Pepperl+Fuchs Blog

Connecting a proximity sensor to a PLC can be a daunting task at first glance. For one thing, there is no universal way to connect sensors. The process varies depending on the sensor and input module used in the configuration.

On quick visual inspection, a 2-wire NAMUR sensor looks the same as a standard 2-wire DC sensor. But do not confuse the wiring connections between these two types of sensors. On the inside, NAMUR sensors have different circuitry than standard 2-wire DC sensors and need special treatment.

Is it possible to meet every requirement of an application with a single solution? It all depends on the complexity of the application. Simple applications may only need simple digital-output sensors to detect the presence or absence of a target. But what about demanding applications that involve flaw detection, high-speed target inspection, precise positioning, profile comparison, or some combination of the above?

Are unexpected issues often determining your schedule? Have you recently had to push back a project because of recurring problems? Having to respond to unplanned issues may seem like an inevitable cost of doing business, but it is becoming harder and harder to settle for a reactive approach to plant management and remain competitive at the same time.

Relying on GPS positioning inside buildings is difficult due to obstruction of the satellite signal. Bluetooth beacons are ideal for indoor positioning and have enjoyed significant market growth in recent years. As a result, Bluetooth beacons have become the industry standard for indoor navigation use and are supported by most mobile devices.

Large paper, plastic, textile, and sheet-metal rolls typically consist of multiple segments that are connected or spliced together. When the roll is unspooled and transformed into the finished product, these splices must be identified and removed. Depending on the spooled material’s properties, different sensors are required to detect the splice and stop the feed.

The speed of sound depends on ambient temperature. As temperature rises, the speed of sound increases. As it gets colder, the speed of sound decreases. For ultrasonic sensors, this variance can affect accuracy, since a faster or slower echo return will make a stationary target appear closer or farther away.

Nowadays it is hard to deny that many workers around the world have disengaged themselves from the shackles of their desktop computers and are able to use their mobile smartphone or tablet.

The PosiTrack Shield is an accessory upgrade for our PosiTrack absolute position linear encoder. You can use the PosiTrack read head for absolute positioning of conveyor vehicles, vertical lifts, or indoor cranes. By adding the PosiTrack Shield, applications in harsh outdoor environments like offshore installations (ships, ports, harbors) or outdoor cranes are no problem.

The Shield's IP69 rating also serves to shelter the read head in high-pressure washdown areas. With integrated heating, temperatures as low as -40 °C keep the read head operating efficiently. The Shield is also downward compatible with current PosiTrack installations.

On Friday, August 25th, Hurricane Harvey hit the South Texas coast. Consequently, the storm front struck our new manufacturing and warehouse building in Katy, Texas. High wind from a hurricane tornado damaged our roof structure, pulling air handling units from the roof and allowing water to enter the building.