand.

Flexible because the user can programme the output format and adjust the process steps required.

Flexible because ICs can be cascaded and run in parallel.

Saturating because changes to the output pins is limited to the number of programmed steps.

Counter because it counts the number of programmed steps both UP and DOWN and ignores all additional steps beyond the maximum and minimum.

An Incremental Optical Encoder + a Flexible Saturating Counter (FSC) IC provides a direct interface for the manual control of many multi-step sequential process.
A FSC also interfaces with Grayhill shaft encoders to provide basic position feedback.

Cascading IC

Cascaded FSC IC's expand the output count, in blocks of 20, to any larger number required.
Parallel two or more FSC's for multi-channel control over parallel sequential processes.
Single output and bar outputs may be combined in parallel.

Optional extras:

• Schmidt triggers to shape the quadrature input pulse.
• Relay drivers to power up the output.

To design-in the brillant FSC into your project call Keith Mandeno Ph +649 630 7871 or e-mail keith@mandeno.co.nz to discuss your requirements.

Application examples include:

• Replace rotary switches for longer life and better tactile feel.
• Control Spray Nozzles on a spray bar.
• e.g. Spray Paint bars, agriculture spray booms etc.
• Control of seed drillers.
• Channel selection or function selection, radios, TV, appliances
• 
  Industrial process function selection.
• Fine step position control.
• Sense and display shaft position using a shaft encoder.
• 
  

  An FSC combined with high reliability incremental encoders can offer life expectancies exceeding 100 million of cycles of operation.

  
  
  order coding
  FSC-UxxC-DBRP-401 Uni-directional, xx = 04 to 20 outputs, Cascading, Dot and Bar outputs, Reset pin, Output polarity pin.
  FSC-BxxC-DBRDH-401 Uni-directional, xx = 04 to 20 outputs, Cascading, Dot and Bar outputs, Reset pin, Output direction pin, polarity High
  FSC-BxxC-DBRDL-401 Uni-directional, xx = 04 to 20 outputs, Cascading, Dot and Bar outputs, Reset pin, Output direction pin, polarity Low