Smart M12 capacitive proximity sensors
22/07/2024
Carlo Gavazzi has introduced three new series of M12 capacitive sensors with IO-Link communications. Based on the fourth-generation Tripleshield sensors, these CA12 Series sensors are said to represent the ideal solution for industrial automation equipment in applications where sensing performance must be continuously and accurately monitored and logged. Semiconductor and printing applications benefit from this type of data for accurate detection of different-sized objects, shapes and dielectric values.
These sensors have been designed to flexibly adapt to industrial applications. A housing option is available for every application: polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) for less challenging environments; AISI 316L stainless steel for strength; and polyether ether ketone (PEEK), offering a smooth surface to reduce the accumulation of dust or liquids.
In addition to the full range of technical features provided by the company’s capacitive sensor families, the IO-Link communication allows additional advanced data, such as Quality of Run (QoR), Quality of Teach (QoT), temperature and dust alarms and diagnostic parameters. With this information, predictive maintenance can be scheduled before sensors fail, which increases uptime. Finally, the M12 Capacitive Sensors with IO-Link communications are fully programmable and customisable via IO-Link. The main technical features include:
- M12 housing in PBT, AISI 316L stainless steel or PEEK
- Easily configurable functions via IO-Link v1.1
- Predictive maintenance included for diagnostic purposes
- Temperature and dust alarm outputs both with adjustable setpoints
- Selectable sensing distance and hysteresis
- Sensing mode: single-point, two-point and window modes
- Logic functions: AND, OR XOR and ‘Gated SR/FF’
- Timer functions: ON, OFF and One Shot
- Configurable out-put/in-put: negative-positive-negative (NPN), positive-negative-positive (PNP), push-pull and external input
- Logging functions: temperatures, operational hours, power cycles and configuration changes
- Two separate switching signal channels (SSCs).
The M12 Capacitive Sensors with IO-Link communications are used for applications requiring accurate detection and data monitoring. Besides the M12-style sensors being used in the semiconductor and printing industries, capacitive sensors can also be used in the plastics, packaging, conveying, agriculture, wood and food and beverage industries.
