Electricity and Control August 2024

SENSORS + SWITCHES

Electrical interfaces and connections Digital interfaces can be configured for specific communication proto cols or modified to suit the customer’s needs. Analogue interfaces also continue to play an im

Stefan Fehr, Head of Quality Assurance at KELLER adds, “Our experience has taught us that materials and physics hardly know any limits when it comes to creating new challenges for us to solve.” Mechanical design Taking all the above points into consideration, the perfor mance of the sensor will be influenced by its design, from the choice of the sensor chip and coupling medium through to the materials and production techniques used. In addi tion, customers may have particular requests concerning shape and size, pressure connections and so on. And of course, specific requirements relating to the area of appli cation must be complied with, as well as applicable legal regulations and standards. David Bollinger, Head of Mechanical Engineering at KELLER says, “Customer-specific constructions are an im portant driver of innovation and inspire us to develop new ideas and approaches to finding solutions. New findings are always incorporated into the further development and improvement of our existing product range.” Electronics and configuration The main function of the electronics is to prepare the meas urement signal, and in some cases to save it and output it via a suitable interface. Customers can also request that application-specific calculations be integrated in the firm ware, or ask for special device and software configurations. Other requirements will depend on the working environ ment, taking account of factors such as extended lightning protection, EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) or explo sion protection. Intrinsically safe products can also be spe cially configured to match the parameters of the customer’s overall system. Silvan Achtnich, Electronics and Software Development at KELLER says, “We develop electronic modules that get the best accuracy from our sensor elements and leave scope for customer-specific algorithms.” With its four EL336x EtherCAT analogue input terminals, Beckhoff provides a particularly compact and cost effective solution to integrate weighing functions into control systems. The integration of the supply voltage for the load cells is especially advantageous. The EL3361-0100 and EL3362-0100 EtherCAT ana logue input terminals feature analogue inputs for the di rect connection of one or two resistance bridges (strain gauges) or load cells in a 4-wire or 6-wire connection system. The 10 V sensor supply is already integrated. The analogue value resolution is 24 bits and 10 ksps. For more demanding applications, the EL3361 and EL3362 also offer a switchable sensor supply (5/10 V) and digital inputs (for example, for tare) and outputs (for example, A single terminal to power load cells

Labelling of devices can be customised to meet the customer’s requirements.

portant role in sensor technology. KELLER is well experi enced in developing application-specific solutions based on both these principles, including devices with light wave and frequency outputs. For electrical connections, the nec essary plugs can be integrated into the design, and cable outlets can be specified by the customer. Daniel Hofer, Head of Product Management at KELLER says, “The success of a project hinges on the exchange of information at the interfaces. We offer a wide range of pro tocols and electrical interfaces to enable seamless system integration and loss-free transmission of pressure values.” Labelling In addition to customer logos, functional markings can be applied to devices, either employing laser inscription or by printing information on labels. Labelling may include part codes, serial numbers, data matrix codes or guide marks. Customers can also specify a colour-coding scheme for the connecting wires. For consumer products such as manom eters, a personalised design that includes the customer’s logo can be applied to the front panel. Patricia Pedroso of Laserservice, says, “Our annealing marking technology guarantees high-resolution laser in scriptions that are resistant to acids as well as chemical and corrosive components, all without damaging the metal surface.” □

For more information visit: www.instrotech.co.za

SENSORS + SWITCHES : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

for ready messages) that can be con trolled either locally or via the controller. The EL336x analogue terminals add to Beckhoff’s existing range of weigh ing technology, slotting into the portfolio above the EL3351 and alongside the EL3356 with additional functionalities. The ELM350x EtherCAT measurement terminals, which support freely adjusta ble filters, quarter/half bridge capability, and even higher sampling rates (also in

The EL336x EtherCAT analogue input terminals offer compact and cost effective implementation of high performance weighing functions.

connection with the TwinCAT 3 Weighing Library), offer an ideal solution for demanding dynamic applications that require advanced measurement technology.

For more information visit: www.beckhoff.com

AUGUST 2024 Electricity + Control

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