ONO SOKKI TN-111 Positioning Control Unit

Product Details

TN-111 Product Description

The ONO SOKKI TN-111 is a precision positioning control unit engineered to serve as a critical data bridge between rotary encoder systems and the broader industrial automation network. In modern smart factory environments, the ability to capture, convert, and transmit encoder pulse data in real time is no longer optional — it is the backbone of production transparency, quality assurance, and remote diagnostics. The TN-111 fulfills this role with exceptional reliability, making it a trusted component in high-demand manufacturing, machine tool, and process automation applications.

From the moment a rotary encoder generates a pulse signal at the field device level, the TN-111 takes over — conditioning the signal, applying positioning logic, and preparing the data for upstream transmission. Whether the destination is a Mitsubishi MELSEC PLC, a Siemens S7-series controller, or a Yokogawa CENTUM DCS, the TN-111 ensures that encoder position data arrives accurately and without latency. This seamless handoff between the physical measurement layer and the digital control layer is what defines the TN-111's value in connected factory architectures.

The TN-111's role in a connected factory data flow begins at the encoder itself. A high-resolution rotary encoder — such as those in the ONO SOKKI GS series or LS series linear scales — feeds incremental pulse signals directly into the TN-111's input stage. The unit processes these pulses with precision counting logic, converting raw encoder output into meaningful position or speed values that downstream systems can act upon.

From the TN-111, position data is transmitted via BCD parallel output or RS-232C serial communication to a remote I/O module or directly to a PLC input card. In a typical Mitsubishi MELSEC Q-series or iQ-R platform, the TN-111 output integrates cleanly with the PLC's high-speed counter module, enabling the controller to execute positioning commands, trigger servo drives, or adjust conveyor speed in real time. Similarly, in Omron CJ2M or NX-series environments, the TN-111 data feeds into motion control routines that govern multi-axis synchronization.

At the network layer, an industrial Ethernet switch — such as a managed DIN-rail switch supporting PROFINET or EtherNet/IP — aggregates data from multiple TN-111 units deployed across a production line. This aggregated data stream flows upward to an edge gateway or industrial PC running SCADA software such as Wonderware InTouch, Ignition by Inductive Automation, or Siemens WinCC. At this level, the position data becomes part of a live dashboard, enabling operators to monitor machine status, track cycle counts, and detect deviations from setpoint in real time.

HMI panels — whether standalone Proface GP4000 series units or embedded Weintek cMT displays — pull position values from the SCADA layer or directly from the PLC to present operators with intuitive graphical feedback. When the TN-111 detects an out-of-range position or a missed encoder pulse, the alarm is propagated through the PLC to the HMI and simultaneously logged in the SCADA historian for post-event analysis.

For facilities implementing remote diagnostics, the TN-111 data path extends beyond the plant floor. Through an industrial cellular gateway or VPN-enabled edge router, maintenance engineers can access live encoder position data, review alarm histories, and perform remote parameter adjustments without dispatching on-site personnel. This capability is particularly valuable in multi-site manufacturing operations where centralized monitoring of distributed encoder-based systems is essential for uptime management.

Power for the TN-111 and its associated encoder inputs is typically supplied by a DIN-rail industrial power supply — such as a Phoenix Contact QUINT or MEAN WELL DR series unit — ensuring stable 24VDC operation even in electrically noisy environments. Proper power conditioning at this stage protects the integrity of encoder pulse signals and prevents data corruption that could propagate errors through the entire positioning chain.

One of the most persistent challenges in industrial automation is the fragmentation of data across incompatible protocols and legacy systems. The ONO SOKKI TN-111 directly addresses several of these pain points in encoder-based positioning applications.

Protocol Incompatibility: Many older CNC machines and rotary indexing systems output encoder data in proprietary or non-standard formats. The TN-111's BCD parallel and RS-232C outputs provide a standardized interface that bridges these legacy signals to modern PLC and SCADA platforms, eliminating the need for costly custom wiring or signal conditioning modules.

Data Silos: In facilities where encoder data is captured locally at the machine controller but never shared with the plant-level SCADA or MES system, production visibility suffers. The TN-111 enables this data to flow upward through the automation hierarchy, turning isolated position readings into actionable production metrics accessible from the control room or remote monitoring station.

Remote Monitoring Gaps: Without reliable encoder data transmission, remote diagnostics are impossible. The TN-111's serial output capability allows position data to be routed through protocol converters or edge gateways, making it accessible to cloud-based monitoring platforms and enabling predictive maintenance workflows based on real encoder performance data.

Production Line Transparency: By integrating TN-111 units at key measurement points across a production line, manufacturers gain granular visibility into part positioning, cycle times, and machine utilization. This data feeds directly into OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) calculations and supports continuous improvement initiatives.

Alarm Tracking and System Expansion: The TN-111's alarm output capability ensures that positioning errors are immediately flagged at the PLC and HMI level. As production requirements grow, additional TN-111 units can be added to the network without architectural changes, supporting scalable expansion of encoder-based measurement and control systems.

Q1: What communication protocols does the ONO SOKKI TN-111 support, and is it compatible with modern PLC platforms?The TN-111 supports BCD parallel output and RS-232C serial communication, making it compatible with a wide range of PLC input modules and serial communication cards from Mitsubishi, Omron, Siemens, and Yokogawa. For integration with Ethernet-based SCADA systems, a protocol converter or serial-to-Ethernet gateway can be used to bridge the TN-111's RS-232C output to the plant network.

Q2: How does the TN-111 perform in terms of data transmission latency and network stability?The TN-111 is designed for high-speed pulse counting with minimal processing delay, ensuring that position data is available to the PLC or SCADA system within milliseconds of encoder signal generation. Its hardware-based counting architecture eliminates software-induced latency, making it suitable for high-speed positioning and synchronization applications.

Q3: Can the TN-111 support remote diagnostics and what tools are needed?Yes. By connecting the TN-111's RS-232C output to an industrial serial server or edge gateway, remote access to position data and alarm status is achievable via standard SCADA or remote monitoring software. This setup supports predictive maintenance workflows and reduces the need for on-site intervention in distributed manufacturing environments.

Q4: What warranty and supply assurance does NANKMOS provide for the ONO SOKKI TN-111?Every ONO SOKKI TN-111 supplied by NANKMOS comes with a 12-month warranty covering manufacturing defects and operational failures under normal use conditions. Each unit undergoes pre-shipment functional testing to verify encoder input response, output signal integrity, and communication port operation. NANKMOS maintains in-stock inventory of the TN-111 to support urgent procurement requirements with fast global shipping.