Micron – The Measurement Sensor
Published on : Thursday 04-04-2024
This article explains the potential of the Micron measurement sensor with an application example.
For all industrial and civil applications detecting, measuring, and recognising objects, ReeR, the biggest manufacturer of safety sensors in Italy, and one of the major ones in the world presents, Micron – the measurement sensor.
Depending on the number and position of the beams engaged by an object, Micron can provide real time information to a PLC or PC to: detect the presence or absence of objects, perform a count, detect a position, detect a shape or a profile and measure dimensions.
The reduced overall dimensions: section of only 28x30 mm, the versatility and reliability that characterises the entire range of ReeR’s products, make this new measurement sensor ideal in the measurement of the height or two-dimensional detection of objects in transit on conveyor systems application.
The Micron range offers different solutions:
• Models MI AV equipped with 2 analog output (0-10 VDC) with programmable functions and 2 programmable digital outputs.
• Models MI AC equipped with 2 analog output (4-20 mA) with programmable functions and 2 programmable digital outputs.
These two models, with a simple programming interface, allow any measurement.Ideal solution for object measurement and detection of dimensional limits.
The configuration software, with graphic user interface, is supplied with each measurement light curtains.
• Models MI B equipped with an RS-485 serial interface with programmable functions and two programmable digital outputs.
Solution provides complete and detailed information on the status of each beam via the RS 485 serial line – Ideal for dimensional measurement, detection of object profile and position.
These three models, by means of the two solid state outputs, provide further On/Off information related to the occurrence of the programmed conditions.
The configuration software allows the configuration of the operating parameters: operating logic (conditions for output activation), parameters of the RS 485 serial line (transmission method, baud rate, parity, start-stop characters, binary, hex, ascii format, measurement time, etc).
• Models MI C equipped with two antivalent solid state outputs ‘status of the controlled area’.
Solution provide simple On/Off information related to the status of the controlled area – Ideal for piece counting and detection of object presence/absence in the controlled field.
• Models IOL – IOL models with IO-Link protocol. These models allow the transfer of all measurement and detection data via the IO-Link communication protocol.
With Micron IOL the IODD file (IO Device Description) is provided. This file contains the description of the device in electronic format: communication properties, range of parameter values and default values, identification, process and diagnostic data, device data, textual description and image.
This file must be loaded into the configuration of the Master IO-Link via the interface (tool) for configuring the Master itself.
The IO-Link
IO-Link is a point-to-point serial communication protocol. This protocol (open standard based) allows the bi-directional exchange of data from sensors and the IO-Link Master.
The IO-Link Master can transmit the received data over Fieldbuses, Networks of different buses, making the data accessible for other devices (i.e., PLC or interfaces).
Each IO-Link sensor carries an IODD file (IO Device Description) containing device information and features. The structure of the IODD description is the same for all IO-Link device manufacturers.
In the Master IO-Link configuration tool, the structure of the IODD description is always the same. In this way, the same methods of use are guaranteed for all IO-Link devices regardless of the manufacturer.
There are three primary data types made available via IO-Link communication:
Process Data refers to the information that the device reads and transmits to the master – such as the measure reading during machine cycles
Service Data – also called Device Data – refers to information about the sensor itself
Event Data refers to notifications such as error messages or maintenance warnings.
Application example
To explain the potential of the micron measurement sensor, let us look at a particular application: the use of a Micron Measurement Light Curtains in Automatic Car Wash Systems.
In order to achieve significant cost savings and reduce environmental impact, modern car wash facilities allow to adjust the quantity of detergent dispensed and to select the most appropriate washing program automatically. It is not therefore enough to measure the height of the vehicle and consequently adjust the movement of the brushes, but it becomes necessary to recognise dimensional characteristics and shape of the vehicle.
(Please refer to the Safety Guide on ReeR Website www.reersafety.com for more information.)
Founded in Turin (Italy) in 1959, ReeR distinguished itself for its strong commitment to innovation and technology. A steady growth throughout the years allowed ReeR to become a point of reference in the safety automation industry at a worldwide level. The Safety Division is in fact today a world leader in the development and manufacturing of safety optoelectronic sensors and controllers.
ReeR is ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certified.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
For a deeper dive into the dynamic world of Industrial Automation and Robotic Process Automation (RPA), explore our comprehensive collection of articles and news covering cutting-edge technologies, robotics, PLC programming, SCADA systems, and the latest advancements in the Industrial Automation realm. Uncover valuable insights and stay abreast of industry trends by delving into the rest of our articles on Industrial Automation and RPA at www.industrialautomationindia.in