Frequency-selective monitoring
Configure narrowband objects around rotational, bearing, gear or process-related frequencies instead of watching only one overall value.
ifm · Condition Monitoring
ifm VSE Diagnostic Electronics
Programmable vibration edge controllers for complex machine and process monitoring. VSE evaluates up to four dynamic vibration signals, combines them with process variables, and performs configurable monitoring in both time and frequency domains.
Up to 4 dynamic signalsTime + frequency domainEdge computingIP20 / IP67 routesIndustrial Ethernet
Dynamic inputsUp to 4Acceleration / vibration channels
AnalysisTime + FFTBroadband and narrowband monitoring
Housing routesIP20 / IP67Cabinet or decentralised field installation
InterfacesMultiplePROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, EtherCAT, TCP/IP by model
More than a vibration input module
Diagnose machine behaviour at the edge
VSE places the diagnostic logic close to the machine. Raw acceleration signals can be converted into specific condition parameters so only useful machine-health information needs to travel through the automation network.
Process-dependent diagnosis
Bring speed, pressure, temperature or other auxiliary signals into the monitoring strategy to account for changing machine operating states.
Real-time reaction
Use configurable condition parameters and outputs for pre-alarm, main alarm or protection functions in milliseconds.
OT / IT integration
Connect machine diagnostics to PLC/fieldbus systems while also exposing relevant data to higher-level monitoring and software environments.
Complex machines
VSE becomes more appropriate than a single smart sensor
Machine tools
Monitor spindle bearings, tool wear, unbalance and crash events where high process forces make simple overall-vibration thresholds insufficient.
Decanter centrifuges
Separate unbalance, bearing, gear, liquid and process-related vibration components and evaluate them against the relevant operating state.
Compressors
Use vibration plus pressure, flow or load-related auxiliary variables for load-dependent diagnosis on screw and reciprocating machines.
Gearboxes & multistage drives
Monitor multiple shafts, transmission ratios and individual narrowband components in machines with complex kinematics.
System architecture
Accelerometers + process variables + edge diagnostics
The VSE platform accepts dynamic vibration signals from suitable acceleration sensors and can use auxiliary process values such as speed, pressure or temperature. Diagnostic logic is configured in the controller and selected results are passed to the PLC and IT environment.
Dynamic sensorsVSA / VSM / VSP
→
Edge controllerVSE
→
AutomationPLC / fieldbus
→
MaintenanceVES / moneo / IT
Condition objectsOverall values, narrowband frequencies, bearing objects and transient events can be configured for the application.
Data reductionEdge processing converts high-volume raw vibration data into useful condition information before transmission.
Current controller routes
Select VSE by installation location and communication protocol
| Protocol | IP20 cabinet | IP67 field | Selection note |
|---|---|---|---|
| PROFINET | VSE150 | VSE950 | For PROFINET-based automation architectures. |
| EtherNet/IP | VSE151 | VSE951 | For EtherNet/IP control systems. |
| Modbus TCP | VSE153 | VSE953 | For Modbus TCP integration. |
| EtherCAT | VSE152 | — | Cabinet route listed in the current ifm selection guide. |
| TCP/IP | — | VSE903 | Field-mounted TCP/IP route. |
VSE1xx — cabinet
IP20 controller family for control-cabinet installation with protocol-specific variants.
VSE9xx — field
IP67 decentralised route with standard M12 connections for faster field installation and retrofit.
Sensor front end
Accelerometer and VSE selection
VSE is diagnostic electronics; it is not itself the vibration sensor. The connected acceleration sensor determines measuring range, frequency response, mounting and environmental suitability.
Acceleration sensors
Robust sensor route for connection to VSE, including versions for difficult mounting locations and integrated self-test functionality.
Multi-axis IEPE sensors
MEMS-based multi-axis acceleration route with IEPE output for radial and axial vibration measurement.
IEPE / hazardous-area routes
Suitable VSP variants provide IEPE acceleration measurement; intrinsically safe VSP0xA versions require the documented barrier and ATEX installation approach.
Engineering data
VSE family-level technical overview
Configure the diagnostic system around the machine fault modes.
Do not select VSE only by communication protocol. Number and location of accelerometers, machine kinematics, speed information, auxiliary variables and diagnostic objects determine the architecture.
Dynamic vibration inputsUp to 4
Auxiliary variablesAnalogue / digital process signals such as speed, pressure or temperature
Analysis domainsTime and frequency domain
Controller formatsVSE1xx IP20; VSE9xx IP67
CommunicationProtocol-specific variants for PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, EtherCAT and TCP/IP
SoftwareVES004 configuration / analysis support
Sensor cablingShielding and grounding are application-critical; follow ifm wiring guidance
Do not treat VSE as a drop-in replacement for VVB. VSE is a multi-channel diagnostic platform intended for more complex machines, root-cause monitoring and process-dependent vibration analysis.
Requirement capture
To send Primionics for a VSE architecture review
Machine kinematicsShafts, gears, bearings, spindle arrangement and transmission ratios.
Speed profileFixed or variable speed, rpm range and available speed/reference signal.
Measurement pointsNumber and location of accelerometers, mounting restrictions and environment.
Fault modesBearing wear, gear mesh, unbalance, tool wear, crash, cavitation, friction, etc.
Process variablesPressure, flow, temperature, load/current or other values that affect vibration.
NetworkRequired PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, EtherCAT or TCP/IP route.