November 18, 2011 - MTS Sensors announces R-Series position sensors with EtherNet/IP output. The EtherNet/IP protocol was developed by Rockwell Automation and is managed by the ODVA (Open DeviceNet Vendors Association). The R-series uses this interface to connect with a large installed base of control devices that utilize the EtherNet/IP protocol. The R-Series EtherNet/IP sensor offers high performance with the reduced cabling and lower overall system cost provided by Industrial Ethernet. The R-Series sensors are available in a variety of mechanical styles ranging from 25 mm to 20,000 mm.
Position and velocity measurements can be provided for multiple locations on the sensor to ensure optimum control characteristics even when driving complex, multi-position tasks. In factory automation tasks where interoperability is critical, MTS’ R-Series sensors offer the interfaces to work with a wide range of industrial PLCs and motion controllers. The advanced diagnostics and field programmability make Temposonics sensors easy to use and maintain. Some machines use encoders for measurement, which make them much more fragile and vulnerable to harsh operating conditions. The non-contact, magnetostrictive technology employed by MTS Temposonics sensors eliminates wear and guarantees the best durability and output repeatability.
The rugged, reliable, non-contact sensor construction results in reduced maintenance and down time, while high shock and vibration tolerance and superior EMI and noise immunity ensure trouble-free operation. The sensors also enable customers to store pre-set configurations for a wide variety of product shapes and sizes, reducing startup and changeover times. By optimizing machinery’s performance, MTS’ magnetostrictive linear-position sensors offer superior accuracy with higher consistency between changeovers and reduced setup time; precise and repeatable positioning for smoother, more controlled motion; and improved efficiency, yield, and throughput while maintaining quality. This results in higher overall productivity to the machine operator.
The R-Series sensors feature position-sensing resolution as low as 1 micron (0.00004 in) which can be adjusted at the factory or in the field. For most applications the standard RH (rod-style typically used in hydraulic cylinders) and RP (profile extrusion-style for easy machine mounting) sensors are used with the standard-type sensor magnets. Other housings styles, such as flexible sensing elements or detached electronics, are available for space-constrained applications. Available with many interface choices, including analog, SSI, Device Net, Profibus, CANbus, EtherCAT, POWERLINK and now EtherNet/IP, the R-Series product family provides robust and reliable sensors for accurate and absolute linear position feedback in motion control.
