Analog becomes Digital.

Converter digitises up to three analogue signals – compact, rugged, and ideal for retrofits in harsh industrial environments.

Analog sensors remain a staple in many industrial environments – reliable and robust, but not digitally connected. To help bring this legacy technology into modern automation systems, STEGO has introduced the IOC 074 IO-Link Converter. This compact device transforms analog signals into digital process data and transmits them via the IO-Link protocol – enabling efficient retrofitting of existing infrastructures.

The IOC 074 is the first IO-Link converter on the market capable of digitizing up to three analog signals (4–20 mA and 0–20 mA) simultaneously. With dimensions of just 14 mm in diameter and 63 mm in length, it is perfectly suited for tight installation spaces, control cabinets, enclosures or compact system layouts. Its stainless steel housing is rated IP65, IP66, and IP67, offering reliable protection even in harsh industrial environments.

Installation is straightforward: the converter is connected between the analog sensor and the IO-Link master using standard M12 connectors and cables. A universal pipe clip is included for secure and flexible mounting.

No calculations needed.
Configuration is fully software-based using IO-Link tools such as “LR-Device” and the corresponding IODD file. Users can easily define measurement ranges for temperature, pressure, or other physical parameters.

The IOC 074 handles the scaling automatically and supplies pre-processed values to the control system – with no need for manual conversions or additional hardware. This makes it a user-friendly solution that integrates seamlessly into existing infrastructures and significantly simplifies commissioning.

Future-ready retrofit.
For machine builders, plant operators, or retrofit projects in manufacturing, the IOC 074 delivers real added value: analog sensors can be upgraded to IO-Link with minimal effort. This not only enables integration into modern control systems but also enhances process transparency and operational efficiency. This is a smart, straightforward, and cost-effective path toward digitalization in industrial environments - a practical answer to the challenges of connected manufacturing.

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@UkStego @stego_de @PresseBox #PAuto #Manufacturing

Analogue-to-digital converter.

Analog Devices (ADI) has introduced the AD7134 alias-free analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) that significantly simplifies front-end design and speeds up time to market for precision DC-350kHz applications. Traditional precision data-acquisition signal chain design is a time-consuming activity as designers balance anti-alias filter requirements, passive component tolerances, phase and gain errors, as well as high-speed ADC drive requirements. The AD7134 introduces a new architecture for precision ADCs that fundamentally changes the design process. The new device removes the need for anti-alias filter, and its resistive input significantly simplifies ADC drive.

• Data sheet, order samples and evaluation boards • Connect with engineers and ADI product experts on EngineerZone™, the online technical support community • Watch a video about the AD7134  • Read the technical article about AC and DC data acquisition signal chains

The AD7134 is a quad-channel, 24-bit precision ADC with output data rate scalable from 10SPS to 1.5MSPS. Inherent anti-aliasing up to 102 dB eliminates the need for an external anti-alias filter, thus requiring 60 fewer passive components and five fewer active components. It also saves 70% board area, relative to a typical alternative implementation. Asynchronous sample-rate converter, simplifies multi-device synchronization, enables user to achieve coherent sampling system with ease, and simplifies isolation requirements.

AD7134 Key Features: • Alias-Free: inherent antialias rejection up to 102.5dB, typical • THD: -120dB typical (ideal for AC, vibration or acoustic measurements) • 108dB Dynamic Range (at ODR = 374kSPS) • Multiple Linear Phase Digital Filter Options (SINC6 for low latency, FIR for passband flatness) • Offset error drift: 0.7uV/°C typical • Gain drift: 2ppm/°C typical

@ADI_News #PAuto 

Monitoring/Control analogue & digital.

The new SHD 200 control unit from Krohne can be used with any 4-20mA/HART field device for monitoring of process parameters and additional control functionality in various industries.

Beyond the functionality of a pure loop powered display, the SHD 200 offers a second current output (passive) that can be used for any HART variable provided by the field device. Thus, digital HART information can now be transmitted by an additional analogue 4-20 mA signal. The second current output can also be used for LEDs for signalisation of the field device status according to NAMUR NE 107 and for backlight.

