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Constant Density Air Path

Video and optical measurement system use signal processing to accurately measure objects and track marks, unfortunately the optical path through air has is not straight forward - air has continuous variation in density, with swirls and pockets of moving air having different temperatures and density that bend and refract the light to make the target appear to move or dance. A patented technique was developed to create a column of constant density air with a consistent refractive index between the object and measurement  camera.  

Linear and Rotary Electric Actuators

Brush-less motors are now common, but has the technology advanced to be able to compete with hydraulic solutions for linear and rotary actuation? The answer is very much a yes! Modern motor drives and powerful permanent magnets can be configured to perform with high velocity and force to rival hydraulic solutions. This combined with modern control techniques, can provide clean actuation solutions in many demanding applications with high levels of accuracy and energy efficiency. H4 Technologies has a wealth of experience patenting and bringing such systems to market.

Motion Control Systems

H4 Technologies’ Logo represents the six degrees of freedom for motion systems X,Y,Z,Yaw,Pitch and Roll. Key is system design whether the power comes from hydraulic, electric or pneumatics. Good motion control requires a processing platform, good geometry, reliable real-time code and great user interface software, as well as high performing control algorithms.  Real-time control of motion systems is at the core of the company’s capability.

Functional Safety over EtherCAT

EtherCAT is an emerging technology enabling cost effective real-time systems to be developed enabling the connection of  peripherals an controllers. Now more and more providers are joining in to support the EtherCAT technology. In the latest move, EtherCAT has taken a further leap and has standardised on a  method of enabling Safety over EtherCAT. Standards have been developed to enable the use of ‘black channel’ communication to carry safety critical information capable of meeting the highest SIL and Performance Levels required by the functional safety standards. H4 Technologies is at the forefront of this technology that will soon transform functional safety implementations.

System and Software Dependability

Software whether Real-Time or User interfaces must be reliable and cost effective to maintain. Designing software with the emphasis on maintainability is a strong strategy when backed up by automated testing.  Automating tests and good metrics reporting are often stumbling blocks for real systems as the results are also real and therefore vary. To overcome the reality of automated testing, full simulation and modelling are used to gain consistent results. These techniques drive reduced time to market, reduce vastly the need for manual testing and provide a base for long term product reliability and maintainability.