I/O specifications issued.

The CAN in Automation association (CiA) has released new versions of the profile series for modular I/O devices (CiA 401), inclinometers (CiA 410), electrical drives (CiA 402), and photovoltaic systems (CiA 437). CiA profiles specify parameters for devices with CAN interfaces. Additionally, the specifications provide mappings to CANopen CC (classic) and optional to CANopen FD (for I/O devices and inclinometers) or to J1939 (only for inclinometers).

CiA has developed more than one 100 profile specifications. They feature off-the-shelf plug-and-play capability, which simplifies system integration. By means of configuration, the user can enable optional functionality. The CiA 401 specification series is one of the most implemented CiA profiles. It covers modular I/O devices as well as dedicated I/O interfaces such as for joysticks. The CiA 402 profile is specified in IEC the 61800-7-201/301 standard series. It covers frequency inverters, servo controllers, and stepper motors. The new CiA 402 version supports 64-bit parameters and some additional homing modes.

The CiA 401 and the CiA 410 series have been restructured. The Part B specifies the process parameters and the associated configuration parameters. Part C describes the mapping to CANopen CC application layer (CiA 301), and Part F provides the mapping to CANopen FD application layer (CiA 1301). The CiA 410-J specification contains the mapping to the J1939 application layer, often used in commercial vehicles. CiA plans to develop the CiA 401-J document specifying a joystick parameter mapping to J1939. The CiA 437 application profile covers all interfaces for CANopen CC devices used in photovoltaic systems. This document series has been improved only editorially.

CiA members can download all CiA documents. Non-members can subscribe to download certain CiA specifications. Some CiA documents are available free of charge. CANopen CC is one of the most implemented communication technologies in embedded control applications. The CiA 402 specification series is the market-leading profile for drives and motion controllers. It has been also adapted by several non-CAN communication systems.

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@CANopen #PAuto #Communcations

Inclination sensor defies shocks and vibrations!

The IMU F99 inclination sensor from Pepperl+Fuchs, provides stable inclination values for mobile use on construction machinery or robots. An integrated gyroscope compensates for accelerations, enabling precise inclination measurement. This makes the IMU F99 sensor a significantly better choice than conventional static inclination sensors.

Inclination sensors are capable of delivering extremely precise values in stationary conditions, but their measurements can be distorted by acceleration effects. However, in applications such as excavators, wheel loader buckets, and the booms of agricultural machines, inclination values are often required during movement. Conventional static inclination sensors are based on the measurement of gravitational force, but they also react to any other forces.

As the acceleration changes, so does the inclination value. In vehicles and mobile devices, this means that accelerating, braking, centrifugal forces in bends, and any vibrations while driving can distort the measured value. These influences must be compensated for to achieve dynamic inclination measurement. For this reason, Pepperl+Fuchs has developed the innovative IMU F99 device series for mobile inclination measurements. The addition of a rotation rate sensor (gyroscope) enables the sensor to perform dynamic inclination measurement. This allows precise inclination values to be recorded even during movement.

The IMU F99 sensor can therefore be used on all mobile machines for position detection, control and positioning of booms, anti-fall-over systems, steering angle restriction, and weighing systems.

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@PepperlFuchsUSA @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Transportation

Inclination sensors.

The inclination sensor SMX.igs-e is the first product of a completely newly developed generation of inclination and gyro sensors by Sensor-Technik Wiedemann (STW), which is based on the use of MEMS sensor technology. This family is part of a new, future-oriented software and hardware platform. In addition, the STW software Toolchain openSYDE is supported, which allows easy integration of the SMX.igs-e into an existing application and which is used during the initial operation of sensors.

The SMX.igs-e is used to measure the inclination angle of an object in relation to the earth's gravity field. The sensor technology used in combination with a compact and robust aluminum housing is ideal for applications in mobile machines and harsh environmental conditions. The measurement values are made available via a CAN interface. This enables easy integration of the sensor into existing systems.

The sensors allow one- or two-dimensional inclination measurements in the range of 360° as well as +/- 90°. The resolution is +/- 0.01°, the achievable accuracy is 0.3°. Internal filter algorithms are available to improve the accuracy of the measured values. This way the influences of parasitic accelerations can be reduced. A robust metal housing with integrated status LED completes the system. At the start of distribution, the sensors will be offered with a CAN interface. The CANopen and SAE J1939 protocol variants will be available at the beginning of 2021. All sensors are factory calibrated before delivery and have CE and E1 approval.

