THE ROLE OF SENSORS IN INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION
Industrial sensors are devices used to monitor and measure various physical parameters and environmental conditions in industrial settings. These sensors play a crucial role in industrial automation, control systems, and data collection for process optimization and safety. They provide real-time data about the manufacturing or operational processes, allowing for efficient monitoring and control.
Here are some commonly used types of industrial sensors:
Let's take a look at some of the latest developments in sensor technology:
Inelta Sensorsysteme introduces force sensors for static and dynamic measurements
The range of force sensors by Inelta Sensorsysteme GmbH & Co. KG includes various models designed for different measurement ranges and applications. The KMM65 series is designed for measuring ranges from 1 kN to 500 kN and is suitable for pressure and tension measurement in industrial presses, testing, or weighing systems. These robust transducers, available in nickel-plated steel or stainless steel versions, have a protection class of IP65. For smaller forces of 0.1 kN to 2 kN, the KMM30 and KMM62 models are compact sensors that can be easily mounted using standard threads.
Inelta also offers ring force transducers for measuring axial forces on screws, shafts, or axles, particularly for determining preload forces on bolted connections. The RKT60 series of ring force transducers, with a protection class of IP67, are designed for nominal forces ranging from 5 kN to 20 kN. These transducers feature overload protection, a measuring amplifier with a 4-20 mA analogue output, and are protected against vibration, dust, and moisture through potting.
For tactile force measurements in medical devices, robot arms, or load testing of small components, Inelta has developed the FS12 miniature force transducer. This transducer can measure compression and tension forces up to 100 N, 200 N, and 500 N, respectively. Weighing only 20 g, it is the smallest force sensor in their product range.
Baumer presents the shortest M12 ultrasonic sensor
Baumer has set new standards with UR12?being the world's shortest ultrasonic sensor in M12?size.
Thanks to highly integrated sensor electronics, the length of the round housing has been minimized down to merely 50?mm - yet at maximum sensor performance. The 15?mm small blind area is unmatched in this class, same applies to the fast response time of up to 16?ms. This way, UR12?allows design engineers more freedom in space-saving machine designs with best-in-class sensor performance even in tight installation space. The maximum detection range is 500?mm and for through-beam sensors 1000?mm.
As a standard, the new ultrasonic sensor features an IO-Link interface for easy integration and delivery of valuable secondary data. Advanced functions ensure optimum sensor settings, such as easy configuration of sonic lobes using the free Baumer Sensor Suite, or disruption filters to suppress agitators in level applications. The retrofit product variant for distance measurement is available without IO-Link. Thanks to compatible connections, UR12?is a convenient drop-in replacement for obsolete M12?sensors.
Infineon launches two XENSIV barometric air pressure sensors
Infineon has introduced two new XENSIV? barometric air pressure (BAP) sensors, KP464?and KP466, for automotive applications. The KP464?is designed for engine control management, while the KP466?enhances seat comfort functions.
Both the KP464?and KP466?sensors are high-performance, high-precision, miniaturized digital absolute pressure sensors based on the capacitive measurement principle. The sensors are qualified to the AEC-Q103-002?standard to meet automotive industry requirements. As a result, the devices reduce the effort and risk of errors during module and system qualification. They are micromachined on the surface and feature a monolithic integrated signal conditioning circuit. Both devices convert a physical pressure into a 10-, 12- or 14-bit digital value and transmit the information via the SPI interface.
In addition, both sensors can be integrated into a so-called daisy chain, which minimizes the number of connection pins of the communicating microcontroller with any number of pressure sensors used. This is also possible in combination with other Infineon system components.
Furthermore, a temperature sensor is integrated into the chips. Based on the received SPI command, the 10-, 12- or 14-bit temperature information is also transmitted via the SPI interface. Both devices have a special power-down mode that allows the user to further reduce the power consumption of the sensors. In addition, the sensors integrate a diagnostic function that can be used to test both the sensor cells and the signal path, increasing the reliability of the devices. This diagnosis can be done automatically at sensor start and sensor wake-up or triggered directly via an SPI command.
Wenglor unveils the next generation of ShapeDrive 3D sensors
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The latest machine vision release from Wenglor has it all: The next generation of ShapeDrive 3D sensors is now available worldwide – and stronger than ever before. The two product series from the ShapeDrive G4 family for small and large measuring volumes MLAS and MLBS generate high-resolution point clouds in the shortest possible time with almost no noise or artifacts. Among other things, this is made possible by the integrated MPSoC technology (multiprocessor system-on-a-chip), which ensures powerful performance values fourfold. The integrated Ethernet interface with up to 10 Gbit/s also enables fast transmission speeds.
The 3D sensors of the new ShapeDrive G4 product family meet the highest demands on the quality and availability of 3D point clouds. The combination of high-quality hardware and sophisticated algorithms ensures an excellent measuring rate and display performance. Stable and repeatable measured values are guaranteed even under fluctuating ambient conditions thanks to the built-in temperature management. The G4 sensors can be integrated via an SDK or a GigE Vision interface. The built-in web server also makes configuration easier. Calibration on delivery and regular updates ensure that the sensors provide consistent results for years to come and stay up-to-date at all times. Two out of nine sensor models come with 5 MP resolution and three others with 12 MP resolution. All models cover small measuring volumes of just 60 × 40 × 40 mm – for example, for inspecting the smallest electronic components such as circuit boards – up to large volumes of 1,300 × 1,000 × 1,000 mm, e.g. for bin picking applications from large containers.
Conclusion: Sensors play a critical role in industrial automation by providing real-time data and enabling the automation of processes, thereby optimising manufacturing and increasing productivity. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative sensors being developed and integrated into industrial automation systems.?
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