Photoelectric sensors for industrial IoT are slimline

Slim photoelectric sensors have been announced, as the first part of its Bulgin’s automation sensor series. The SL series sensors are designed specifically for manufacturing automation and industrial automation proximity sensing operations. They are, says Bulgin, a cost-effective and flexible sensor the implementation of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

The sensor interface converts a photonic input to an analogue or digital output. It can be used to detect distance, presence or absence of an object using a light transmitter and a photoelectric receiver, featuring a typical light point diameter of 5.0mm at 30mm. The diffuse reflective sensor can be used to detect objects from one to 40mm away with a response time of less than 0.5 milliseconds.

The body of the sensor measures just 30 x 16 x 4.5mm, to save space on the assembly line. The SL series features a waterproof and dustproof seal to any standard M5 interface as well as a high degree of mechanical and electrical stability, says Bulgin.

The IP67-rated sensors are made with robust casing stainless steel 316 material and can withstand a high degree of physical impact. They are vibration tested to 10 to 50Hz double amplitudes (X, Y and Z in each direction for two hours) and shock and bump tested to 1000m/s² (X, Y and Z in each direction six times).

The SL series is available with or without an M5 connector, and the cables are two metres in length. Both NPN and PNP output options are available.

Bulgin manufactures a range of rugged connectors, fuse holders, battery holders, switches and indicators designed for use in the most challenging of environments. Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, Bulgin also has offices in all key global regions and an extensive sales and distribution network spanning 65 countries. Its manufacturing facilities are based in the UK and Tunisia.

http://www.bulgin.com

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Power supplies’ triple isolated outputs suit robotic controllers

For factory automation applications, Cosel has unveiled what it believes is the first integrated power solution for robotic controllers.  The RBC200F is a 200W, open-frame, configurable AC/DC power supply with triple outputs tailored for robotic controllers and factory automation.

The Cosel RB series offers three configurable isolated outputs, with one having a reinforced isolation to power intelligent gate bipolar transistors (IGBT) or equivalent applications. It is certified to EN62477-1 Over Voltage Category (OVC) III, by reducing the need for an extra isolation transformer when connected to a distribution panel, ensuring that the RBC200F power supply simplifies the design process for systems architects while reducing costs, claims Cosel. The RBC200F is digitally controlled on the input and output stages to reduce energy consumption.

The RBC200F accepts input voltages of 84 to 264V AC and delivers an output power of 207W. It is designed for convection cooling and can be operated from -20 to +70 degrees C at an altitude up to 3000m, or 9000m in the case of storage. The RBC200F can be installed in any orientation and under standard mounting (horizontal orientation); derating starts from 50 degrees C under convection cooling.

To reduce complexity, the RBC200F features three independent outputs. The master output can deliver 24V adjustable 22.8 to 26.4V, or 48V adjustable 45.6 to 52.8V with 144W output power. The second output can host configured modules of 3.3V/5A ; 5V/5A ; 12V/2.5A ; 16.5V/1.9A ; 24V/1.3A ; 48V/0.65A ; ± 12V/0.7A and ±15V/0.7A with a power of 16.5 to 30W depending on the output voltage. The third output can host any of the single output voltage modules in the same power level. For higher voltages, outputs can be connected in series. All output voltages are adjustable via a built-in potentiometer.

The master output DC/DC converter is based on an LLC resonant topology to optimise efficiency when the second and third outputs are using quasi-resonant-flyback topology.

The RBC200F as an input to output isolation of 3000V AC, and an input to ground isolation of 2000V AC. The isolation voltage between the three outputs has been optimised for robotic controllers applications. Isolation between the master output and output two corresponds to a functional isolation of 500V AC when the isolation between the master output, output two and the third output is reinforced to 3000V AC.

Certified to IEC/EN62477-1 OVC III and complying with EN61558-2-16, the RBC200F can be directly connected to the installation distribution panel, eliminating the need for an additional isolation transformer.

The reinforced isolation of output three is suitable to supply voltages to IGBTs or IPMs, which reduces the number of power supplies required to power robotic controllers and high power modules in factory automation. By integrating a reinforced isolated output, the ‘three in one’ RBC200F has an equivalent footprint 40 per cent lower than conventional solutions, claims Cosel.

The RBC200F has built-in inrush current limitation, over-current, over-voltage, as well as thermal protection.

The RBC200F is certified in accordance to UL62368-1, C-UL (equivalent to CAN/CSA-C22.2 No.62368-1), EN62368-1, EN62477-1 (OVC III) and complies with EN61558-2-16 (OVC III).

