The valve connector of design A is suitable for connecting pneumatically or hydraulically actuated solenoid valves—for example, individual, critical valves in IO-Link environments with high monitoring requirements. To monitor the status of these actuators, the connector records extensive diagnostic data: Supply voltage, output current, valve movement, temperature, and power consumption of the solenoid coil. Individual limits can be set for each parameter via a configurable alarm function. Lead breakages and short circuits are also reliably detected. Furthermore, a resettable switching cycle counter can be used to monitor specific intervals in the product life cycle. A second, non-resettable counter makes it possible to keep track of the entire service life of the valve.

All process data is passed on to the controller or a cloud-based system via an IO-Link master—for example, via a device from the ICE* series. In this way, the valve connector provides all the data needed for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance. This solution, which is also ideal for retrofitting existing plants, turns any standard valve into a smart device that can be fully integrated into Industry 4.0 environments.

To further increase the service life of the valve, the valve connector can be operated in power save mode. By pulse width modulation (PWM), the output current can be controlled depending on the valve type. As a result, energy reductions of up to 70% can be achieved. This also lowers the temperature at the valve, eliminating the need to install cooling devices and significantly extending the service life of the valve.

The valve connector is supplied with a pre-assembled M12 connector. This allows it to be connected directly to the IO-Link master without having to assemble a cable on site. Since each valve connector can be individually named in the software, it is easy to assign the data to the respective connector or valve. Moreover, a programmable LED status indicator simplifies maintenance: the “Find me” function allows valves to be identified quickly and easily. The event-related programming of the LED means that the current status of the valve can be identified at first glance. In addition, all device settings are stored in the IO-Link master, eliminating the need for time-consuming parameterization when replacing a device.

• Increased plant availability: reliable condition monitoring due to various digital diagnostic data via IO-Link
• Individual control of the output current in PWM mode enables energy reduction of up to 70%
• Short response times in the event of maintenance due to configurable alarm function when defined limit values are exceeded
• Event-related LED for fast status display and identification of faulty valves directly in the plant
• Complete solution from a single source—extensive IO-Link portfolio for any requirement

The R202 series was developed with the special requirements of the material handling industry in mind. In pallet conveyor technology, for example, foil-wrapped pallets often have to be detected. With their reflective surfaces, they represent a challenge for the sensor technology used. The retroreflective sensor for clear-object detection was designed for such demanding tasks: It operates without dead band and is optimized for detecting shiny, reflective objects.

In addition, the sensors of the R202 series have integrated solid metal bushings. With their high mechanical stability, they allow higher tightening torques compared to direct mounting on the plastic housing. This ensures reliable and stable mounting over the long term—for robust use in material handling applications.

The combination of standard holes and slots offers flexible mounting options, both horizontally and vertically. Due to the standard holes, the sensors can be combined with all commercially available mounting brackets. For example, the R202 series uses the same mounting system as the R201 series from Pepperl+Fuchs. If both series are used in one plant, the same mounting accessories can be used, which makes installation particularly quick and simple.

In addition, the R202 series is also ideal for applications where AC voltage is required. All variants include an AC/DC power supply with a voltage of 24–240 V if required. This makes the sensors suitable for a wide range of applications, for example in building and entrance automation or in the US market. Compared to conventional devices, the AC variants of the R202 series are also significantly smaller in size. This means that they can be easily integrated even in confined spaces.

• Optimized series for easy product selection: Essential functions in a cost-effective design
• Reliable detection of foil-wrapped objects with variant for clear-object detection
• Robust use in warehouse and conveyor technology through integrated metal bushings
• Standard design with numerous holes for mounting flexibility
• Space-saving AC variants for applications where AC voltage is required

PRT is an advancement of the classic time-of-flight technology which delivers fast and precise measurement results with over 250,000 emitted laser pulses per second. This method works reliably even under changing ambient conditions. The very good angular resolution of 0.1° and a small light spot ensure high precision for navigation, positioning, and detection tasks. As a cost-effective LiDAR sensor, the R2300 simultaneously offers an optimal price-performance ratio.

With its four scanning planes, the multilayer variant of the R2300 is particularly suitable for applications in which the focus is on high reliability and process safety, such as collision avoidance, pallet detection, or robotics applications. In the single-layer variant, on the other hand, scanning takes place on just one layer. This results in a four times higher scan rate of 100 Hz, opening up new applications in the high-speed range.

For example, the LiDAR sensor can be used on roller conveyors with high conveying speeds to determine the volume of the conveyed goods during movement. The sensor is also ideal for combined web edge and sag control: Using PRT, it reliably detects the web sag. At the same time, the high angular resolution enables precise monitoring of the edge position. With a scan rate of 100 Hz, the sensor is also suitable for use with fast control loops.

All LiDAR sensors of the R2300 series can be easily adapted to different applications: In addition to the measuring laser, a switchable, visible pilot laser is integrated, which can be used to precisely align the devices without any other aids. The measuring angle of 100° can be reduced as required in order to adapt the scan field to the specific application. The compact housing design allows easy integration even where space is limited.

• LiDAR sensors based on Pulse Ranging Technology (PRT) for superior accuracy and interference immunity
• Very good angular resolution and small light spot for high precision in navigation, positioning, and detection applications
• Switchable, visible pilot laser for precise alignment and easy sensor commissioning
• Multilayer scanner for greater reliability and cost efficiency in 3-D applications
• Single-layer scanner with a scan rate of 100 Hz for object detection in high-speed applications