EDITOR’S CHOICE
IO-Link enabled network blocks Carlo Gavazzi has launched the IO-Link Y series of IIoT-enabled network blocks which allow up to eight smart devices to connect to higher-level control systems. IO-Link Y master YL212 is said to enable the connection of all sections of a plant into a single industrial network, from the management level right down to the field level. Using the embedded webserver and IO-Link Device Description (IODD) Y series IOLink masters can provide integration, communication and direct data exchange between different fieldbuses using communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Modbus/TCP, OPC UA or Profinet IO. The YN115 DIN rail version is suited to control cabinet installation and includes pluggable/removable push-in and
screw terminal connectors for a quick and errorproof installation of the IO-Link devices and modules. The integrated web server is available in seven languages, and the IODD interpreter provides access, configuration and diagnostic of the module and the attached IO-Link devices via a web browser. The inbuilt OPC-UA architecture allows data transmission
on many platforms enabling remote assessment from PC’s, tablets or smartphones, without the need for any additional software or a PLC.
Pay as you sense Equipment rentals can help companies overcome the hurdle of finding investment capital to fund development and verification projects. The current phase of the economic cycle – recovery from a slowdown – is always difficult and frustrating. Mark Ingham of Sensor Technology, said: “Companies are seeing their markets improve, but don’t have the reserves to finance all the activities that will kickstart their sales. What money
there is has to be used carefully, which usually means funding some projects but not others. As a result opportunities have to be missed.” Typically projects may include verification or reverification of a product range to an international standard, development of a new sized unit within a product range to address an emerging market requirement, modification of a design or a whole new development. Sensor Technology already has
a rental option in place for its TorqSense range of torque sensors. Potential users can choose to rent the equipment, rather than purchase it, circumventing the bottleneck of raising capital purchase approval. And to help companies along, if they decide that they want to hold onto a sensor for longer than anticipated, Sensor Technology will convert the rental to a sale, with a percentage of the hire fee already paid offset against the purchase price.
Managed Industrial Ethernet switches offer PROFINET performance Red Lion has introduced a new 8-port Gigabit managed Industrial Ethernet switch series. The NT4008 series switches are certified to meet PROFINET PNIO v2.34 Conformance Class-B standards to ensure seamless integration into PROFINET networks using standard PLC configuration and management tools. The switches are UL Class 1, Division 2 and ATEX listed for use in hazardous
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and ordinary locations, ABS certified for shipboard applications and EN50155 certified for rail applications, ensuring reliable operation in nearly any environment. The IP-30 metal DIN-Rail enclosures, redundant 12–58 VDC power inputs, wide -40 to 75°C operating temperature ranges and up to 50G shock resistance handle even the most extreme industrial conditions.
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