Pepperl+Fuchs (www.pepperl-fuchs.com) has announced the launch of its LS680 Series Optical Data Couplers, which allow live video communication with its unique capability of transmitting signals, a feature that was previously not possible in material handling applications. Compared to other competitive models in the market, the LS680 provides a cutting-edge speed, which is 33 up to 50 times faster.

In an effort to make the product a true tamper-proof, plug and play solution, the company has specially designed it without the need for programming and operating controls such as switches, buttons or potentiometers.

“Live video can be very helpful for maintenance, diagnostics, and feedback, especially for very remote or inaccessible locations, like high bays in a warehouse,” Product Manager Jeff Allison said. “In the past, users may have to shut down a line and send a technician to trouble-shoot if there is overhang from a bay. Now, these issues can be addressed remotely with live video from the trouble spot, which saves time and makes for a more secure system.”

Its optical data transmitter enables it to transmit various industrial Ethernet topologies such as PROFINET, Ethernet IP, and TCP/IP on the same product. It can transmit signals from a distance of 0 to 150 meters, providing a threshold distance of 180 meters. LS680 advanced features allow it to consistently transmit data at a rate of 100 MBit/s through a 100 Base-TX interface.

The LS680 optical data coupler serves as a “virtual cable” replacing the physical Ethernet cable, which has inherent electrical and mechanical limitations, such as susceptibility to noise, wear and tear and inflexibility.