Industrial RFID System for IO-Link from Balluff

Florence, KY – Balluff’s new IO-Link based RFID systems let users connect RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) systems to networks as easily as connecting discrete I/O, without adding any additional cost. The IO-Link protocol allows users to connect a complex device such as an RFID processor to an industrial network via a gateway using standard discrete sensor wiring. 

The new systems simplify network topology and PLC setup by using the IO-Link block, which treats the RFID data like standard I/O points. It also helps to reduce costs by running multiple RFID readers off one I/O block using standard, 3-conductor sensor cables.

For example, IO-Link–based RFID could be used in place of barcodes in industrial applications like pallet assembly. RS232 barcode applications typically carry high installation costs, due to the price of the shielded RS232 cables and RS232 communication module for the PLC. There can also be additional cost for an I/O enclosure placed between the barcode readers and the PLC, because of cable length limitations of serial communication.

The Balluff IO-Link solution uses cost-equivalent IO-Link-based RFID heads and processors, but offers 100% data reliability that the barcode readers do not. The Balluff solution can also replace the I/O enclosure, four shielded cordsets, and a 4-port RS232 PLC module with a single IO-Link Expansion Module and four 3-conductor, non-shielded cordsets. This simplifies the installation, reduces cost, and improves data reliability. Also, there are additional I/O points made available by the Expansion Module that can be used for analog devices, pressure sensors, discrete sensors, or a combination of these.

For more information about RFID products for IO-Link, go to: http://www.balluff.com/IO-Link

www.balluff.com

EtherCAT® Motion Box for Stepper Motor Control from Beckhoff

Minneapolis, Minn. – Beckhoff Automation has introduced the EP7041 EtherCAT® Motion Box, allowing for stepper motor control in a compact, machine-mountable device. Using the EP7041 stepper motor box, small EtherCAT motion applications can now be implemented directly in the field without a protective control cabinet.

Ideal for harsh environments, the compact EtherCAT module in protection class IP 67 allows the connection of Beckhoff stepper motors up to 50VDC and 5A. An integrated incremental encoder connection on the EP7041 permits the implementation of a single servo axis with the compact IP 67 module.

Within the housing, which measures 5-in. x 1.2-in. x 1-in. (126 x 30 x 26.5mm), the EP7041 contains an encoder connection, two digital inputs for limit switches and a digital output for a brake, ensuring that all signals from a motor are combined in one compact box. In addition to the modules designed for 5A, there is also a 1.5A version (EP7041-1002) for the control of lower power stepper motors. By entering just a few parameters, the EP7041 EtherCAT Box can be adapted to suit the motor and the application.

The stepper motor module is capable of 64-fold micro-stepping, which ensures a smooth and precise motor rotation. The stepper motor modules are particularly well-suited for use in the feed axes of handling and processing machines as well as in assembly technology. Beckhoff offers a corresponding range of stepper motors with standstill torques ranging from 0.38 to 5 Nm.

For more information, email beckhoff.usa@beckhoff.com or visit www.beckhoffautomation.com.

The new space-saving HD Bus Terminals with 16 Channel I/O in 12 mm format from Beckhoff

Beckhoff Automation (www.beckhoff.com) announced its latest Bus Terminal I/O system to deliver progressively compact I/O solutions for machine builders and manufacturers. These expanded Bus Terminals with the latest ultra-compact HD Bus Terminals featuring 16 digital I/O channels in 12 mm electronic terminal block housing. Using DIN rail-mounted controllers or Bus Couplers, the HD Bus Terminals are compatible with almost all of major fieldbus. The HD Bus Terminals are available in both EtherCAT Terminal and Beckhoff Bus Terminal versions.

For the past few years, a consistent increase in electronic efficiency has reduced power dissipation to the point that I/O points doubled its packing density today, which results in multiple cost advantages: control cabinets’ space requirements can be reduced and the price per digital I/O channel significantly drops.

The 16-channel Bus Terminals feature new possibilities for project planning: greatly reduce the field of control technology that allows designers to build their systems and machines to be more compact and even smaller.

The HD Terminals with 16 digital I/O channels have the same external dimensions to existing Bus Terminals from Beckhoff and are compatible with them. Also, the flexible HD Terminals have different versions, e.g. as eight-channel terminals for digital outputs and inputs with two-wire connection, as combination terminals with eight digital outputs and eight digital inputs or as 16-channel terminals for digital outputs or inputs.

Wiring efforts are simplified despite higher channel density because of tool-less assembly. Using the direct plug-in technique, single wire conductors are connected without tools. As usual, the cables are released using the contact release with the help of an appropriately sized screwdriver. Also, the common color coding of the signal types is employed in the HD Terminals and is integrated to the LED display.

