Pepperl+Fuchs Blog

Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer, Ethernet-APL for short, is the physical layer for transmitting data into the field of process plants. In this blog article we explain in simple and understandable language what exactly Ethernet-APL is, how parallel communication works today and what possible options there are to access data.

Whether electric monorail systems, crane trolleys or stacker cranes—they all have to be positioned very precisely over long distances in the plant. With 0.2 mm resolution over distances of up to 100 km, PXV technology perfectly meets the demands of exact absolute positioning, even over long and complex distances. In this blog article, we take a look at what makes camera-based linear positioning with the PXV system so unique and how the combination of the 2-D camera system with the Data Matrix code tape ensures precise position detection and maximum process reliability.

In process automation, there are numerous applications in which analog field devices need to be controlled in hazardous areas. In this context, many signal circuits are subject to SIL 3 requirements, such as when supplying materials to reactors in process plants. When setting up a SIL 3 shutdown, Pepperl+Fuchs' innovative SIL 3 current drivers featuring Ex ia control circuits make complex workarounds implementing redundancy via two SIL 2 control circuits a thing of the past. Most importantly, the new isolated barriers can improve the test intervals of SIL 2 shutdowns. Read this blog article to find out exactly how.

Industrial power supplies of the PS1000 series are used everywhere in automation technology where high system availability, redundancy and economic efficiency are required. In the control cabinet and in field boxes in all industrial applications and process systems, they ensure an efficient and reliable power supply from 5 Amps to 40 Amps, for 12 VDC, 24 VDC or 48 VDC output. The PS1000 devices have ATEX, IECEx, and EAC approvals and are also certified for the North American market, allowing them to be used up to Zone 2/Div.2.

In this two-part video series, Chris Romano, Product Manager for Purge and Pressurization, shows you the intended use, setup, installation and commissioning of the 5500-MAN-** manifold valve system for the fully automatic pressurized enclosure systems of the 5500 and 7500 control units from Pepperl+Fuchs in a live demo.

What is the 5500-MAN-** manifold valve system and how does it work with the 7500 or 5500 control unit? Also, see what is included with this manifold valve system.

The use of RFID for machine access control and operation is nothing new. Depending on the application, different frequency ranges are used, either LF, HF, or UHF. Recently, there has been a trend that HF read/write heads with IO-Link are increasingly being used for precisely these applications. As always, the goal is to ensure only authorized personnel operate machinery. Also valued is the ability to retrieve an operation log and how each worker parameterizes the machines.

Users who were previously of the opinion that RFID was somehow too complicated have quickly changed their view in practice. In this blog article we take a closer look at the topic and show you possible use cases.

To meet the diverse and highly complex requirements of industrial applications, users rely on a range of photoelectric sensors. The camera-based 2-D universal vision sensors of the VOS series not only close the gap between simple vision sensors and complex vision systems—they offer flexible configuration and open up the possibility for users to solve particularly complex automation tasks as well as multiple tasks with just one vision sensor. In this blog post, we will show you which software features the VOS sensors offer and the applications for which they are suitable.

From the recording of the process variable to the evaluation in the control system, many errors can occur that can lead to unwanted process states. These can result in plant shutdowns or quality problems, and even pose hazards to people and the environment. In addition to faults in the device itself, isolators also monitor the connecting lines between the isolator, the field device and the control system for lead breakage or lead short circuits, depending on the device variant. In this blog post you can find out how isolated barriers from Pepperl+Fuchs detect line faults in the signal circuit without additional wiring.

Whether used in warehouses, robotics, or dynamic applications for navigation of automated guided vehicles (AGV)―the 2-D LiDAR sensors of the R2000 series feature a gapless all-around visibility of 360°. The sophisticated laser scanners come with the innovative Pulse Ranging Technology (PRT) that helps providing reliable and extremely precise measuring results. In this blog post we’ll take a closer look at the R2000’s hardware and software features and how these can help solve your individual application.

The 7500 series is a type Z/Ex pzc purge and pressurization system that enables non-rated electrical equipment to be used in hazardous areas. The 7500 series is a certified system for UL Class I and II/Div. 2 as well as for Zone 2/22 hazardous locations. A complete 7500 purge and pressurization system requires a control unit, a manifold valve, and a vent. It can be configured as a manual or fully automatic system. This blog article shows you how to configure the 7500 system components, i.e. control unit, manifold valve, and vent.