New sonar proximity switches

The new sensors have been designed to be shorter and have a reduced blind zone, to improve detection at close range, and reduce the installation requirements of the components. The sensors emit ultrasonic waves that reflect off objects, which are then converted into an electrical signal, and the time between the transmitted pulse and echo pulse is measured to determine the distance.

Industry Automation said the space requirement of a sonar proximity switch in a machine or plant is mainly determined by its blind zone, with the switch installed at a location that is set back by the length of the blind zone from the detection range to ensure reliable detection of the close-up range. The new Simatic PXS sonar proximity switches reduce this dead space by more than 50%, Industry Automation said.

The sensors feature a narrow sonic lobe and better noise suppression for object detection under difficult environmental conditions. The sensors, which are in M30 design, are available in four different detection ranges up to 6m. The K1 version has one switching output; the K2 version has two. K3 is available in several versions, with one switching and one analogue output, and with one IO-Link channel or Atex certification for operation in Ex zone 2/22. Versions with rotary head or recessed converter are available for K2 and K3 sensors.

The new Simatic PXS sonic proximity switches can detect all objects that reflect ultrasonic waves. The sensors detect objects that are liquid, solid, powder or transparent, as well as surfaces that are rough or smooth, clean or dirty, and wet or dry. They are not affected by light or temperature, and can be used in changing or difficult environmental conditions, Industry Automation said.