January 31, 2012 - TR Electronic North America released PowerGap wireless sensor system for the industrial automation market. PowerGap meets customers’ demands for wireless solutions by inductively supplying power from a fixed part to a moving part and transmitting a signal between the two. The PowerGap System solves the challenges raised with other systems which rely on fixed cabling and are more prone to damages, wear and tear and human error.
PowerGap consists of two main components; a remote and a base. The remote is the moving part of the system. Typically, this is where sensors and actuators are mounted for sensing and control. The base is the fixed side of the system. A power supply, PLC or other control system can be mounted on this side. When the remote comes into the transmittable field of the base sensor, inductive power is supplied to the remote, and the signal is transmitted across the gap, thus allowing for a wireless sensor solution.
PowerGap provides a unique wireless solution for problems with motion applications. In applications with rotating equipment, moving pallets, tool changing or general change-out processes, it is difficult to install sensors directly on the moving objects, because of the need for fixed cabling. PowerGap solves these challenges and inductively supplies power and signals across an air gap, eliminating the need for cables, connectors and slip ring solutions. With PowerGap’s wireless system there is no cable movement, no limitation of turning radius, no connection labour, no wear and tear and no need for slip ring solutions. This results in less damage and less time loss.
PowerGap features a wide range of high quality products for use in the stamping, metal forming, material handling and OEM machine building industries. PowerGap products feature a wear-free, non-contact design which can transmit wirelessly through non-metallic barriers or across an air gap. Systems have up to 64 inputs and 32 outputs of discrete I/O and are DeviceNet, EtherNet/IP and RS232 compatible. PowerGap is available in Standard M18, M30 and 90 x 90mm square housings.
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