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August 08, 2024  IO-LINK

You may already be aware that a big benefit of using IO-Link is that you don’t need a separate amplifier for your system – it’s already built into the sensors. But the new amplifier module, combined with the HBK IO Link load cell, either integrated or as an In-Line solution, builds on this by opening up a ton of fantastic features that can seriously enhance the performance and efficiency of your weighing applications. 

Read on for the highlights:

Application-specific process algorithms: filler and checkweighing

For simple and complex filling processes, you can use the filler algorithm to optimise and control coarse flow and fine flow timings, fine flow lockout time, and residual flow time. In this mode, the IO-Link load cell works like a decentralised process controller, using the algorithm without the need of a filler program being implemented in the PLC.

For fast, accurate measurements of all common industrial checkweighing applications, the IO-Link load cell also features a checkweighing algorithm. You can then set pre- and post-triggering to be externally communicated to the load cell via IO-Link.

One fixed switching output, one optional configurable switching output

IO-Link offers an always-available single digital output, which means you can obtain results from the digital switching output fast whenever you need them. It’s also possible to deactivate the IO-Link communication transmission, which frees up the line to use as a second digital output in SIO mode if you need to. You can use both distributed input/output (DIO) systems in a process control capacity for your limit switches and integrated filler and checkweigher algorithms. 

Two-point scaling or in-process adjustment 

You can manually enter and a store two-point scaling. IO-Link also offers a calibration assistant to help you calibrate using reference weights for more accurate measurements.

 

You can cascade up to five filter stages for weighing applications 

In the first stage, you can set FIR and IIR filters to eliminate interfering frequencies and gain a stable measurement signal. Then you can add up to four stages of comb filters and/or moving average filters to get rid of any unwanted periodic interference frequencies.

Smart sensors - An engineer uses a tablet computer for machine maintenance, automation tools. Sensors communicate their status.

Learn how IO-Link smart sensors can help you reduce costs, improve efficiency and achieve your business goals

Investing in IO-Link technology isn’t just about keeping up with the times; it’s a strategic leap towards modernising manufacturing processes. But what is IO-Link? How do smart sensors work? And how do they enable instant cost savings and help your company gain a competitive edge?

Discover how IO-Link and our portfolio of IO-Link sensors can transform your manufacturing landscape – efficient, reliable, and future-proof. 

Two limit value switches

These limit value switches will be programmed according to your IO-Link Smart Sensor Profile specs. If your process calls for it, you can define a hysteresis on top of the threshold value. You may also want to use “window mode”, meaning that when a measured value falls between the range you set (e.g. 1kg-1.8kg), it activates the limit value switch. Both switches can also be negated if required.

 

Statistical functions 

HBK IO-Link load cells offer statistical functions including maximum, minimum, and peak-to-peak to help accurately measure weight during different applications.

Critical operating states trigger a sensor health warning

This can happen, for example, in the case of static and dynamic overloads or temperatures that land outside the specs.

All the key sensor properties during production are stored in the amplifier module (such as your highest and lowest operating temperature; highest and lowest rated temperature; electronics temperature limit; processor limit temperature; highest and lowest rated load; maximum and minimum operating load; and max peak-to–peak value, or amplitude). 

The load values are continually compared by the electronics with the limits you’ve set, so any overruns will trigger an event and you can take the right actions fast – before you run into trouble.

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