New 'teachable' sensor makes light of set up routines

Citation

(1999), "New 'teachable' sensor makes light of set up routines", Sensor Review, Vol. 19 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.1999.08719cad.006

New 'teachable' sensor makes light of set up routines

New "teachable" sensor makes light of set up routines

Keywords Sensors, Photoelectric sensors

MTE Turck introduces the new Banner MINI-BEAM® ExpertTM, a miniature photoelectric sensor with an advanced "teachable" microprocessor (see Plate 6). With the sensor in TEACH mode, it can "learn" the ON and OFF sensing conditions required, compute the most accurate setting and self-program that setting.

Plate 6 New teachable sensor makes light of set up routines

MINI-BEAM is already the world's most popular miniature photoelectric sensor. The introduction of the Expert can only serve to further extend that popularity.

The MINI-BEAM Expert "learns" each job with the push of a single button. Simply push once with the sensor pointed at the OFF condition and again pointed at the ON condition. Not only does it provide extremely accurate settings, but also eliminates the risk of tampering with the settings, once the unit is installed on the production line.

The banner MINI-BEAM Expert is available in many sensing modes to solve the majority of sensing applications in the factory. Modes include regular and wide angle diffuse (proximity mode), polarised retroflective, retroflective mode clear object detection, convergent, plus infrared and visible beam fibre optics.

In TEACH mode, the patented Banner Alignment Indicating Device (AIDTM) superimposes a pulse rate proportional to the strength of the light signal. After programming, when the sensor returns to the RUN mode, the display provides an ongoing indication of contrast stability at a glance.

Wherever they are mounted, on or more MINI-BEAM Expert sensors can be easily wired to an external switch or PLC to enable remote programming from a convenient location. Remote programming also ensures greater security as it can lock out the sealed programming button and there are no easily changed external switches.

The choice of a red, green or blue LED light source in both plastic and glass fibre optics, as well as convergent modes, gives users the ideal sensing solution for maximum sensitivity to any colour. Even low contrast targets such as glass or yellow ink on a white background, pose no problem.

The MINI-BEAM Expert withstands electrical problems such as reverse polarity and over-voltage. It provides bipolar NPN and PNP (current sinking and sourcing) outputs with a maximum rating of 150mA.

The yellow glass-filled polyester housing is rugged and the electronics are completely encapsulated in epoxy. The environmentally sealed programming button eliminates leakage and a tamper proof cover protects the adjustments. It is rated IP67. There is a choice of 10 to 30v dc models with a 5 conductor potted -in cable or a 5-pin Euro style quick disconnect connector.

The Banner MINI-BEAM Expert is clearly set to be a leading light in the MTE Turck strategy of offering the widest range of sensors from a single source.

For further information, please contact: George Perkins, MTE TURCK Ltd., Stephenson Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 5LS. Tel: 01702 525186; Fax: 01702 420934; E-mail: info@mteturck.co.uk