Instrumentation Monthly Test | Measurement | Control
Sensor-Technik UK manufacture and supply a varied range of technologically advanced, high-quality electronic controllers and input/output modules that can be either sold as stand-alone products or integrated into one of the many complex automated measurement and control systems that we are tasked to create by customers. Each controller has its own operational characteristics and specialities, as they are specifically designed to be used for different applications. All of our controllers are very robust, constructed from moulded polycarbonate, aluminium or steel. The hallmark of our controllers is their ability to operate smoothly and efficiently even in rugged environments.
Each controller and module can be incorporated into a CAN network, the benefits of which are listed later in this article. The products are effective over a wide temperature range (-40 degrees C to +85 degrees C) and have a respectable ingress protection against dust and liquids (varying between IP65 and IP69). They all adhere to exacting EMC environmental standards found in the agricultural, automotive and construction industries.
The freely programmable controllers are versatile devices that can be utilised in a wide variety of vehicular and mobile applications, spanning many industries. They can be uniquely configured to suit the specific application for which they are to be employed, using either the CoDeSys or C software languages. Due to their high accuracy and robustness, our highly effective controllers have allowed the off-highway and mobile machinery in which they are integrated to remain operational for longer periods, without needless, costly interruptions and increased downtime, caused by hardware fault.
Our teleservice module – the ESX-TC3 – is used to monitor systems and vehicles remotely across an entire network, to minimise the high overheads that can be generated by manpower and administration costs. The module records key operational data and transmits this important information via satellite to a computer located in the office or even in the home. With the aid of the TC3, potential machine problems and errors can be detected early, driving prompt action to avoid potential repairs. A typical application that can benefit from implementing the TC3 could be a fleet of vehicles that operate in one country and are monitored remotely in another. Through extensive monitoring of data, the efficiency of the entire fleet can be improved, with vehicle downtime reduced, saving both time and money.
The I/O modules we manufacture are intended for mobile applications and their purpose is to extend the I/O capability of a master controller in a CAN-bus network.
A selection of our controller products are displayed below, together with the key features of each unit:-
| ESX-Micro – Freely Programmable | ESX-3XM – Freely Programmable |
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| ESX-TC3 – Teleservice Module | ESX-IOX – I/O Module |
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The Benefits of using our controllers in CAN Networks
Controller Area Networks (CAN) were originally designed for use in automotive applications, but more recently the technology has been widely employed in factory and plant controls, robotics, medical devices and also some avionics systems. The benefits of deploying our controllers into CAN networks are numerous and include:-
- Highly configurable
- System-wide data consistency
- High system reliability
- Real time technology for speedy processes
- High-resistance against electro-magnetic resistance: automation installations are subject to complex electromagnetic conditions
- Various components can be joined into an individual system
- Security of data transmission through short telegram lengths
- Systems and components can be altered/amended at any time according to new customer specifications
- CAN networks are relatively simple to form due to less cable requirements.
- Easy to expand network over time if necessary.
Contact us to discuss your automated system requirements:-
Tel: 01234 270770
Fax: 01234 348 803
Email: sales@sensor-technik.co.uk