Electricity + Control June 2017

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ROUND UP CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION
Beckhoff offers a system-integrated solution for explosion protection
requirements – a comprehensive range of explosion-proof compo-
nents facilitate barrier-free solutions across hazardous areas up to
Zone 0/20. In addition to the ELX series EtherCAT Terminals with
intrinsically safe interfaces, the portfolio also includes new Control
Panels and Panel PCs in the CPX series, suitable for use in Ex Zone
2/22, andTwinCAT control software with a wide range of interfaces
specific to process technology.
The ELX series expands the comprehensive Beckhoff EtherCAT
Terminal system, which already offers more than 100 different sig-
nal types, with I/O terminals that feature explosion protection.The
combination of remarkably compact I/O modules and integrated
safety barrier functionality results in high-performance EtherCAT
Terminals for connecting intrinsically safe field devices. The slim
terminals reduce space requirements in the control cabinet by up
to 50%.This solution offers clear advantages, particularly in hazard-
ous areas with confined spaces that typically require elaborate and
expensive enclosure technology. Eliminating the need for external
barriers significantly reduces installation effort and costs. With the
upcoming certification in compliance with ATEX and IECEx, the ELX
series meets all industry-specific guidelines for explosion protection
and can be used in nearly all markets worldwide.The I/O terminals
have either 12 mm housings with up to four intrinsically safe inputs
or 24 mm housings with up to eight similar inputs.
The benefits include time stamp functionality, which ensures high
measurement accuracy and highly precise synchronisation − even
in widely distributed process applications. In addition, integrated
EtherCAT diagnostics capabilities with 100 Mbit data rates enable
fast and convenient error identification.
Enquiries: Kenneth McPherson. Email
Turck has added a variant with an IO-Link output to its basic
‘Compact’ series of ultrasonic sensors. Users can use IO-Link
for the process values or continue to use the switching output of
the sensor. The switch point is taught via IO-Link or via a teach
adapter as before. Besides the known benefits of IO-Link, such as
inexpensive wiring, intelligent data retention or predictive main-
tenance, the sensor offers a special mute function feature. This
enables the selective switching on or off of the sonic transducer
via the IO-Link master. This simplifies the synchronised or stag-
gered operation (multiplex) of several sensors via the controller.
Synchronous or multiplex operation was previously only possible
by using complex wiring solutions.
Compact ultrasonic sensor with IO-Link
The compact RU-U sensors with IO-Link are available as diffuse
mode or retro reflective sensors in theM18 hous-
ing in straight or angled designs with ranges of
40 and 100 cm.
Turck's RU ultrasonic sensor series consists
of three product lines: the compact version, the
standard version or the high-end version. The
three lines have different sets of functions and
output options. Thanks to its optimised control
electronics, the entire series offers large ranges
with short blind zones.The smooth sonic transducer front prevents
the collection of dirt and moisture.
Enquiries: BrandonTopham. Email
System-integrated explosion protection