The RBC200F has a built-in active input filter, and conducted noise complies with FCC-B, VCCI-B, CISPR11-B, CISPR32-B, EN55011-B, EN55032-B and the harmonic current emission with the IEC61000-3-2 (class A).

In accordance with IEC62368-1, Cosel’s RBC200F has a leakage current of 0.40 to 0.75mA maximum, though for applications requiring lower levels, the option G offers a leakage current of 0.15mA maximum.

The RBC200F measures 101 x 38.3 x 152mm (3.98 x 1.5 x 5.98 inches), or 101 x 38.3 x 164 mm (3.98 x 1.5 x 6.46 inches) if including a terminal block. Weight is 450 grams. An optional chassis with cover is available on request, as well as a vertical mounting terminal block. In the case of harsh or corrosive environments, a conformal coating option is available (Option C).

The RBC200F has a five-year warranty.

https://www.coseleurope.eu

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Platform protects comms between smart factory and the cloud

At the Hannover Fair next week, Infineon Technologies will present what it claims is the world’s first Trusted Platform Module (TPM) specifically for industrial applications. The Optiga TPM SLM 9670 protects the integrity and identity of industrial PCs, servers, industrial controllers or edge gateways, explains Infineon. It controls access to sensitive data in key positions in a connected, automated factory as well as at the interface to the cloud.

The TPM protects sensitive data in connected devices and lowers the risk of data and production losses due to cyber attacks. It also shortens time to market and reduces costs, claims Infineon. Using Infineon’s audited and certified TPMs, manufacturers of industrial devices can achieve higher security levels of the IEC 62443 standard and accelerate their certification processes. Infineon says they can also cut costs for maintenance of the devices through secured remote software updates.

The Optiga TPM SLM 9670 meets the TPM 2.0 standard of the Trusted Computing Group and is certified by an independent test lab in accordance with Common Criteria. Service life is 20 years firmware can be updated on the chip to meet long-term security risks that may be encountered in an industrial environment. The Optiga TPM SLM 9670 has an extended temperature range of -40 to +105 degrees C and is qualified according to the industrial JEDEC JESD47 standard.

The Optiga TPM SLM 9670 is manufactured at Infineon’s security-certified facilities in Germany and will be available in large volumes from the second half of 2019.

Infineon offers application-specific solutions for business PCs and routers, connected vehicles, or cloud applications. The Optiga TPM SLM 9670 will be presented for the first time at this year’s Hannover Messe (1 to 4 April). Infineon will run a demonstrator for energy-efficient and secured smart factories at the stand of Amazon Web Services (Hall 6, Stand F46).

http://www.infineon.com

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Hall-effect sensor ICs enhance ADAS safety

Two Hall-effect sensor ICs have been announced by Allegro Microsystems for systems that require functional safety.

The APS11450 is a family of unipolar switch ICs and the APS12450 devices are bipolar latches. They are pin-compatible upgrades for existing three-wire Hall switch and latch ICs developed in accordance with ISO 26262:2011 with ASIL-B capability (pending assessment).

The magnetic sensors have integrated self-test features that are always active in the background while the system is running. This leads to very short fault detection times, says Allegro. The action is automatic, and the tests are executed, typically in 25 micro seconds, making them transparent to the host system. Allegro points out this is even in latches used in high-speed motors and encoders. The voltage-mode output communicates the sensor’s status (including the safe state), while remaining backward compatible with logic-level interfaces, application circuits, wiring, and firmware.

The APS11450 and APS12450 are designed to enhance automotive applications and intelligent motion systems, such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and encoders for windows, seat motors, seatbelt tensioners, and closure systems. The ICs are also suited for off-road vehicles, heavy equipment, human machine interfaces (HMI) and roll-over (bank angle) sensors, kickstands and driver controls in two-wheeled vehicles.

The APS11450 and APS12450 are qualified beyond the requirements of AEC-Q100 grade 0, says Allegro. They were developed to ISO 26262 as a hardware safety element with ASIL-B capability (pending assessment) for automotive safety systems.

When using the APS11450 or APS12450 devices, developers can achieve an ASIL-B (or higher) rating without redundant sensors, for smaller, less expensive systems.

Two package choices are available, with magnetic characteristics that match legacy Hall sensors. The monolithic ICs operate from 3.3 to 24V and at up to 175 degrees C junction temperature, surviving up to +35V inputs, reverse-battery (-30V), output shorts, load-dump, and other over-voltage transients.  Allegro’s miniature LH package is a SOT-23W style package for surface mount applications and the UA version is a three-pin, single inline package (SIP) for through-hole mounting. Both packages are lead (Pb) -free, with 100 per cent matt-tin leadframe plating.

http://www.allegromicro.com

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