Electricity and Control May 2020

SENSORS + SWITCHES

or peak torque – plus digital outputs including RS232, CANbus and USB to interface with other instrumentation and laptops. The ORT 240 enables users to connect up to 10 transducers via USB, and transducer configuration software to make changes to transducer variables. Features of both devices include self-diagnostics to report if the transducer’s torque, speed ratings or calibration date have been exceeded, and inbuilt sensors monitor shaft temperature for better compensation and accuracy. The devices also offer a simple ‘sensor status’ output. Complementing these products is Sensor Technology’s TorqView software, providing an easy-to-use advanced torque monitoring package for Windows PCs to assist with data display and recording. It offers real time chart plotting, and is compatible with Matlab and Excel. LabVIEW VIs are available for users to design their own process control applications, and DLLs are available for users who want to write their own custom software. These latest optical rotary torque sensors are an important extension to the Sensor Technology torque IO-Link an enabler for Industry 4.0 IO-Link is not only gaining increasing acceptance in an ever greater number of applications – the manufacturer- independent communication technology is also an enabler for innovative sensor solutions and supports the global availability of data and information required by Industry 4.0. Switching devices and simple sensors, in particular, benefit from this fast and cost-effective method of connecting to the data world. Devices from SICK Automation that incorporate IO- Link offer a number of advantages. Since devices can be integrated via the existing cabling, IO-Link enables Industry 4.0 solutions to be extended down to the smallest inductive sensors. What complex sensor systems typically accomplish via a fieldbus connection can now be delivered by simple sensor technology: state and parameterisation data throughout the plant or factory. IO-Link establishes a reliable communication channel and allows IO-Link- enabled sensors to be integrated into any existing network Sensors with an IO-Link interface can supply a range of information – process data, parameter settings, and detailed

At a glance ■

A new generation of optical rotary torque sensors combines increasing electronic data processing speeds and the latest in display systems with newly developed sensing techniques. ■  The technology behind the new optical torque sensors is based on a proven and developed measurement principle. ■ Typical applications include profiling the acceleration and deceleration of high speed motors, controlling micro systems and miniature machinery.

monitoring range and offer an alternative solution when low torque or bandwidth requirements preclude the use of the more cost-efficient SAW-based TorqSense products. □ Sensor Technology Ltd is a specialist sensor manufacturer. It is represented in South Africa by instrumentation and process control specialist, Instrotech. For more information visit: http://www.instrotech.co.za

SENSORS + SWITCHES: PRODUCTS + SERVICES

diagnostic data via the existing connection – all in real time. They can also, for example, receive new parameter sets within seconds, enabling flexible production down to a batch size of 1. IO-Link offers continuous digital data transmission, superseding the classical method of analogue value transmission. It also has significant advantages with regard to electromagnetic compatibility as it allows standard non-shielded cables to be used, so reducing cabling costs. The different parameter settings can be visualised, tested and, if necessary, optimised during integration and commissioning. It is also possible to store different parameter sets in the automation system and upload them to the sensor during operation without any delay. This means sensors can be configured automatically and remotely, even when they are installed in difficult-to-access locations. Machines and plant which run frequent changeovers between product variants can particularly benefit from this functionality, as it enables changeovers to be performed quickly and with a high level of process reliability. Replacing devices also becomes easier. If a sensor is defective, the most recently used parameter set can be transmitted automatically to the replacement sensor via IO-Link.

IO-Link enables Industry 4.0 solutions to be extended down to the small- est inductive sensors.

For more information contact SICK Automation SA. Tel: +27 (0)10 060 0558,

email: Grant.Joyce@sickautomation.co.za, or visit : http://www.sickautomation.co.za

Electricity + Control MAY 2020

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