Sensors, Transducers, Detectors

Cylindrical Photoelectric Sensors

Tue, 07 May 2013 12:52:53 GMT

Omron Automation and Safety has developed a new generation of M18 cylindrical photoelectric sensors that combine simple selection and installation with reliability, versatility, rugged construction and value for money. The E3FA plastic body and E3FB metal body sensors are suitable for applications in all industries from food and beverage production to material handling and logistics. Along with the straight-beam models, Omron also developed right-angle radial-beam plastic body E3RA and metal body E3RB models. Omron’s new photoelectric sensors offer high reliability, enhanced EMC protection, high ambient light immunity and robust waterproof housings, making them an ideal choice to meet the requirements of today’s users for non-stop operation.

The new sensors feature compact construction, allowing them to be mounted easily where space is limited. The bright red LED light source is clearly visible over long distances and provides an aid to alignment. Setting up the sensors is intuitive, and is made even easier with a large sensitivity adjustor for use with a standard size screwdriver. When the sensors are in use, instant visual confirmation of their operating status is provided by an LED indicator with a wide viewing angle. Omron’s E3FA and E3FB photoelectric sensors include through-beam versions with ranges up to 20 m, retro-reflective versions with ranges from 0.1 to 4 m, coaxial retro-reflective versions with ranges up to 500 mm and three models of diffuse-reflective sensors with ranges of 100 mm, 300 mm and 1 m. All types are suitable for flush mounting. While the standard models solve the vast majority of applications, the E3FA lineup also offers specialized models. These include background suppression versions for stable detection of targets with varying colors, limited-distance reflective types for reliable detection of transparent and shiny films, and types that are optimized for very stable detection of transparent bottles in dusty environments.

All sensors in the E3FA and E3RA lineup use high-power LED light sources for easy alignment and to minimize the effects of dirt, and all incorporate a pulse synchronization system to ensure maximum immunity to ambient light. They have extensive shielding for high electromagnetic noise immunity, and their robust impact-resistant bodies are fully sealed against liquid and dust ingress.

Ultrasonic Sensor

Mon, 06 May 2013 13:44:45 GMT

AutomationDirect’s ultrasonic sensor offering now includes additional 18mm and 30mm round plastic DC models available with discrete or analog outputs. The sensors are equipped with LED status indicators and a push-button teach feature for configuration of normally-open and normally-closed states for DC output models and for adjustable sensitivity on analog output models.

The IP67 rated sensors are available in two-meter output cable or M12 quick-disconnect styles and are available in ten output types: single PNP, single NPN, Dual PNP, Dual NPN, 4-20 mA only, 0-10V only, PNP and 0-10V, NPN and 0-10V, NPN and 4-20mA, and PNP and 4-20 mA. The UK1 series sensors, starting at $99, have 18mm barrel housings and a 15 to 30VDC operating range, and are available in four sensing ranges: 50-400mm, 100-900mm, 150-1,600mm, and 200-2,200mm. The UT1 series sensors, starting at $185, have 30mm barrel housings and feature 12-30VDC and 15-30VDC operating ranges, and have a 250-3500 mm sensing range.

Ultra-Small Photoelectric Sensors

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:47:54 GMT

Pepperl+Fuchs introduces R2 Series Ultra-Small Sensors - a complete family of ultra-miniature photoelectric sensors available in four sensing modes to suit varied application needs. These sensors feature a 24 mm x 7.5 mm x 11.2 mm housing, industry standard mounting footprint, a flush and wear-resistant antistatic glass lens and a 45° cable outlet to maximize mounting flexibility. Consequently, the R2 series can be mounted where other photoelectric sensors cannot – in extremely tight spaces and close to moving objects – to deliver high performance and reliable operation in a wide range of applications regardless of the color, texture or shape of the object(s) being sensed.

“The R2 series is the only nano-sized photoelectric sensor available today with Background Evaluation (BGE) mode. Utilizing a fixed background such as a conveyor or machine part as a reference, R2 series BGE sensors are a unique alternative to retroreflective sensors, reliably detecting objects without the need for a reflector,” says Pepperl+Fuchs Product Manager, Michael Turner. “Advanced thru-beam mode R2 sensors are equipped with a secondary emitter LED that provides a laser-like spot size for high-precision applications and eliminates the hassle of applying external apertures. The R2 series is also available in polarized retroreflective and background suppression modes.” Industry standard 15 mm mounting hole separation enables R2 series sensors to easily retrofit into existing applications. Threaded sensor mounting holes enable installation without mounting nuts to simplify installation and save time. This also negates the potential to lose or drop mounting nuts while installing a sensor in very small, tight spaces.

Position Sensors Catalog

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 14:07:07 GMT

With its new product catalog, ASM provides engineers with a practical decision-making tool for selecting the right position sensor. Whether distance, angle or inclination, ASM offers with six innovative product lines sensor solutions for a wide variety of applications requiring feedback position sensors. The company is known for three decades for the production of high-quality sensors. With this new catalog it provides not only an overview of the unique product range with technical specifications.

The operating principle of each sensor line is described in detail, too. Along with many application examples, design engineers receive a reference tool for the selection of the right sensor technology and therefore the most suitable model. The ASM product range includes Posiwire® cable extension position sensors, Positape® tape extension position sensors, Posichron® magnetostrictive position sensors, Posirot® magnetic angle sensors, Positilt® MEMS inclinometers and Posimag® magnetic encoders.

Inclination Sensors

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:36:35 GMT

Balluff's new liquid-based inclination sensors measure the deviation on a horizontal axis of up to 360°. With an extremely high accuracy of 0.1°C, a resolution of 0.01° and a temperature drift of just 0.01%/10K, they are the ideal choice for solar -thermal power plant and renewable energy applications that require angle measurement or constant rotary monitoring.

