Coin Acceptor Application Note

BACKGROUND
A coin acceptor validates a coin/token based on
physical properties such as weight, size and/or
magnetic content and then sends a
corresponding I/O signal to its output connector. It
doesn’t give change; that is the function of a coin
changer. Coin acceptors are found in vending
and gaming machines, amusements and Internet
kiosks. The three main coin acceptor
technologies are listed in Table 1.

TABLE 1: COIN ACCEPTOR TECHNOLOGIES

Technology How it works Disadvantages Advantages Price Range
Mechanical Coin Uses diameter, thickness, · Low security · Cost effective Low
Validator magnetic content and weight level - prone to (US$10-$30)
(Validates low of pre-selected coin/token to slugs and frauds
denomination coins.) make a mechanical validation · Can only be set
decision. Validated coin/token to accept one
then trips a micro switch, type of
sending a signal to an output coin/token
device.
Coin Comparitor Uses an actual coin or token to · Can only be · Good level of security Medium
make a baseline validation. used in single at a very competitive (US$35-$80)
coin validation price
applications · May be fine-tuned
against better quality
slugs and frauds

Electronic Coin Stores the coin/token’s · Offers highest security High

Validator electrical data for use as against frauds, on (US$90-$220)
(Validates high validation criteria. Uses a board diagnostics and
denomination coins.) series of optics to gather coin programming
data for validation that vary in · Advanced models
placement and style along the allow for multi-coin
coin path. validation
· Field programmable

SOLUTION
Table 2 lists the Honeywell system critical sensors and switches that may be integrated into coin acceptors.

TABLE 2: COIN ACCEPTOR APPLICATIONS

Application Honeywell Solution and Link to Product Use
Associated Product Family
Web Page
Coin Validation (mechanical) · SEP, SDP infrared sensors · Determine correct
(Infrared Sensors) coin size or width
(A coin rolls down a runway or a chute,
actuating a rocker arm if it is above or below a
preset weight. If the weight is correct, the coin · V7, UM, UX Series · Provide coin count
continues past a set of LEDs to determine if it is electromechanical switches and insertion slide
the correct size or width. The coin will finally roll (Basic Switches) feedback
against a series of presized holes for sorting
into the correct denomination tubes.)

Sensing and Control

Coin Acceptor Application Note

Application Honeywell Solution and Link to Product Use

Associated Product Family Web
Page
Coin Validation (electrical) · SEP, SDP infrared sensors · Gather data along
(Infrared Sensors) the coin path to be
(The technology is the same as the oscillating compared against
fields used in metal detectors. The coin passes preprogrammed
between a pair of coils; one coil that transmits criteria
a magnetic field and the other that receives a
magnetic field. As the coin rolls by, it alters the
magnetic field and the variation is interpreted · SS400, SS500 Series Hall · Used for motor
by the acceptor’s computer algorithm. effect digital position sensors home position or
Differences in size, shape, or metal content (Solid State Position Sensors) gate open on the
produce different, very precise electronic coin sorter or tube
signatures that determine type and · V7, UM, UX Series · Provide coin count
denomination. Another method of validation electromechanical switches
uses a series of optical sensors to gather data (Basic Switches)
along the coin path for size and width. The
acceptor will then compare that data against
preprogrammed criteria. In both cases, a motor
or solenoid could be used to open and accept
the coin into the correct denomination tube or
slot.)

WARRANTY/REMEDY Specifications may change without notice. The

Honeywell warrants goods of its manufacture as information we supply is believed to be accurate and
being free of defective materials and faulty reliable as of this printing. However, we assume no
workmanship. Contact your local sales office for responsibility for its use.
warranty information. If warranted goods are returned While we provide application assistance
to Honeywell during the period of coverage, personally, through our literature and the Honeywell
Honeywell will repair or replace without charge those web site, it is up to the customer to determine the
items it finds defective. The foregoing is Buyer’s sole suitability of the product in the application.
remedy and is in lieu of all other warranties, For application assistance, current specifications,
expressed or implied, including those of or name of the nearest Authorized Distributor, check
merchantability and fitness for a particular the Honeywell web site or call:
purpose. 1-800-537-6945 USA
1-800-737-3360 Canada
1-815-235-6847 International
FAX
1-815-235-6545 USA
INTERNET
www.honeywell.com/sensing
info.sc@honeywell.com

Sensing and Control

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