Electricity + Control June 2017

ROUND UP

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION

Compact ultrasonic sensor with IO-Link

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 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.

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 brandon.topham@retautomation.com

System-integrated explosion protection

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 kennethm@beckhoff.com