every industrial process, including sensing and control needs. Pepperl+Fuchs’ IO-Link portfolio includes inductive proximity sensors, inductive positioning systems, photoelectric sensors, ultrasonic sensors, vibration sensors, rotary encoders, and identification systems (Figure 5). Examples include: ■ The VDM28 distance measurement device uses Pulse Ranging Technology (PRT) to deliver a repeat accuracy of 5 mm with an operating range of 0.2 to 15 m and an absolute accuracy of 25 mm. ■ The IUT-F191-IO-V1-FR2-02 RFID read/write device is optimized for industrial applications involving distances up to about one meter. The device reads and writes passive tags based on ISO/IEC 18000-63. USB master for commissioning IO-Link devices When it’s time to install and commission IO-Link devices, network technicians can turn to the IO-LINK-MASTER02- USB (Figure 6). This USB master can connect IO-Link devices to a USB port on a PC. It’s designed to support
Figure 6: This IO-Link USB master connects to a PC to speed network deployments. (Image source: Pepperl+Fuchs)
of Industry 4.0 networks. It’s now possible to flatten the network architecture and provide direct connections between the IO-Link devices on the factory floor and the Cloud. The new technology can be used in various use cases to improve operational efficiency.
testing, configuration, and servicing activities. Connected devices can be configured and parameterized. Device diagnostics is also supported. Devices with a low current consumption can be powered directly from the USB master. Devices with higher power needs can be connected to an optional external power supply. Conclusion The addition of OPC UA parallel connectivity to IO-Link master devices has dramatically changed the options available to designers
we get technical
67
Powered by FlippingBook