M-CNT2 – compact counter module with new features like detection of rotational direction, rpm and period duration measurement

M-CNT2 supports all measurement functions of the reliable M-FRQ; however, it now provides detection of rotational direction, event counting and in conjunction with the detection of rotational direction the up- and down counting. Each channel can be separately activated and scaled. All the measurement inputs, sensor excitation and the CAN-Buses are completely and electrically isolated amongst each other.



The Universal-counter module supports frequency measurements in a range of 0.03 Hz to 200 kHz and period duration measurements from 1 µs to 200s. It offers four separated and voltage selectable sensor supplies, one per channel, with a maximum supply of 15 V and up to 60 mA. The trigger thresholds are selectable in a range of ±40 V, whereby the maximum input voltage should not exceed ±100 V (Nominal voltage) or ±500 V (peak voltage). The module supports channel-sampling rates from 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 as well as 5000 Hz. Status-LEDs at each measurement input indicate the correct signal evaluation. The data output interface is a CAN-2.0B-Bus according to ISO 11898-2 with up to 1 MBit/s. Measurement data can be provided in a per channel selectable resolution of 8 Bit (Byte) or 16 Bit (word) signed or unsigned. All the settings can conveniently be done using IPETRONIK`s data acquisition software IPEmotion.



M-CNT2 is designed for usage in the engine compartment and manufactured with the newly designed M2-Series enclosure with reduced dimensions. The module is certified according to protection class IP67 and operates in a temperature range of -40 °C to +125 °C. In case of supply voltages, M-CNT2 works from 9 VDC to 36 VDC, whereby the module still operates after switching on down to 6 VDC. The power consumption is typically 2.0 Watt. M-CNT2 also uses the well known IPETRONIK tool-free mounting technology to attached multiple devices to each other.



Harry Störzer, Application & Support Manager at IPETRONIK explains “In comparison to the M-FRQ, the universal-counter module offers more functions in a smaller, modern design”. “In addition to the standard applications such as RPM measurements of fans, motors or pumps, the flexible adjustable module also supports time measurements just like period duration, pulse width, pause width as well as duty cycle. M-CNT2 also offers up/down counting and the detection of rotational direction while using the incremental encoders. Those encoders usually provide a second measurement signal, shifted by 90°, which is required for the detection of the rotational direction. Thereby, a frequency display for example of 1000 1/min is possible in the clockwise rotation and –1000 1/min in counter-clockwise rotation or the position determination through rotary encoder (angle) or linear encoder (route) using the event count mode (up/down counting).“