DeviceNetT is a popular industrial communications bus used to connect industrial devices and reduce or eliminate time-consuming discrete wiring.

The Problem
With the obvious benefits of DeviceNet technology comes the inevitable delay that occurs during tool
identification - as long as 8 seconds at each tool change. The cumulative effect of these delays is a loss of production time. This compounded effect becomes a factor in reducing manufacturing productivity.

In an effort to minimize this delay, a new DeviceNet standard is being proposed which could potentially reduce this delay to 2 to 3 seconds. This is still a noticeable delay during an application process.

ATI InstaToolT solves the problem.

The Solution: ATI InstaTool^TM Technology

With ATI InstaToolT, long delays for tool identification and tooling I/O are a thing of the past.

By using ATI InstaToolT technology, the new tool-side module communicates tool ID and tooling I/O to the master/robot module in just tenths of a second after tool changer coupling. There is no longer a need to establish a DeviceNet node on the tool side, which in turn prevents power-ups from negotiating lengthy DeviceNet protocol sequences. Tooling is available on the network in under a second.

Best of all, there are no costly upgrades of DeviceNet scanner and master controller equipment required to enjoy the substantial benefits of ATI InstaToolT.

Product Advantages

• Near-Instant Connection and Tool Identification: With InstaTool, tool ID occurs within 150 milliseconds, as compared to up to 8 seconds using current technology. Tool I/O is available within 700 milliseconds.

• Reduction in Time: No delay means overall cycle time is reduced and production is increased. This advantage is heightened in applications with multiple tool changes.
  Reduced DeviceNet Node Management: With ATI InstaToolT and InstaBusT technology, the tool changer master node handles 160 I/O communications downstream, resulting in fewer DeviceNet nodes to manage.

• Tool ID Passes Through Master: Systems with multiple masters and tools can positively identify which tools are connected to each master.

• Tool Stand Interlock (TSI): A tool stand interlock feature is provided on the tool/slave side for safer tool changer operation. The TSI allows uncoupling only when the tool changer is in the tool stand. Customers have the option to choose mechanical or proximity sensor switches to close the TSI circuitry.

• Additional Safety Features: Additional DeviceNet inputs are provided to identify unsafe operating conditions. Customer operating software can be programmed to halt tool changer operation when unsafe conditions exist.

DeviceNet - with and without ATI InstaTool^TM
The illustrations below indicate the fundamental differences between standard DeviceNet connectivity and the new ATI InstaToolT technology.