Bluetooth® RF-Transceiver Module from WAGO

Germantown, WI – WAGO Corporation’s 750-644 Bluetooth^® RF-Transceiver module provides fast, bidirectional, wireless communication between I/O nodes. Within 10ms, the 750-644 exchanges data up to 1000m (line-of-sight) or 100m (within buildings). This makes the 750-644 ideal for a wide range of applications from robot controls and high bay warehouses to both renewable and traditional energy applications, such as oil fields.

One 750-644 master can communicate with up to seven slaves on a Personal Area Network (PAN), also known as a piconet, via Bluetooth^® 2.0+EDR radio technology. Slave-to-slave data transmission is possible indirectly through the master. The 750-644 Bluetooth^® module offers robust communications with frequency hopping procedures and adaptive transmitting power technologies, which allows the piconet to co-exist with other radio technologies found in industrial applications. Additionally, the data exchange can be encrypted, maximizing security.

The 750-644 is the newest addition to the fieldbus-independent WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM that supports prevalent fieldbus technologies including: ETHERNET I/P, Modbus TCP/IP, PROFIBUS, DeviceNet and CANopen. With the integration of Bluetooth^® networks into the WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM, users can incorporate the new module with all standard fieldbus couplers/controllers found in the WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM, which consists of 300+ analog, digital and specialty modules.

Configuration of the 750-644 is easily accomplished with WAGO-I/O-CHECK 3 software. Additionally, the WAGO-I/O-PRO programming software provides function blocks that make utilizing the module’s full range of functions a straightforward process. The module carries eight on-unit LEDs for on-site diagnostics of interference, signal quality and timeouts. The 750-644 also features an SMA socket for WAGO’s 758-912 antenna, data contact and power jumper contacts.

For more information, visit www.wago.us, or contact WAGO at 1-800-DIN-RAIL or info.us@wago.com.

High-Density, 16-Point I/O Modules from WAGO

Germantown, WI – Sixteen I/O points in one 12mm-wide module make WAGO’s 16-point I/O ribbon cable modules one of the most compact solutions for streamlining control-to-machine wiring. The DIN-rail mount modules feature 16 inputs (750-1400), 16 outputs (750-1500) or 8 inputs/8 outputs (750-1502) and an HE10 ribbon cable interface. With the flat ribbon cable, the modules facilitate the use of pre-wired assemblies to minimize wiring time and errors.

The 16-point I/O modules are compatible with WAGO’s interface boards, ranging from an LED-equipped 120VAC to 24VDC input interface board, to a 3.75-in. wide, 16-channel relay interface board featuring 5mm plug-in relays. For additional voltage flexibility, the 16-point I/O modules can pair with select interface boards and connect to any voltage up to 120VAC, 6A. All 16-point I/O modules carry onboard LEDs for status indication and utilize CAGE CLAMP^® Spring Pressure Terminations for field connections. WAGO can also design and manufacture custom interface boards.

As part of the fieldbus-independent WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM, the 16-point I/O modules readily integrate into existing WAGO I/O nodes and operate with all WAGO fieldbus couplers/controllers. Extensive monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities are provided via WAGO-I/O-CHECK software.

The 16-Point I/O modules also increase the flexibility of existing Allen-Bradley^® Controllers via WAGO’s free Add-On Instructions.0 The instructions enable users to integrate WAGO I/O, including the new 16-point modules, into RS-Logix^™ 5000 systems via WAGO fieldbus couplers.

For additional information, visit www.wago.us, or contact WAGO at 1-800-DIN-RAIL or info.us@wago.com.

Cognex Connect™ Ensures Seamless Connectivity Between Vision System and Automation Controls

Cognex Connect™ is a comprehensive suite of communications capabilities for vision systems enabling out-of-the-box connectivity between Cognex In-Sight® vision systems and virtually any major PLC, robot, HMI and Fieldbus system commonly used in factory automation. A point-and-click configuration interface makes it easy to control multiple vision systems from any network PC, and allows users to easily transfer data and images to an enterprise file server or display them in the user’s own operator interface.

The standard Cognex Connect suite of communication capabilities includes pre-configured drivers, ready-to-use templates and sample code to accelerate system set-up and ensure smooth communication with factory automation robots and controllers. Cognex Connect also provides an array of visualization options for integrating inspection images from In-Sight into a central operator interface.

Cognex Connect delivers built-in support for the following controls and communications:

• PLC – Cognex Connect supports open standard industrial Ethernet communications protocols such as MC Protocol, EtherNet/IP and PROFINET for trouble free connection to a wide range of PLCs including Mitsubishi, Rockwell and Siemens.

• PC or HMI – Cognex Connect supports OPC server, Active X display controls, and standard TCP/IP Ethernet protocols.

• Robots – Pre-configured drivers, ready-to-use templates and sample code are available for robots by ABB, Denso, Fanuc, Kawasaki, Kuka, Motoman and Staubli. Communication with robots by Mitsubishi, Adept, Epson and many other manufacturers is also supported.

