IO-Link has become established as an intelligent interface for integrating smart sensors and devices in various industries.
However, conventional temperature probes (Pt100 / Pt1000 elements or thermocouples) are still widely used in many machines and systems, which need to be connected to the central controller. With the new IO-Link measuring modules AL2284 and 2384 from ifm, up to four temperature probes can be connected to an IO-Link master port in 2-, 3- or 4-wire configuration. The port configuration and wiring configuration can be customised using the IO-Link parameter settings.
Adjustment of the measured value
Especially when measuring temperature with thermocouple elements, the metals used in the cables and contacts have a considerable influence on the measured value. The measured value can therefore be adjusted to the measuring line used with the ‘Cold junction offset’ and ‘Temperature zero-point calibration’ parameters.
To cover the large number range with high resolution, the measured value is displayed as a ‘floating point number’ in the process data.
Key benefits
Up to 4 Pt100, Pt1000 probes or type J or type K thermocouples can be connected to the module via standard M12 connectors.
Temperature changes as small as 0.01°C can be precisely detected due to the accurate internal resolution.
An accuracy of 0.3 % is achieved over the entire measuring range.
High-quality materials are used to achieve the high protection ratings of IP67 (orange housing) and IP69K (grey housing).
The IO-Link integrated modules serve well for precise temperature monitoring in mining.
Applications
In mining, the digitised measured temperature values can be transmitted precisely and without loss over long distances using IO-Link. Furthermore, there is no need to wire each sensor to the control cabinet, as the robust IO-Link module is mounted directly in the field.
Digitised temperature probes or thermocouples can also be used in thermoplastic deformation in the manufacturing of large plastic parts. In this process, plastic plates are heated and pressed onto a mould contour in a press. During the heating and moulding stage, several temperature sensors are used to monitor and control the temperature in the tool precisely. Temperature probes can detect even the smallest temperature trends to a resolution of 0.01°C. The production process is similar in the manufacture of composite materials, such as those used in car door trims or dashboards.
For more information visit: www.ifm.com