Electricity and Control May 2020

SENSORS + SWITCHES: PRODUCTS + SERVICES

The DQ12 miniature photoelectric sensor The DQ12 is a miniature, cost-effective photoelectric sensor for applications in space-constrained environments. The sensor features LED status indicators for power on, signal received, and marginal signal. In addition, fixed field models are now resistant to ambient light interference, from energy-efficient lights, for example. The DQ12 offers an increased sensing range with new LED technology. The device is available in opposed mode, fixed-field, polarised retro reflective, and non-polarised retro reflective modes. They all deliver powerful sensing performance in tight spaces. Opposed-mode and retro reflective models feature increased sensing range for greater

almost anywhere. It is rated IP67 and is therefore suitable for use in a wide range of locations and applications. The OEM-friendly black housing is over-moulded and features highly visible pad printing for enhanced durability. The sensor can be mounted directly onto or inside manufacturing equipment, with robust, metal-lined mounting holes consistently located on all models. The DQ12 sensor is also available in Light Operate (L.O.) or Dark Operate (D.O.), bipolar or complementary outputs, with a full range of cable and connectors depending on the model. Applications The sensor is easy to install, mounting directly to equipment with robust metal-lined mounting holes. It is rated to IP67 for use in a wide range of locations and applications, including: • Error-proofing in automotive assembly equipment • Embedded in automated commercial kiosks and benchtop laboratory equipment • End effector sensing on robotic assembly equipment • Part-in-place verification for industries such as smart phone manufacturing and semi-conductor packaging.

application distances, or higher reliability due to increased light output. The excess gain and other performance specifications are similar to those of the Q12 Series. With its compact 8.0 mm housing, the DQ12 sensor can fit

For more information contact Brandon Topham at Turck Banner. Tel: +27 (0)11 453 2468, email: brandon.topham@turckbanner.co.za

The compact DQ12 photoelectric sensor can be used in a wide range of applications. 

IO-Link enables communication from sensor to cloud The smart combination of the IO-Link sensor interface and the OPC UA communication protocol in a single device gives Pepperl+Fuchs new opportunities to offer complete, seamless and transparent communication from the sensor to the cloud.

need for complex workarounds. Pepperl+Fuchs claims a first in combining IO-Link and OPC UA in one device, thus creating new opportunities for the digital future of its customers.

Continuous data communication from the lowest sensor/actuator level to the cloud is becoming increasingly important across the entire industrial environment. For the logistics sector in particular, where adherence to deadlines is a key requirement, it is essential to know where packages are located, how long processing will take, and where potential plant malfunctions could lead to delays. The IO-Link sensor interface represents the first step towards this level of transparency. In addition to process data from the sensor, IO-Link provides information for identifying and configuring parameters for the sensor, as well as diagnostics on the sensor. Combining IO-Link and OPC UA now allows this data to be transferred easily to higher-level computer- or cloud- based systems. This is the second and most decisive step towards complete data transparency as it makes the data accessible beyond the central control system. Decision-makers can now access the data without the

For more information contact Pepperl+Fuchs. Visit: www.pepperl-fuchs.com

IO-Link master with OPC UA interface.

22 Electricity + Control MAY 2020