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5 Things You Need to Know about IO-Link

Industrial networks are nothing new; ASi, CANbus, DeviceNet, Profibus (to name a few) have all been around for years.  Designers of production equipment use networks for a variety of reasons: simplified machine mount I/O, motor starters, valve bank control, etc.  Each network has a limited number of devices that can be connected and each device is designated a node address or IP address.  IO-Link takes a standard network and expands it beyond its current capacity through flexibility and expansion.

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Magnetic Field Sensors – Are Magnets Different?

It’s 3:00 AM and your machine has come to a screeching halt because, according to your PLC, the cylinder that holds a part in place is neither extended nor retracted.  After looking at the cylinder, you see it is extended just as it should be however; the cylinder-mounted sensor is not detecting the magnet.  No problem, you have another magnetic field sensor that will fit but it does not work either, so what is the problem? Another bad sensor? Maybe not, it could be the sensor and the magnet is incompatible.

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Luminescence (UV) Sensing – Seeing the Unseen

Difficult targets and unique application requirements call for specialized sensing technology. When over-the-counter medication producers and packaged food manufacturers were faced with the challenge of coming up with a response to concerns about protecting consumers from potential tampering, they turned to modern luminescence sensor technology.

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Inductive Proximity Sensor Targets – Material does matter

Written by: Jeff Himes

From some of the previous blogs, it has been indicated that a number of variables can affect the actual sensing range achieved by an inductive proximity sensor.  One of those variables mentioned was target composition or target material.  Let’s review how various target materials can affect an inductive sensor’s performance.

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Sensor Cables and the National Fire Protection Agency

If you aren’t familiar with the NFPA, here is a brief summary from their website:
“The mission of the international nonprofit NFPA, established in 1896, is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research,training, and education.”  http://www.nfpa.org/

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How do I choose the right sensor?

Selecting an industrial sensor can be a daunting task.  With so many different sensing technologies and the endless variety of products in the market, how is it possible to find that one ideal sensor for any given application?

Turns out, it’s not really so much a process of selecting the right sensor…it’s really about eliminating all the wrong choices.  Selecting a sensor is a process of asking a series of questions to eliminate any technology or product that doesn’t fit the application requirements.  For example:

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