Siemens launches IO-Link sensors and field modules

The compact colour sensor Simatic PXO with IO-Link is said to be more powerful than most standard colour sensors; the Simatic PXO recognises multi-coloured targets such as packaging printed in different colours. Users have a choice of five adjustable reference colours, which they can select by means of a teach-in button on the sensor, or can be downloaded as recipe parameters via an IO-Link interface. The colours can also be changed online via the IO-Link interface. For this purpose, colours are measured at a fixed point and their RGB values are uploaded to the control system where they are evaluated.

The Simatic PXO laser-based clearance sensor with IO-Link measures distances very precisely. It has an adjustable range of 80-300mm. Parameters can be assigned via two keys on the device or in the IO-Link configuration tool integrated in Step 7. For example, an external trigger signal, averaging over a number of measuring cycles, or a Hold function can be parameterised.

Another new IO-Link product is the Simatic PXS ultrasonic sensor, which has a cylindrical housing and a sensing range of up to 1m with a small blind zone. Parameters can be assigned via the IO-Link interface for functions such as averaging, damping or time-dependant measuring; data can be sent to the main control system for evaluation purposes.

The new compact IO-Link field distribution modules are protected to IP67; they are designed for field service and are suitable for connecting small clusters of sensors on the system being monitored/controlled. A maximum of eight binary sensors or limit switches can be connected to the module equipped with the IO-Link interface. This module is connected to the IO-Link master module in the ET200S distributed peripheral system - thereby avoiding the need for signal wiring in the control cabinet. Standard M8 and M12 connectors simplify assembly.

For more information go to www.siemens.com/io-link.