COTS Voltage Ramp Module. 2

[itsmoked]

I'm looking for a gizmo that you close a contact or push a button on,(if panel mounted type), and the output voltage sweeps from 0V to 5V or maybe some other voltage (10V?) over a somehow settable time period.

I don't recall ever stumbling across something like this. Have you?

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[catserveng]

Gunner,

Based on what Keith originally asked, yes. I have had the same problem when electronic engines came out and we needed to ramp up the desired speed instead of letting it just go right to rated. Since just about every application had the same requirement but different rates or the need for a permissive, a little logic controller was my best solution at the time.

I started originally using a Micrologix 1000 analog, I know BIG sledgehammer. But if he wants to push a button, and have an output voltage from 0-5 or 0-10 VDC ramp up, you can write a few simple lines of code and make it happen. If you want to get fancier, have an up and down input to fine tune. Need to use on something with the same idea but a different ramp rate, make a change to the code.

If you need to turn it off faster than you can turn down a knob, you can wire an interface signal to reduce or turnoff the output based on a certain condition.

I carry a couple of the PICO relays in my truck, I run into lots of old stuff where sometimes you just need a quick solution to get something back going, these have done me well. I know it seems like overkill, but to use a signal to ramp up a command to a large power supply, and maybe have a need to fine tune the level on the fly, plus maybe need to shut it off quick in case something goes bad, maybe a little smart relay can do what he needs. Not sure but when he asked the question the situation sounded like ones I have run into, and needed a solution quick that was likely going to need to be tweaked as soon as the customer found you might really be able to fix his problem.

Besides, I like sledgehammers, only have to hit that nail once!

Mike L.

 

[itsmoked]

I am back to considering the Micro PLC. The customer is continually vacillating on requirements. Dropping in a $150 microPLC provides the ability to change the ramp rate without a soldering iron. It also allows me to automate some of the other functions.

They also want some data out on a new-from-scratch unit. The microPLC can provide data out on some monitored values. I can then see them coming back to this retrofit and asking for it to provide the data out also, which would be easy to do since the PLC would already be present.

I also wouldn't need to add a two rail PS because the PLC handles it.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com