The SHD 200 also features two programmable relays for status output, system alarm or limit switch functionality. By combining the input and output options, SHD 200 can be used for basic control applications: examples are displaying static and differential pressure with limit switch valve opening function in DP flow applications, simple dosing in pH value control applications or control of heating and cooling processes using the temperature values/ temperature difference of two temperature sensors.

When used as a display, SHD 200 provides convenient displaying of 4-20 mA and/or HART values via customer-specific measurement pages. It shows up to four different values for detailed process monitoring, including trend graph and summary page. Full access to all specific functions of the field device is possible via a HART handheld that can be connected to the SHD 200 via the internal or the optional external adapter.

 @krohnegroup #PAuto #HART

Loop splitter/retransmitter

QLS Quad Loop Splitter splits one 4-20 mA loop into four independent loops 

Laurel Electronics' Model QLS is a quad output 4-20 mA loop splitter and retransmitter with ±10V common mode isolation between inputs and outputs.

Problems occur when the same 4-20 mA signal from a transmitter needs to be sent to multiple devices, such as meters, recorders and PLCs. If the devices are in series in the same loop, they cannot share a common ground, but must be electrically floating. This is often not possible. When any device in the loop is removed, fails or if a wiring fault occurs, all other devices in the loop also loose their 4-20 mA signal. The transmitter voltage compliance limit may be exceeded, since the voltage drops across loads in series are additive. Also, the 4-20 mA signal to each device cannot be individually adjusted for calibration purposes.

Model QLS solves these problems by sourcing up to four (4) independently adjustable 4-20 mA outputs from a single input. The outputs can share a common ground. The input and outputs are mutually isolated to ±10V by means of active circuitry to accommodate differences in local grounds with normal industrial grounding practices. If any device in an output loop is removed from a loop or fails, or if a wiring fault occurs, the other loops continue to operate properly. Each loop only drives a single load, avoiding compliance problems. The input to the quad loop splitter can be 4-20 mA, 1-5V, 0-5V or 0-10V, as selected by jumpers. An excitation output is provided on the signal input side to a drive a 2- or 3-wire transmitter at 24 Vdc and up to 30 mA.

Each output loop has two potentiometers for ±10% fine adjustment of zero and span, a yellow LED lamp to indicate loop continuity, and a test point across a 10-ohm series resistor, where 200 mV corresponds to 20 mA. This allows a multimeter to be used to measure the loop current without breaking the loop.

Safe processing of analogue values

The new automation system PSS 4000 from Pilz, now includes safe analogue input modules, which significantly extend the system’s application range. Modular, fine-granular hardware gives the automation system flexibility, enabling the design to be tailored exactly to the requirements of the plant or machine.

The control system PSSuniversal PLC of the automation system PSS 4000 now has various head modules available, to which I/O modules can be connected individually. The head modules are available in different performance classes, either for control functions, for a local preprocessing function or in the form of a pure communication interface for SafetyNET p. All head modules can be used for standard control tasks as well as safety-related control functions up to SIL3 of IEC 61508.

Applications – safe and decentralised
Applications requiring safe, decentralised recording of analogue values are now accessible with the new, failsafe analogue input modules for PSS 4000: due to the redundant input data, a safety assessment in accordance with EN ISO 13849-1 PL e (Cat. 4) and EN/IEC 62061 SIL CL 3 can be achieved.

Two different modules are available for safety-related evaluation of voltage signals from -10 to +10 V or current signals from 0 to 25 mA.

Decentralised, safe recording of analogue values enables the installation work required in widely distributed plants to be reduced, thanks to short cable routes. At the same time, interference on the measuring lines is minimised, shielding measures can be reduced and compliance with installation regulations for control and power cables is much easier.

Analogue modules for extended application range
In addition to the modules for the normal application range, special versions of the module are also available for more extreme application areas. The modules have an identical function, but special measures enable them to be used under heightened environmental conditions – such as in a temperature range of -40 °C to +70 °C. Higher mechanical robustness values for vibration and shock stress also reduce the cost of mechanical compensation measures for items such as mechanical spring or absorption elements. Additional measures for control cabinet air conditioning or dehumidification are no longer needed.

Other potential application areas for safe analogue input modules include monitoring of valve positions, temperature or fill levels on process machinery, or in the field of building automation.