MTS Sensors’ Expands Versatility Of Linear-position Sensors With Ethernet/IP Interface

Nov. 4, 2010 - PRLog -- MTS Systems Corp., Sensors Division has further expanded its already-extensive range of available interfaces by developing an R-Series sensor compatible with EtherNet/IP devices, available soon for industrial markets. Temposonics magnetostrictive sensors provide high speed, accuracy and durability in the varied tasks of linear position sensing for industrial automation equipment and machinery.  The EtherNet/IP protocol was developed by Rockwell Automation and is managed by the ODVA (Open DeviceNet Vendors Association).  By offering this interface on its R-Series models, MTS Sensors will enable connectivity with a large installed base of control devices that utilize the EtherNet/IP protocol.

“The addition of EtherNet/IP to our product offering enables more customers to take advantage of the benefits provided by Industrial Ethernet protocols,” said MTS Marketing Manager Matt Hankinson. “Our EtherNet/IP implementation features DLR (Device Level Ring) technology to provide high-speed, high-performance communication along with rapid network recovery.”

The R-Series EtherNet/IP sensor offers high performance with the reduced cabling and lower overall system cost provided by Industrial Ethernet. The R-Series sensors are available in a variety of mechanical styles ranging from 25 mm to 20,000 mm.  Position and velocity measurements can be provided for multiple locations on the sensor to ensure optimum control characteristics even when driving complex, multi-position tasks.
In factory automation tasks where interoperability is critical, MTS’ R-Series sensors offer the interfaces to work with a wide range of industrial PLCs and motion controllers.  The advanced diagnostics and field programmability make Temposonics sensors easy to use and maintain.  

Some machines use encoders for measurement, which make them much more fragile and vulnerable to harsh operating conditions. The non-contact, magnetostrictive technology employed by MTS Temposonics sensors eliminates wear and guarantees the best durability and output repeatability.

The rugged, reliable, non-contact sensor construction results in reduced maintenance and down time, while high shock and vibration tolerance and superior EMI and noise immunity ensure trouble-free operation. The sensors also enable customers to store pre-set configurations for a wide variety of product shapes and sizes, reducing startup and changeover times. By optimizing machinery’s performance, MTS’ magnetostrictive linear-position sensors offer superior accuracy with higher consistency between changeovers and reduced setup time; precise and repeatable positioning for smoother, more controlled motion; and improved efficiency, yield, and throughput while maintaining quality. This results in higher overall productivity to the machine operator.

The R-Series sensors feature position-sensing resolution as low as 1 micron
(0.00004 in) which can be adjusted at the factory or in the field. For most applications
the standard RH (rod-style typically used in hydraulic cylinders) and RP (profile
extrusion-style for easy machine mounting) sensors are used with the standard-type
sensor magnets. Other housings styles, such as flexible sensing elements or detached electronics, are available for space-constrained applications.  

Available with many interface choices, including analog, SSI, DeviceNet, Profibus, CANbus, EtherCAT, POWERLINK and now EtherNet/IP, the sensors provide smart programmability, allowing configurations to be stored and recalled directly at the PLC / HMI for even faster setup times.

For more information on Temposonics Sensors, please contact: MTS Systems Corp, Sensors Division, 3001 Sheldon Drive, Cary, NC 27513.  Phone: (919) 677-0100. E-mail:  info@mtssensors.com or visit their web site at http://www.mtssensors.com.
MTS Sensors, a division of MTS Systems Corp., is the global leader in the development and production of magnetostrictive linear-position and liquid-level sensors.    Based on MTS’ Temposonics® technology, the Sensors Division is continually developing new ways to apply magnetostrictive sensing technology to solve critical applications in a variety of markets worldwide.  With facilities in the U.S., Germany and Japan, MTS Sensors Division is an ISO 9001 certified supplier committed to providing innovative sensing solutions that deliver customers with reliable, cost effective sensing devices.