In addition, the STW Toolchain openSYDE is supported, which allows fast and comfortable integration of the sensor into existing and new applications. Preconfigured projects and dashboards support the fast and uncomplicated initial operation of SMX sensors.

The inclination sensors are often used in combination with other STW sensors or control units in the following applications:

• Determination of the inclination for driving and working movements e.g. determination of the position of a digger scoop or a concrete pump
• Ensuring the stability of vehicles with booms, e.g. cranes, lifting platforms, fire department turntable ladders
• Position monitoring/inclination warning for mobile machines to ensure gear lubrication in applications with oil pan lubrication
• Leveling of vehicles and/or attachments e.g. in the agricultural sector for the alignment and adjustment of sieves and threshing units in harvesting machines
• For limiting the steer angle of a vehicle at critical lean angles
• Reduction or avoidance of strong ship fluctuations due to wave movements
• Adaptive adjustment of the brake pressure taking into account the inclination, e.g. in a harvester, to avoid excessive use of the brake system due to high brake pressures.

The SMX.igs-e is part of the STW sensor modular system for mobile hydraulics. It offers various products for the acquisition of physical parameters such as temperature, pressure, strain, inclination and angular velocity, as well as pressure switches also in a functionally safe design. In mobile machines, the measurement values are used, among other things, for monitoring and controlling the drive, the work function or the energy management and can also be made available on the Internet with onboard software and cloud solutions from STW, e.g. for predictive maintenance measures. In addition, STW sensors are characterized by their particular resilience and durability.

The Toolchain openSYDE, which STW makes available to its customers as open source, has been developed for automation specialists for construction machines, municipal vehicles, tractors etc. It is the integrating software with which users can design, develop, configure and service their applications throughout their entire life cycle.

@mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Transportation #Manufacture

Prevent heavy equipment from falling over.

Memsic has launched a new product family, the MTLT series of Inclination and Tilt Sensors. Samples of the first three family members in MTLT series, the MTLT110S-R, MTLT105S-R and MTLT105D-R are currently available for evaluation.

The MTLT family of tilt sensors are appropriate for a wide range of static and dynamic applications in construction and industrial markets such as boom tilt monitoring, bucket loader roll back protection, PV/CSP solar tracking systems and others.

All three products are IP67 rated inclinometers with an integrated RS-232 interface and flying lead cable operating from a 9 V to 32 V single supply. The MTLT105S and MTLT110S are designed for applications needing < 0.5 degree and < 1.0 degree accuracy, respectfully, over the full operating temperature range.

“Vibration and vehicle motion have caused problems for inclinometers for years, forcing customers to either sacrifice response time by heavily filtering the output of a static inclinometer or buy more expensive IMU solutions with more capability than they need,” said James Fennelly, Memsic Product Marketing Manager. “The MTLT105D gives customers a new cost effective choice that does not sacrifice response time.”

The MTLT sensors also include programmable tilt alarms for tilt safety applications. The alarm can be programmed to be triggered to activate when the tilt exceeds a specified threshold. The tilt alarm can also be used to lock out controls or trigger an alarm or warning light. It is an all-in-one tilt safety solution eliminating the need for an external microprocessor to interpret tilt angles.

The MTLT family achieves the best price and performance by utilizing Micro Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors, extensive over temperature calibration, and Memsic’s SmartSensingTM technology that was recently developed and deployed in Memsic’s industry leading Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) and Attitude Heading Reference Systems (AHRS) products. SmartSensingTM technology provides users with unmatched sensor fusion and performance in critical motion sensing applications. Each unit is fully calibrated over temperature providing confidence in safety applications.

#PAuto #Memsic 

New product catalogue for position sensors

Sensors for distance, angle and inclination – with application examples

With its new product catalogue ASM provides engineers with a practical decision-making tool for selecting the right position sensor.

Whether distance, angle or inclination, ASM offers with six innovative product lines sensor solutions for a wide variety of applications requiring feedback position sensors. The company is known for three decades for the production of high-quality sensors.

