Channel synchronisation

When a multi-channel controller is used (particularly in the case of n > 2), situations may occur in which it is absolutely essential to maintain with specific run sequences between channels.

The example in the figure above shows such an application in which two machining units (A and B) share a common machining space. Similarly, both machines use the tool changer resource (C). In order to avoid collisions in such a machine configuration, the NC programs of the various controller channels must be synchronised with each other at specific points. For example, in the above case, column A may not enter the collision space while column B is still located there. Similarly, column B may not use the tool changer if column A is currently accessing it.

For example, the time sequence in the two channels of the controller as shown in the figure below results from an access to the tool changer resource.

The required synchronisation is based on sending and waiting for signals and is performed by the NC commands in the NC programs described below.