Sensor technology and performance has advanced at an exponential pace during the last decade, with ever increasing capability. However, often the end result is a very basic digital on/off signal. But so much more is possible by integrating the operation and configuration of sensors into the machine control platform.
In addition, by utilising fieldbus technology, a wide range of possibilities are available with regard to sensor integration. In particular EtherCAT, Omron’s preferred fieldbus platform, provides high speed data transfer with long distance communications. However, the real benefit of EtherCAT is that it is not specific to sensors, allowing a machine to have a single fieldbus solution for I/O, drives, servos, actuators, pneumatics, vision systems and sensors.
Integrating sensors through a fieldbus solution provides many benefits, from reduced wiring during installation, saving time and costs, through diagnostic information, which can be fed back to the control system.
As well as the on/off status, measured values can also be transferred to the machine controller, providing more in-depth detection information. Also, most fieldbus enabled sensors, like Omron’s new N-Smart range, also allow full configuration via the machine controller. If sensors need to be reconfigured during changeovers, this can be fully automated through the machine controller, eliminating the need for manual resetting of individual sensors, reducing changeover times and improving machine efficiency. Sensor diagnostic information can also be fed back, providing preventative maintenance information, simplifying the process of identifying detection issues and reducing machine down-time.
The level of sensor integration which is now possible exceeds most people’s expectations, therefore I would strongly recommend investigating the technology so you can realise the real benefits integrated sensors provide.
Omron
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