With this new catalog it provides not only an overview of the unique product range with technical specifications. The operating principle of each sensor line is described in detail, too. Along with many application examples, design engineers receive a reference tool for the selection of the right sensor technology and therefore the most suitable model.

Inclination sensors!

The new, liquid-based BSI inclination sensors from Balluff detect deviations to the horizontal on an axis over a full 360° contact-free and absolutely. With an extremely high accuracy of 0.1°C, a resolution of 0.01° and a temperature drift of just 0.01% /10K, they are the ideal choice when, in complex applications, inclination angles need to be precisely detected or rotary movements must be constantly tracked.

BSI inclination sensors feature a compact and robust metal housing with an enclosure rating of IP 67 and can be easily installed in systems with limited space. With an expanded temperature range of -40°C to + 85°C, the sensors are virtually predestined for outdoor applications.

The highly precise, high-end sensors show their true strength, howev-er, where deviations from the horizontal or to the vertical axis are to be determined with high resolution and accuracy: e.g., in wind power stations, in solar-thermal power plants, oil and gas production plants and in medical technology, for example, in computer tomography and irradiation facilities.

Balluff BSI inclination sensors are based on a capacitive measuring principle and are equipped with a liquid-based measuring cell. These consist of four capacitors filled with a liquid dielectric. Depending on the inclination of the sensor, the "horizon" of this medium covers the capacitors differently, causing the capacitance – as measure for the inclination angle – to change. The analog output signal from 4 – 20mA is scaled linearly over the angular range of 360°C.

Analog and Digital Servo Inclinometer

Meggitt Sensing Systems has announced the North American market introduction of the Sensorex SX41100 series, a high-performance servo inclinometer family featuring analog and digital outputs and a maximum linearity error of less than ±0.02% FS. The series is designed to provide high-precision angular measurements within extreme testing environments, such as those typically found within civil structural alignment, crane and offshore platform safety systems, roadway and rail track leveling applications.

The highly robust Sensorex SX41100 series is designed to provide an output signal, proportional to the angle being measured, over a range of ±1° to ±70°. The series is also part of the company’s best-selling Rugged Enhanced Digital Sensor (REDS) family, incorporating Meggitt’s own proprietary Sensorex digital hybrid compensation circuit design (HCN module), resulting in high-performance inclinometers with ±5V analog, 4-20 mA or RS232 and RS485 ASCII digital outputs and built-in active digital temperature compensation, reliably operating over a temperature range of -40° to +85°C (-40° to +185°F).  Incorporation of an inertial mass with servo feedback, optical position pick-up and friction free mounting allow the Sensorex SX41100 series to provide high accuracy with excellent long term stability and high reliability. Because the inertial mechanism is immersed in oil, units have high shock and vibration resistance with a good damping factor.  Units also operate from a 9-30V unipolar power supply and feature IP65 environmental sealing.  Digital versions are delivered with software and digital data transmitted in ASCII format, allowing for direct communication with a standard PC, along with user-selectable parameters of data acquisition and display.

All Sensorex SX41100 series servo inclinometers are accompanied by a two-year comprehensive product warranty and are available thru Meggitt’s San Juan Capistrano, California, USA and Archamps, France-based facilities.

MEMS based inclination

New MEMS-based inclinometer with linear output

ASM has a new inclinometer, the PTAM27L series, based upon MEMS technology for single and dual axis tilt angle measurement. The compact, flat housing was designed for OEM applications. For single axis versions, the measurement ranges span from±15° to ±180°, in increments of 15°. For dual axis versions, the measurement ranges span from ±15° to ± 60°, in increments of 15°.

The new series is an extension of the POSITILT® family of MEMS based inclinometers. This wear-free sensing technology offers high resolution and is shock resistant. The housing is rated IP64 and with a height of only 10mm, the PTAM27L can be easily installed into the tightest locations.

The maximum measurement range is ±180° for the single axis and ±60°, both are available in increments of 15°.

Several analog outputs and the corresponding excitation voltages are available:

U2L = 0.5…10 V with 18…36 VDC,
U6L = 0.5…4.5 V with 5 V DC ±5% (ratiometric),
U8L = 0.5…4.5 V with 10…36 VDC and
I1L = 4…20 mA with 18…36 VDC.

