Utility-Scale Power from Wind Requires High Reliability

The 2010 Windpower Expo & Conference in Dallas, held recently at the end of May, was a hotbed of technical and commercial activity this year.  I had not attended the “Wind Show” since 2004, and I was amazed at the explosive growth of the event and overall industry in just six short years.  This was a very substantial gathering, with about 1,400 exhibitors and 20,000 attendees. 

Better Alternatives to Pneumatic Cylinder End-of-Stroke Detection

There are better alternatives to detect pneumatic cylinder end of stroke position than reed switches or proximity switches. By better, I mean they are faster and easier to implement into your control system. In addition, you can realize other benefits such as commonality of spare sensors and lower long-term costs. So what are the better solutions? 

Analog Signals: 0 to 10V Vs. 4-20 mA

In the world of linear position sensors, analog reigns supreme.  Sure there are all kinds of other sensor interface types available; digital start/stop, synchronous serial interface, various flavors of fieldbus, and so on.  But linear position sensors with analog outputs still account for probably two-thirds of all linear position sensors sold.

When choosing an analog-output position sensor, your choice generally comes down to analog voltage (e.g., 0 to 10 V), or analog current (e.g., 4 to 20 mA).  So which should you choose?

That 1 Channel of Analog!

In most industrial applications 80-90% of the I/O going back to the PLC is discrete points.  Multiple times I have been asked, “How can I easily, quickly, and cost effectively get one channel of analog back to my PLC”.  The solutions in the past have either involved an IP20 slice I/O solution in a J-box, which is expensive and labor intensive, or an IP67 network module, which reduces labor costs but still carries a high cost.  A common drawback to these solutions is that you have to pay for 2, 4, or even 8 channels when only one is required.

Does target size affect the sensing performance of an inductive proximity sensor?

Written by: Jeff Himes

I have led many inductive proximity sensor training classes where an “Ah ha” moment happens when discussing  the effects of target size on an inductive proximity sensor.  As more and more extended range sensing models arrive on the market, it’s even more critical to understand how target size affects sensing distance performance.

Capacitive Sensors – Part II

Written by: Bjoern Schaefer

In a previous post we saw the myriad of different applications capacitive technology is involved in. We will discuss today the underlying physical principles of these sensors. 

Print and Apply Sensing Solutions

Did you know that you can improve your production and label quality by adding sensors to your process?  

Here’s a brief overview of how sensors can help you:
- Anticipate roll change-outs to improve run time
- Verify label composition and placement, reducing product rejection
- Increase application reliability and detect jams automatically to reduce waste  

The Secret of IP67 Protection

Over the last year I have been discussing IP rated products with people in various positions  in the manufacturing world and I have encountered some false assumptions about IP67 protection.  I want to quickly go over what an IP67 test actually is and then go into the assumptions I’ve seen.