The sensors feature a robust metal housing with an IP 67 enclosure rating that is easily installed into systems with limited space due to their compact housing size. With an expanded temperature range of -40°C to + 85°C, they are ideal for outdoor applications. Balluff inclination sensors are based on a capacitive measuring principle and are equipped with a liquid-based measuring cell. The 4-20mA analog output signal is scaled linearly over the angular range of 360°C.

Capacitive Sensors

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:43:46 GMT

Carlo Gavazzi is proud to announce our new and improved CA12CLC Series capacitive sensors with Tripleshield™ technology. The new design features a state of the art microprocessor which improves the overall accuracy and performance of the sensor.

The new CA12CLC Series also has several other improvements, including a simplified ‘teach-in’ programming process with a dynamic teach option, increased temperature stability and a standardized LED configuration. The new series also features all of the features that made the older series popular: extended sensing ranges, PNP/NPN auto-detect, high EMC protection, NO/NC selectable, and patented CARLO GAVAZZI Tripleshield™ technology, which provides one of the most reliable capacitive sensing technologies regardless of conditions.

The M12 barrel makes the sensor compact enough to fit in a variety of applications, while still being robust enough to survive most environments. The CA12CLC Series is well suited for applications in the plastic, rubber, glass, and ceramic industries, as well as in material handling and packaging applications.

Low Power Rotary Position Sensor

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 21:02:49 GMT

Novotechnik U.S. introduces the Contelec Vert-X 21 LP Series of low power sensors. These non-contact angle sensors consume only 300 µA of current at a power supply level of 3.3 V. Other key specifications for Vert-X 21 LP include 0 to 360° measurement range, 12-bit resolution, repeatability to 0.1°, and maximum hysteresis of 0.2°. Power supply range is 1.8 V to 5.5 V. Output voltage 10 to 90% of power supply is standard with other percentage values available as an option.

Vert-X 21 LP Series sensors can be ordered as a simple 3-wire angle sensor or a programmable version with up to two switch outputs, custom measurement angle, start and end-point settings, custom characteristic curve and/or sense of rotation. They feature compact designs of less than 1 inch in diameter, sealing to IP65 and life is greater than 360 million movements. Applications include robotics, battery powered devices, joy sticks and control valves.

Optical Incremental Encoders

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 08:03:57 GMT

For high-precision sensing applications where absolute accuracy and signal quality are critical, Baumer Ltd. has introduced the OptoPulse EIL580 family of 58 mm optical incremental encoders. Available in various mechanical designs, the OptoPulse EIL580 family includes clamping flange encoders with 10 mm solid shafts, synchro flange encoders with 6mm solid shafts, and 8 to 15 mm blind hollow shaft and through hollow shaft models. All encoders feature finely graduated disc increments that can provide 100 to 5000 impulses per turn to enhance productivity and control.

Designed for high-precision applications, the optical sensing capability ensures absolute accuracy and consistent signal quality in temperatures from -40°C to +85°C. Designed to be extremely robust, OptoPulse EIL580 encoders feature solid die-cast housings with massive 1.5 mm aluminum walls, short circuit-proof connections to guard against reverse polarity, and optional IP 67 protection. The encoders' unique ShaftLock feature protects the bearing pack from misalignment and prevents the code disc from damage caused by excessive shaft load. Excellent shock protection to 300 g and vibration protection to 30 g increase the encoders' reliability and precision.

OptoPulse EIL580 installation is quick and easy. The encoders feature M12 or M23 connectors and cable outlets in varied lengths for connection flexibility, and a comprehensive range of mounting accessories such as stator and shaft couplings, torque support and peripheral equipment like measuring wheels.

Photoelectric Sensors with Wear-Free Teach System

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 14:08:37 GMT

Baumer has introduced qTeach, an easy-to-use, wear-free teach procedure initiated by touching the housing of O500 series photoelectric sensors. O500 optical sensors with qTeach feature no mechanical buttons or moving parts that can wear out, and are available on three models: diffuse sensors with background suppression, SmartReflect reflector-free light barriers, and retro-reflective sensors for reflective surfaces.

Baumer O500 sensors with qTeach require no mechanical adjustment during setup. The simple and convenient teach-in process begins with a light touch to the housing using any ferromagnetic tool, such as a screwdriver. Touch the housing once to enter the teach procedure; align the desired sensing condition, and touch the housing a second time to teach. A blue LED on the sensor provides clear optical feedback during the teach procedure, blinking to indicate when the user has activated teach mode and when the teach function has been completed. To prevent inadvertent reprogramming in the field, qTeach automatically locks out after five minutes of operation.

Miniature Photoelectric Sensors

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 20:23:11 GMT

Carlo Gavazzi announces the expansion of the popular range of PD30 Series miniature photoelectric sensors. The PD30 Basic Series features improved accuracy and a simplified set-up via potentiometer. It also adds a background suppression version for diffuse sensing applications. The background suppression version uses a brand new sensing principle which improves the accuracy of the detection of different colors, which allow for a tighter gap between the sensing target and the background.

These sensors are designed for applications where high precision detection in compact spaces is required, allowing users to obtain an excellent size to performance ratio. The PD30 Basic Series shares many of the same great features of the PD30 ‘Teach-In’ Series, including:

Industry standard 10x20x30 mm housing
PNP/NPN & Normally Open/Normally Closed Outputs
Robust IP67 rating
Excellent sensing distance in a small housing, with ranges up to 15 meters
Dual LEDs for power and signal indication
Simplified set-up via potentiometer