The PTAM27L offers 0.1° resolution,±1° linearity and ±100 x 10-6/ C° temperature stability. The operating temperature range is 0 to 60 C° full scale.

Plug fest!

CANopen plug-fest for encoders and inclinometers

Plugfest is great and descriptive name coined by CiA here. Hosted by Systeme Helmholz several CiA members connected their CANopen encoders and inclinometers to CANopen PLCs from Systeme Helmholz and ifm electronic.

After establishing SDO and PDO communication as well as Heartbeat, the linked devices were stressed by means of high busload. Other dynamic tests included high-frequently transmitted Sync messages, to which the sensors responded with PDOs (synchronous operation). Just a few minor problems were detected such as not 100 per cent matching electronic data sheets (EDS).

“It is sometimes quite hard to cause the CANopen sensors to send Emergency messages,” said Holger Zeltwanger, CiA Managing Director, “due to the robustness and reliable CAN low layers.”

The companies ifm, Leine & Linde, Mobil Elektronik, Pepperl + Fuchs, and Wachendorff participated in the plug-fest with sensors. These products are used in factory and machine automation as well as in mobile machines. CiA will schedule another plug-fest for encoders and inclinometers in autumn.

Wireless telemetry

New and Innovative Industrial Wireless Telemetry System Launched by LCM Systems

LCM Systems has a new and innovative wireless telemetry system for multiple data acquisition in real time. The T24 range is a versatile set of products, based around proprietary acquisition devices that can be mixed and matched to provide high quality remote readings for critical applications. The low power radio units allow data collection over many years with no sustained power, so are considerably more cost-effective than hardwired systems.

The main feature of the T24 is its modular design. One acquisition module can provide data to multiple output devices and the output devices can accept data from multiple acquisition modules. Any strain bridge, voltage or current output sensor can integrate with the T24 acquisition devices to create wireless instrumentation monitoring systems with a direct line of sight range of 120 metres, which can be further extended with the use of antennas and passive repeaters. Engineers at the company can provide advice and guidance about how the optimum system can be configured.

A number of Acquisition Modules are available. For strain gauges, there is a five-wire measurement device - the T24-SA, while the T24-VA voltage acquisition accepts 0-10V, and the T24-IA accepts 0-20mA, suitable for a wide range of sensors with a 4-20mA output. This means that a wide range of sensors can be wirelessly monitored including load cells, inclinometers, accelerometers, displacement LVDT, pressure, temperature, humidity, pH and shock.

Real time results from multiple inputs can be displayed on either a static or handheld device, both of which can be provided. Alternatively, a single acquisition output can be relayed using the T24-AO1 Analogue Output Module to a data logger.

Software and accessories include antennas and batteries, as well as the free of charge T24 Toolkit Software, a user-friendly Windows package for configuration and calibration of all T24 modules.

LCM Systems can offer a fully integrated system solution comprising of load cells and wireless telemetry products, packaged into a fully functional bespoke solution to meet customers’ specific requirements.

Weatherproof inclinometers

Sherborne Sensors Debuts LSW Series Weatherproof Servo Inclinometers

Sherborne Sensors has recently announced the launch of the LSW series, a range of highly rugged, single axis servo inclinometers, designed for high-reliability precision angular measurements within demanding all-weather environments.

Available in ranges from ±3° to ±90° and rugged to 1500 g mechanical shock, LSW Series inclinometer sensing elements are housed in a durable stainless steel case, environmentally sealed and weatherproof to IP67 (NEMA 6), with a field replaceable waterproof connector/cable system, should the cable become damaged in service. The LSW series range is offered with resolution down to 0.2 arc seconds (0.00006°) and with ±5 Vdc full range output. Units are fully self-contained and able to connect to a DC power source and a readout or control device to form a complete operating system. They are designed to reliably operate over a temperature range of -18 to +70°C (-0.4 to +158°F). Custom versions are also available to suit customer-specified application or conformance requirements.

With their unique weatherproof construction and exceptional measurement capabilities, the LSW Series is ideal for high precision measurements within physically challenging environments, adverse weather conditions, or where exceptionally high levels of shock and vibration are present, including offshore, industrial, military, civil engineering, borehole mapping applications, as well as geophysical and seismic studies.

