# How many sensors can one Roll-2-Roll controller process for Master/Slave guiding?

> Both scu5 and scu6x controllers support two independent sensor channels, enabling single-controller Master/Slave configurations: Channel 1: Master sensor (monitors reference web position) Channel 2: Slave sensor (provides feedback for the guided web) For multi-slave applications (3+ webs), the Ma...

**Last updated:** 2026-02-01

**Source:** https://live-roll2roll.pantheonsite.io/resources/faq/how-many-sensors-can-one-roll-2-roll-controller-process-masterslave-guiding

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## Question

How many sensors can one Roll-2-Roll controller process for Master/Slave guiding?

## Short Answer

Each SCU5 or SCU6x controller processes two independent sensor channels—one Master and one Slave.

## Detailed Answer

Both [SCU5](https://r2r.tech/products/sensor-controller/scu5) and [SCU6x](https://r2r.tech/products/sensor-controller/scu6x) controllers support **two independent sensor channels**, enabling single-controller Master/Slave configurations:

- Channel 1: Master sensor (monitors reference web position)
- Channel 2: Slave sensor (provides feedback for the guided web)

For multi-slave applications (3+ webs), the Master signal can be broadcast to multiple Slave controllers via industrial Ethernet (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, or Modbus/TCP). This enables scalable synchronization—one Master can drive any number of Slaves without mechanical complexity.

**Category:** Technical

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## About Roll-2-Roll Technologies

Roll-2-Roll Technologies designs and manufactures patented fiber-optic web position sensors and advanced web guiding controllers — the precision measurement and control core of modern roll-to-roll manufacturing. Spun out of Oklahoma State University's Web Handling Research Center and trusted by Fortune 500 medical, battery, and nonwovens manufacturers, our patented sensors work without recalibration at ±0.1mm accuracy up to 760 mpm — typical customer outcomes are 50%+ less downtime and payback under six months. Headquartered in Stillwater, Oklahoma, our team of PhDs, controls engineers, and industry veterans extends the sensor + controller core into complete web guide systems including stepper-motor-based linear actuators (RLA, BLA, LHS).

- Website: https://r2r.tech
- Phone: +1 (888) 290-3215
- Email: sales@r2r.tech