We will now look at the capacitive pushbutton sensor switch and indicator.
Normal pushbuttons on a panel are usually a mechanical device. They can become “sticky” when too much dirt or oil is present. Capacitive push buttons do not have moving parts to stick, so the life expectancy is increased. Disinfectant sprays can be applied directly to a capacitive pushbutton and left to dry so it can be more effective for the safety of your operators.
Captron pushbutton sensor switches use capacitive sensing to detect when a hand or body part nears the device surface; built-in or stand-alone indicators provide multi-color signaling options. The robust IP69K design provides wear-free operation, plus resistance to water, oil, and harsh environments. These PNP NO DC-operated devices are available in 22mm, 50mm, and 60mm mounting diameters. Construction materials include plastic and stainless steel, aluminum, or polycarbonate. The corresponding 22mm LED signal indicator lights are also IP69K rated and have a 20mm diameter illuminated area; green, red, yellow, white, orange, and magenta signal colors are available.
We will be wiring a 22mm captron pushbutton to a click plc. Upon activating the sensor for half a second output on the click plc will turn on. The green LED on the captron will turn solid green. When the sensor is selected again, the output will turn off. The Green LED will then blink indicating that the output is off.
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Wiring 3 wire DC sensors can be confusing. I recently received a question on PNP and NPN sensors. They wanted an explanation of what a sink is and how to wire one. Confusion over the Normally Open and Normally Closed function of the sensor is also a common question. Several diagrams will show a resistor attached to the blue wire and a load across the others, what does it all mean?
It is quite confusing sometimes the language we use for these devices. Sometimes it is the way we talk about the sensor and sometimes about the device we are connecting. (PLC)
We will break it down and go over the wiring to a PLC input. Let’s get started. Continue Reading!
Signal conditioners are used with analog current and voltage signals. They have the ability to change your input analog signal to another output analog signal. As an example, we can have 4-20mA analog input and change it to a 0-10VDC output signal so we can wire this into our PLC. Typically signal conditioners will also electrically isolate the input and output signals. This is either done by magnetic or optical isolation. You would usually specify the input and output signals that are required in your circuit to choose the signal conditioner required. Using a universal signal conditioner will take a variety of signals and is a great product to use in troubleshooting analog circuits.
We will be using a universal signal conditioner to convert a thermocouple temperature input into a 0-10VDC linear output. This will be wired into the analog card of the Click PLC.
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An ultrasonic sensor (switch) is able to detect object presence without physical contact (limit switch). No physical contact means that the switch has no parts that will wear out. The life span of the sensor is increased with less maintenance.
An ultrasonic sensor will use sound waves to detect objects. These sound waves are at a level that we cannot hear. Distance is measured by the time it takes to send and receive the ultrasonic wave. Objects can be measured the same no matter what the colour, transparency, shininess, or lighting conditions of the application.
We will be wiring an ultrasonic sensor into the input of our Click PLC. This will include a discrete and analog input signal. The UK1F-E7-0A is an 18mm diameter sensor that has a PNP N.O./N.C. selectable output with analog output of 0 -10 VDC. The sensing distance is 200mm to 2200mm and has a one-hertz switching capacity. A 4-pin M12 quick disconnect is available but we will be wiring in our 2m wired version. Let’s get started. Continue Reading!
A proximity sensor (switch) is able to detect object presence without physical contact like a limit switch. No physical contact means that the switch has no parts that will wear out. The life span of the sensor is increased with less maintenance.
A capacitive proximity sensor will detect ferrous and non-ferrous objects. The sensor works by oscillating the charge on the plates in the sensor. When an object is placed in front of the surface, the amount of current flow is detected. (Capacitance) The dielectric of objects will determine the distance that the object can be detected.
We will be wiring a capacitive proximity switch into the input of our Click PLC. The CK1-00-2H is an 18mm diameter, NPN/PNP N.O./N.C. selectable output with a 12mm sensing distance. That means that the sensor can be wired as positive (Sourcing) or negative (Sinking) switch. This unshielded 10 Hz switching frequency sensor also has a 4-pin M12 quick disconnect. Let’s get started. Continue Reading!