RIWA Hardware Manual

The Real Time Integrated Weld Analyzer consists of several parts (Figure 1). The base unit consists of a Windows-based PC with installed software. The probe has a 1-element transducer which connects to an internal DSP board located within the RIWA unit. Transducer installed inside of the weld electrode and connected via coax cable to the pc. In case of using discrete I/O device to communicate to the robot configuration includes discrete I/O box connected to pc via USB cable. The pc is designed with a ruggedized case to provide protection against shock and mechanical damage.

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Figure 1. Parts of RIWA

RIWA PC

The RIWA pc is a fully functional computer equipped with an additional electronics module that is attached to the ultrasonic probe.

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Figure 2. Front view
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Figure 3. Back view

AC Adapter

The universal AC adapter transforms power line voltage into DC voltage which is used for operation of the RIWA.

An input range 100–240 V at frequencies 50–60 Hz makes it possible to use the adapter in most countries around the world. It is strongly recommended to use the supplied power cord, as its plug determines the type of suitable power line.

Note: Keep AC adapter clean and away from spilled liquids and shocks. If there is any type of visible damage to the adapter case or power cord, the item should be replaced.

Warning: Tessonics has no responsibility for damage caused by use of unauthorized power adapters or by connecting the power adapter to improper power lines.

Ultrasonic Probe

The probe consists of a coax cable and an ultrasonic transducer. This is the most critical part of an RIWA. A malfunctioning or damaged probe may not provide accurate measurements.

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Figure 4. RIWA transducer inside of the electrode

Usage

The front face of the transducer is very fragile. Check that there is no dust, grease, or any other foreign particles between the front face of the probe and electrode cap. Please do not try to disassemble case, take out the transducer, or detach the cable from the protective case as this will damage the probe beyond repair.

Cleaning and Maintenance

  • Clean the front face and the thread of the transducer. If possible, use isopropyl alcohol, dry using an air jet
  • During storage or transportation, the front face of the transducer must be protected with the delay or with a protection cap

Descrete I/O device

Discrete I/O device is connected to RIWA pc using USB cable and is connected to robot controller using set of wires in order to acquire required signals: part code, weld code and trigger.

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Figure 5. Descrete I/O device

Specifications

Probe

  • Frequency (-6 dB): 20 MHz
  • Bandwidth (-6 dB): 60%
  • Number of channels: 1
  • Elementary pitch: 1.25 mm
  • Stainless steel housing
  • Cable length: 2-30m

CPU Unit

  • Processor: Intel® Atom D510 1.6 GHz
  • Main RAM: 2 GB DDRII SODIMM
  • Hard disk drive: 2.5” 250 GB SATA
  • LAN: Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbps
  • External ports: 4 USB 2.0, Audio in/out, RJ45 Ethernet jack, 15 pin D-sub VGA port, 6 pin pc/2 keyboard & mouse ports
  • External power adapter: 100–240 Vac, 50–60 Hz, 12V 5A DC
  • Dimensions: 222 × 115 × 212 mm (8.7 × 4.5 × 8.3 in)
  • Operating temperature: 5° – 40° C (41° – 104° F)
  • Storage temperature: -20° – 60° C (-4° – 140° F)
  • Operating and storage humidity: 20 – 80% non-condensing

Hardware Configuration

RIWA harware has to have the following configuration installed on each robot:

riwa_hardware_config.png

Riwa PC

PC with pre-installed software system;

Descrete I/O device

Descrete I/O is a communication device between RIWA pc and robot. Descrete I/O connected to RIWA pc via USB and has wired DC discrete signals interface from the robot;

Transducer

One channel transducer installed within weld electrode and connected to RIWA pc via coax cable.