CCS PD3-3024-3-EI(A) Digital Control Unit

The CCS PD3-3024-3-EI(A) is a compact digital control unit engineered for precise regulation of 24 VDC LED lighting systems in industrial machine vision and inspection applications. Offering three independent output channels with a combined total of 28 W, the PD3 series supports constant illumination, ON/OFF switching, and strobing modes through Ethernet TCP/IP and UDP communications, as well as external trigger inputs. This digital power supply replaces the earlier PD2 series with enhanced features, including a digital display, expanded control options, and user-friendly Ethernet network integration.

Technical Specifications

Key Features

• Ethernet Network Control: The PD3-3024-3-EI(A) includes a built-in Ethernet port supporting standard TCP/IP and UDP/IP protocols, enabling remote intensity adjustment, channel on/off switching, and real-time status monitoring from a PC, PLC, or machine vision system over the factory network.

• Multi-Channel Independent Dimming: Each of the three output channels can be set to a different intensity value (0–100% in 256 steps) or emission time, allowing simultaneous control of multiple light heads with different requirements within a single inspection station.

• Strobe and External Trigger Mode: The unit accepts external trigger signals for synchronized illumination, making it suitable for high-speed inspection where lighting must be emitted precisely at the moment the camera captures an image. The strobe duration is programmable via the front-panel interface or network commands.

• Compact Digital Display: A front-panel digital window shows the current setting for each channel, allowing operators to verify intensity values without connecting a computer. The display also indicates communication status and fault conditions.

• Flexible Dimming Control Methods: Users can choose between intensity control (adjusting light quantity), emission time control (PWM), or voltage variable control depending on the light unit characteristics, providing application-adapted dimming performance.

Functional Overview

The PD3-3024-3-EI(A) operates by converting AC mains input into a regulated 24 VDC output, with the intensity of each channel independently set using internal PWM switching at 125 kHz. The front panel provides a local interface for configuration and monitoring, while Ethernet communication enables full remote operation. In external control mode, triggers from sensors or camera vision systems activate precise strobe illumination, typically used in high-speed applications. The PD3 series controllers are compatible with all CCS LED light units that accept 24 VDC input and fall within the total 28 W power budget.

Compatibility and Integration

The PD3-3024-3-EI(A) is compatible with CCS LED light units, including ring lights, bar lights, dome lights, and coaxial lights. The unit can be controlled by any host device supporting TCP/IP or UDP commands, including SCADA systems, PLCs, or industrial PCs. It is particularly suited for use with CCS's own range of LED lights for machine vision applications. The PD3 is also backward compatible with PD2 series control interfaces, making it suitable for upgrading existing inspection systems.

Installation and Configuration

The PD3-3024-3-EI(A) can be installed on a DIN rail inside a control panel or placed on a lab bench. Connect the AC input to a suitable mains source. LED light units connect via the output terminals. For Ethernet control, connect the RJ-45 port to the network. The default IP address is listed in the manual. Access the web-based configuration page or use CCS's control software to set the IP address, assign channel intensity values, and configure strobe mode. An external trigger signal (5-24 VDC) can be connected to the trigger input. The front-panel buttons can be used to manually adjust each channel independently.

Maintenance and Reliability

The PD3 control unit uses solid-state switching with no moving parts, providing long-term reliability. Keep the ventilation openings clean and free of dust. The unit includes overcurrent protection for each channel; in case of a short circuit or excessive load, the affected channel will shut down and display a diagnostic indication. The rugged steel housing protects against industrial environments. Periodic verification of output voltage and intensity setting is recommended in critical quality inspection lines.

Conclusion

The CCS PD3-3024-3-EI(A) digital control unit provides a flexible and precise solution for controlling 24 VDC LED lighting in demanding machine vision and industrial inspection applications. With high-speed Ethernet communication, external triggering, three independent channels, and strobe capability, it is a versatile tool for both system integrators building automated inspection stations and vision engineers developing laboratory imaging systems.