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| New sensor for industrial Ethernet MTS Sensors expands its Temposonics line of intelligent products with the R-Series EtherCAT sensor, a high-speed networking solution based on industrial Ethernet technology. The EtherCAT sensor, short for 'Ethernet for Control Automation Technology', is an innovative interface for industrial Ethernet that provides the fast industrial networking possible using the base Ethernet physical layer. Industrial Ethernet is based on traditional office-based networking, but is designed for greater durability and reliability required by the factory floor environment. The EtherCAT sensor enables high-speed data transfer between the plant floor and office to assist with statistical process control and computer aided design automation. The R-Series EtherCAT sensor can also synchronize to accurate clock signals, enabling high-speed deterministic control. The EtherCAT sensor is available for use with one to five position magnets depending on the particular network and can be customized to document position, velocity, acceleration, as well as customer-specific 'smart' functionality. The position resolution is accurate to 1µm, speed to 0.2 mm/s and a sensor update time of 100µs. The R-Series EtherCAT sensor also includes a built-in nonlinearity correction option for position accuracy as low as +/- 0.02 mm. Built-in diagnostic LEDs can indicate normal operation, programming mode, magnet not detected, missing external interface signals and insufficient or out-of-range input power. As with conventional PC network devices, additional LEDs indicate active network connections as well as Ethernet activity. The R-Series EtherCAT sensor comes standard with two integral communication line connections and a separate power supply input connection. These allow the designer flexibility to utilize standard stub line or 'daisy chain' topology connections depending on their system layout. R-Series EtherCAT sensors are available in the model RH, application housing, capable of hydraulic or pneumatic in-cylinder operation and rated for IP 67 operation for stroke lengths up to 7.6 m. It is also available in the model RP housing, convenient for mounting to machine surfaces via mounting brackets, and rated for IP 65 operation at stroke lengths up to 5 m. Optional polyurethane cables are available in both configurations for increased flexibility and durability at extreme temperatures. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Construction News :: home page |