Data transmission photoelectric sensor with remote diagnostics

The new DDLS 500 optical data transmission photoelectric sensor from Leuze electronic convinces through its simple usability - not only during commissioning and alignment, but above all through the new possibility for location-independent remote diagnostics: Thanks to the integrated web server, specialists worldwide - regardless of where their desk is located - can call up all information needed for the analysis of error messages on a machine or system.

To put the machine or system back into operation as quickly as possible, specialists no longer need to travel long distances and personally perform the diagnostics on-site. Rather, they can initiate maintenance work remotely and can accompany and support the maintenance personnel accordingly. As the internationalisation of companies increases, the possibility of remote diagnostics via web servers represents a large time and money savings and makes the new DDLS 500 optical data transmission photoelectric sensor an economical, efficiency-increasing, central network component.

To monitor availability and performance reserves, the received signal level is monitored constantly. In this way, it is possible to provide an early warning of an impending failure caused by excessive soiling, for example. In addition to the received signal level LEDs on the control panel, the prefailure message is also available as a signal. All warning messages which may signal an interruption of the transfer are displayed in real time and in the DDLS 548i version, actively transferred to the control using process data as a Profinet participant.

Quick and simple on-site diagnostics

For quick and simple on-site diagnostics, the DDLS 500 has a status LED visible from afar for displaying warnings and errors which further simplifies maintenance and diagnostics. The described new technical features significantly distinguish the new DDLS 500 data transmission photoelectric sensor from Leuze electronic from all devices previously available on the market in the area of optical data transmission and thereby make it a world first.

Wherever cable-connected systems are pushed to their limits for communication, data transmission photoelectric sensors transmit the data of industrial networks contact- and wear-free with invisible infrared laser light. Here, two devices are located opposite each other, whereby one device is usually stationary at a fixed position while the device opposite is mounted on a moving system part. The infrared laser communicates bidirectionally. In this way, distances of up to 200m can be bridged without the need for cables.

The new DDLS 500 links Ethernet networks through optical data transmission with a bandwidth of 100Mbit/s. Supported and transmitted are all common Ethernet protocols such as PROFINET, Ethernet IP, EtherCAT, Ethernet TCP/IP or Ethernet UDP in real time up to a distance of 200m. Typical areas of application are lifting and travel axes in high-bay storage devices as well as side-tracking skates used in conveyor systems, gantry bridges and indoor overhead cranes

Through the modular basic design, the devices can be selected flexibly and, depending on requirements, according to needs and combined with the basic module. Thus, the devices always perform exactly those tasks that are required - at the best price/performance ratio for the user. The adaptability to applications already begins with the selection of the operating range: the DDLS 500 is available for distances from 0.1 to 200m. This makes the devices suitable not only for short distances, but also for systems that span over larger areas. Optionally selectable is a laser alignment aid that is useful for longer distances. It projects four clearly visible laser spots parallel to the optical axis down onto the ground, making horizontal alignment simple and intuitive. Another useful function module is an integrable device and front cover heater for sensors that are used in cold stores or outdoors.

Every DDLS 500 has a pre-mounted mounting plate with spring-loaded wobble elements which allows simple mounting and alignment of the device. Alignment screws make horizontal and vertical alignment of the devices to each other easy. The person performing alignment simply turns an alignment screw until the four flashing spots are each aligned at the same distance to the guide rail or system. Vertical alignment is carried out using an integrated level and also by turning a second alignment screw. A laser spot then clearly indicates the position at which the opposing device must be mounted. Thanks to the patented single-handed adjustment (SHA) for one-man alignment, the data light beam can be precisely aligned by just one person. Fine adjustment using the SHA method is supported by self-explanatory monitoring of the received signal level in the control panel on the front of the housing. For greater distances there is the convenient laser alignment aid already described above.

Matthias Ghner, Product Marketing Man-ager at Leuze electronic sums up: "Thanks to additional functions that make using data transmission photoelectric sensors simple and efficient, the DDLS 500 devices from Leuze electronic are much more than just "optical cables'. The new data transmission photoelectric sensors set new standards worldwide: they make remote diagnostics possible and data transmission fast and efficient. Modular device configuration also facilitates optimum adaptation to the respective application; simple mounting, alignment and commissioning are guaranteed."

For further information about the DDLS 500 devices from Leuze electronic please visit www.leuze.co.uk.