Now inductive sensors are becoming interesting again and opening up new frontiers. Market leader ifm electronic has equipped a range of inductive sensors with IO-Link, thereby giving the users access to data that couldn’t economically be used before, even if it had been available.
An IO-Link system can monitor the health and the status of a system: IO-Link turns sensor data into a digital data stream, analogue inputs are not required. By using what is still effectively high-resolution and linear analogue information, the user can now determine much more, such as the relative position of the sensor and its target. Maintenance planning can now include tightening up loose flags before they drop off and cause a standstill. IO-Link can be used in the other direction to tell the device to act normally open or closed, or switch positive or negative, even to select and activate a time delay in the device. Individual sensors are electronically tagged and identified.
The new range is available in standard sizes of M12, M18, M30 and 40×40 cube, flush or non-flush, with excellent specifications – as one would expect from ifm electronic, i.e. high IP ratings and a wide temperature range, all guaranteed for five years. Not only that, but these sensors are more versatile than conventional inductive sensors yet don’t need analogue input cards, only an IO-Link master to handle the communication. IO-Link masters are becoming readily available, are easy to integrate into the control architecture, and cost a lot less than analogue inputs.
ifm is committed to working closely with its customers to develop products which precisely match their needs, and the company provides expert, readily accessible technical support to help users maximise the benefits they gain from ifm products.