• Fieldbus – Cognex Connect supports all established standards, including CCLink, DeviceNet, and PROFIBUS.

The Cognex Connect suite of communication capabilities is supported on all Cognex In-Sight models. For more information on Cognex Connect, visit www.cognex.com/connect.

Visit Cognex on-line at www.cognex.com.

Multiport Junction Blocks for Sensors

Cumming, GA – AutomationDirect introduces Zip-Port™ multiport junction blocks, that provide time, cost and space savings by allowing multiple sensors to be wired to a single block with one cable connecting to the control panel.

Zip-Port junction blocks are available in field wireable or five-meter cable versions, feature four and five-pin M12 connectors in four, six and eight-port models, and offer a choice of one or two I/O per port. The blocks provide 24 VDC and 120 VDC/AC operation in temperatures ranging from -20°C to +80°C (-4°F to +176°F) and also provide an IP67 degree of protection when all ports are either connected or covered with recommended protective caps.

The five-meter integrated cable series come with three 18-gauge wires for power connection and four to sixteen 22-gauge wires for I/O connections, depending on the number of ports. The field-wireable junction blocks allow the installer the option of using his cables of choice and only the I/O necessary. All Zip-Port models are available with or without power and signal LED indicators.

Prices for the Zip-Ports multiport junction blocks start at $39 and include two spare port caps. Additional caps can be purchased in packs of five for $2.50.

Contact the company at 1-800-633-0405.

www.automationdirect.com

Panel Meter Selector Tool

York, PA – Red Lion Controls, Inc. announces a panel meter selector tool now available on the company’s website here.

The panel meter selector tool enables users to quickly and accurately identify from Red Lion’s broad offering of panel meter solutions the one or more meters that best match their criteria. Users simply answer several questions about their application requirements, and the compatible meters are listed by part number. A short description of each meter, as well as outputs and communications information, are also listed for quick reference, and users can simply click on specific models for more detailed product information.

Key differentiating features for product selection include: signal input, display size, output requirements and communications requirements.

For more information, go to www.redlion.net.

New 5.7-in. Touch Panel Computer from Advantech

Cincinnati, OH – The Industrial Automation Group of Advantech introduces a lower cost version of their current TPC-66T 5.7” QVGA TFT LCD touch panel computer.  The TPC-66T-E2BE version comes with 64 colors, 320 x 240 resolution and an Intel® low power consuming CPU and heat sink to achieve a unique fanless design.

The low voltage processor (Intel XScale PXA270 312 MHz) with an LED backlight is very power efficient and with its 320 x 240 resolution provides a clear display for its compact size. The TPC-66T-E2BE provides multiple standard communication ports (two RS-232, one RS-485, one Ethernet, and one USB) allowing connectivity with a variety of peripherals.

The TPC-66T-E2BE supports Microsoft® Windows™ CE and comes with a NEMA®4/IP65 front panel resilient enough to withstand the harsh conditions of any industrial environment.

For more information, contact Advantech at 1-800-205-7940 or email at eAinfo@advantech.com.

www.advantech.com

EtherNet/IP™ Machine-Mount I/O Blocks from Balluff

Florence, KY – Balluff’s new line of EtherNet/IP™ machine-mount I/O blocks provides seamless communication down to the sensors and actuators and, along with supporting cables and accessories, offers immediate cost savings with long-term performance.

The comprehensive line of EtherNet/IP™ products includes twelve versions of machine-mount I/O blocks, an IP 67 unmanaged switch, network cables and accessories. At the heart of the line are the I/O blocks. These blocks have a low initial cost per point and are designed to save money over the life of the system with maximum uptime and easy maintenance.

Fast and easy IP addressing can be accomplished using BOOTP/ DHCP, through an IP67 IP Address Plug (IPAP), via a pushbutton display (100 series only), or web pages. Backlit for easy reading, the addressable display shows all the octets of the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway address while push buttons allow for easy adjustment of any octet of the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway address. Detachable for rapid module replacement, the IPAP stores the module’s addressing information in a convenient quick-disconnect unit.

Certified by ODVA to ensure interoperability, these I/O blocks operate at up to 100 Mbit/s speeds. The Ethernet cordset attachment point uses a rugged metal threaded M12 D-coded port. Balluff also offers a full line of physical media, including M12 (D-code) connectors, RJ45 adapters, bulkheads, and any other accessory to complete an industrial Ethernet installation.

No other industrial network has seen a growth explosion like Industrial Ethernet. The rapid growth is fueled by the seamless communication from plant level down to the sensors and actuators. With high-speed, deterministic throughput and the proven reliability of the physical layer, Industrial Ethernet networks will continue to grow for years to come.

EtherNet/IP™ has become a popular network for connecting field devices to centralized control solutions from Allen Bradley™ and other suppliers. EtherNet/IP™ allows designers to seamlessly integrate a broad range of compatible connectivity products from many manufacturers.

For further information, visit: www.balluff.com/us

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