New Products

AS-Interface Module Designed for Easy Panel Mounting

Pepperl+Fuchs introduces the VBA-4E4A-KE-ZE/R AS-Interface Module with relay outputs.  The VBA-4E4A-KE-ZE/R extends Pepperl+Fuchs popular family of AS-Interface enclosure-mount KE I/O modules even further by delivering 4 inputs and 4 relay outputs with extended addressing in a single housing.  As a result, up to 62 modules with 248 standard PNP inputs and 248 SPST relay outputs can now be on a single network.

“While most automation applications are using about twice as many inputs as outputs, making the previous solution with 4 inputs and 3 outputs is a good fit. Modules built to the latest AS-Interfacestandard are simply a better fit if a 1:1 ratio between inputs and outputs are needed.  Certain valve control and conveyor applications come to mind”, says Helge Hornis, Ph D, Manager, Intelligent Systems Group.

Special sealed relays allow these AS-Interface modules to hold Class I Div 2 Groups A, B, C, D hazardous location approvals.  Input power is switchable from internal mode, where all inputs are powered from AS-Interface, to external mode, where all inputs are powered externally.  These AS-Interface modules feature removable, mechanical, and color coded terminals , with inputs for 2- and 3-wire sensors.  An M4 (3.0) master is required to use the VBA-4E4A-KE-ZE/R.  “The good news is that all Gateways and PLC Scanner Cards offered by Pepperl+Fuchs satisfy this latest master specification,” explains Hornis.

Learn more about VBA-4E4A-KE-ZE/R AS-Interface module with Relay Outputs.

System MT RFID Solution

The MTT3000 and MTT6000 family of long-range RFID systems operate at 2.45 GHz and provide up to six meters of read-range.  This RFID system is self-contained, with the reader and network interface integrated in a single industrial housing.  These long range RFID readersfeature built-in Ethernet TCP/IP, RS232 and RS485 ports, along with integrated frequency hoppingto ensure maximum read-reliability.  The IP65 housing with high visibility LED indicators allows for installation in most industrial environments.

“Long range RFID is indispensible when trying to track products that have a lot of position variability, which is pretty typical in large parts tracking, automotive assembly, and access controlapplications,” says Helge Hornis, Ph D, Manager Intelligent Systems Group.  “The MTT3000 and MTT6000 RFID reader family is an economical and robust long range solution ideally suited for flexible manufacturing systems where short-range read heads are impractical due to tag mounting or other mechanical limitations.”

The RFID readers provide three digital inputs used to control the reading operations.  Integrated outputs are used to indicate when tag data has been sent to the host.  This simple digital interfacemakes these solutions ideal for PLCs with limited communications ability.  Read-only tags feature a unique code number that never requires reprogramming.  Read-write tags provide up to 71 bytes of read/write memory.

“Our long range readers come with firmware that facilitates full barcode emulation,” says. Dr. Hornis.  “In older automation systems, a person may have used a handheld reader to scan a barcode on a work order and then perform the desired action.  MTT3000 and MTT6000 replace this process and make it far more efficient because tags are automatically read, and tests or control systems can be automatically controlled.”

Readers can be configured with 93 different frequency channels, or configured for conventional or adaptive frequency hopping. This allows several units to be mounted close together without any concerns for mutual interference.  Readers are designed to work out of the box without any required software. For users who wish to customize termination and prefix characters, string length and/or other parameters, configuration software is available.

The low-cost RFID tags that are completely sealed with integrated batteries can be mounted in the harshest conditions.  They are designed so that reading or writing the RFID tag does not deplete the tag memory any quicker and have typical life spans of five to seven years.  Tags have a low battery indicator for timely replacement.

Learn more about the System MT RFID Solution.

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High Resolution Ethernet IP Encoders

Up to 25 bit resolution provides highly accurate machine position or velocity feedback via popular industry-standard Ethernet/IP interface.

Pepperl+Fuchs introduces EVM58 Ethernet IP rotary encoders.  Available in single or multi-turn configurations, these rotary encoders provide highly accurate absolute machine position or velocity feedback to the system controller via an industry-standard Ethernet/IP interface.  Ethernet IP rotary encoders are also compatible with a variety of PLC controllers, including industry-standard PLC products from Rockwell Automation, Allen Bradley, and Schneider. This makes them well suited for material handling, automotive, and general factory automation applications.

“Ethernet IP rotary encoders deliver basic resolution up to 8192 steps per revolution (13 bits) and up to 4096 revolutions (12 bits), for overall resolution up to 25 bits. These encoders provide a very high positional count value, which is ideal for precisely dividing very long traverse distances into small measurable values,” says Dave Rubinski, Product Manager.

Ethernet IP rotary encoders come in standard 58mm diameter housings, with a solid 10mm shaft, and clamping flange design.  Diagnostic LEDs provide visual status indication to help users quickly correct problems and keep machines up and running.  M12 d-coded connectors simplify operationand are used to power, and facilitate connection to and from the encoder.  Ethernet IP rotary encoders can be used with cable pull devices to determine linear position feedback and transmit that feedback back to the controller. In addition to Ethernet/IP, Pepperl+Fuchs offers a complete family of encoders for CANopen-, DeviceNet-, PROFIBUS- and AS-Interface operation.

Learn more about High Resolution Ethernet IP Encoders.