All Sherborne Sensors LSW series weatherproof inclinometers are designed and manufactured at our AS9100B certified manufacturing facility, are 100% factory tested and calibrated prior to shipment and are accompanied by a two-year comprehensive product warranty. The LSW series is also included under the company's new Guaranteed On-Time Delivery program.

Electronic clinometer

Sherborne Sensors has announced the AccuStar® electronic clinometer, designed to provide precision angular measurements within applications where a high degree of accuracy is required.

The unique design of the AccuStar® incorporates a capacitance-based sensor without moving parts. When rotated about its sensitive axis, this sensor provides a fundamentally linear variation in capacitance, which is electronically converted into high-precision angular data.

Available in choice of analog, ratiometric, digital or serial models, this clinometer offers a ±60° measurement range, outputting a signal that corresponds to the direction and magnitude of angular displacement. The highly compact AccuStar® measures just two inches (50 mm) in diameter and weighs just two ounces (60 grams) for easy installation, with units designed to reliably operate in temperatures of -30 to +65°C. The sensor and its associated low-power CMOS electronics are encased in a rugged plastic housing.

With its durable, high-performance design, it is ideal for a multitude of applications, including off-highway vehicles, wheel alignment, construction equipment, antenna positioning and robotics applications, as well as other portable or mobile applications where space constraints or environmental concerns preclude the use of other types of precision angle measurement devices.

All AccuStar® Electronic Clinometers are 100% tested and calibrated at the factory prior to shipment, and are accompanied by a two-year comprehensive warranty. The product is also included under the new Sherborne Sensors Guaranteed On-Time Delivery program.

Inclinometers for US market

Sherborne Sensors has announced the North American market introduction of the LSI series, a family of cost-effective, rugged, closed loop gravity referenced servo inclinometers. The LSI series is specially designed to withstand severe shock and vibration inputs, for precision measurement capabilities in even the most demanding of environments.

The LSI series incorporates a unique, flexure-supported torque balancing system, which is rugged enough to withstand shock inputs of 1500 g, yet still provides excellent accuracy and repeatability over a wide operating temperature range. For added durability, sensor components and associated electronics are contained within IP64 environmentally sealed housing. Units are available in ranges of ±14.5°, ±30° and ±90°, and offer a high level, 5-Volt analog DC-output signal, proportional to sine of the angle of tilt. LSI series models are fully self-contained, and are able to connect to a DC power source and a readout or control device, to form a complete operating system. These robust units are ideal for use in civil engineering, structural monitoring, geophysical and seismic studies, machinery and structural alignment, pipeline leveling, crane safety and satellite antenna leveling applications, among others. Recommended accessories include bi-polar power supplies and the new DTI series digital panel indicator, which allows a user to read outputs directly in degrees.

LSI series inclinometers are 100% factory tested and calibrated, and are issued with a calibration certificate prior to shipment. The units carry a two-year comprehensive warranty, and are part of the new Sherborne Sensors Guaranteed On-Time Delivery program. In addition, they offer the added benefits of ISO9001: 2000 certified manufacturing, extensive applications engineering support, global technical sales presence, repair, refurbishment and calibration services, stocking programs, and continuous product improvements.

Inclinometers

Compact Inclinometers for OEM applications introduced

ASM has introduced its smallest addition to the POSITILT® inclinometer series that is available in single and dual axis versions. By using MEMS technology, this new inclinometer PTAM20 series is packaged into a very compact, flat housing making it ideally suited for OEM applications. The measurement range for the single axis version is available from +/- 15° to +/- 180°, in increments of 15°. For the dual axis version, the measurement range is available from +/- 15° to +/- 60°, in increments of 15°.

Due to its small size of 7mm in height and 48 mm in diameter, the PTAM20 series inclinometer has been designed to fit into the tightest locations in OEM applications. The enclosure is rated IP60 which is suitable for many instrumentation functions.

The maximum measurement range for the single axis version is +/- 180° and +/- 60° for each axis in the dual axis version. Each version is available with smaller ranges in +/- 15° increments. Several analogue output types are available: 0.5-4.5 V, 0.5-10 V and 4-20 mA.
The resolution is 0.05° and the linearity is up to +/- 0.5°. Each version offers high shock resistance.