Wherever wired communication systems reach their limits, data transmission photoelectric sensors transmit data from industrial networks contactlessly and wear-free using invisible, infrared laser light. For this purpose, two devices are positioned opposite each other, one of which is usually mounted stationary and the opposite device moves along on a moving part of the system. The infrared laser communicates bidirectionally. In this way, distances of up to 200 m can be bridged wirelessly.

However, optical data transmission photoelectric sensors available on the market to date require considerable effort for alignment and adjustment during commissioning on site - and also generally only allow fault diagnosis on site.

This is where Leuze electronic comes in with the 'DDLS 500'. The data transmission photoelectric sensor links Ethernet networks via optical data transmission with a bandwidth of 100 Mbps. All common Ethernet protocols such as Profinet, Ethernet IP, Ethercat, Ethernet TCP/IP or Ethernet UDP are transmitted in real time up to a distance of 200 m. Typical areas of application for the light barrier are lifting and travel axes in storage and retrieval machines as well as transfer cars in conveyor technology, gantry bridges and overhead cranes.

Remote diagnosis via web server

The device also offers the option of location-independent remote diagnostics: Thanks to the integrated web server, all relevant information required to analyze error messages from a machine or system can be called up from anywhere. This means that specialists no longer have to travel long distances and carry out diagnostics in person on site to get a system up and running again as quickly as possible, but can initiate maintenance work remotely and accompany and support the maintenance personnel accordingly.

A typical application for the data transmission photoelectric sensor is use on a storage and retrieval machine together with a positioning system.

© Leuze

The reception level is constantly monitored to monitor availability and power reserves. This provides an early warning of impending failure caused by excessive soiling, for example. In addition to the reception level LEDs in the control panel, the pre-failure message is also available as a signal. All warning messages that could indicate a suspension of transmission are displayed in good time and, in the 'DDLS 548i' version, are actively transmitted to the controller as Profinet participants by means of process data.

For quick on-site diagnostics, the light barrier has a highly visible status LED for displaying warnings and errors, which further simplifies maintenance and diagnostics.

Thanks to the modular basic structure, the devices can be configured flexibly and according to requirements. Adaptability to applications begins with the choice of range: distances from 0.1 to 200 m can be realized, so that the devices are not only suitable for short distances, but also for spatially extended systems. An optional laser alignment aid is available, which is particularly suitable for longer distances. It projects four laser points parallel to the optical axis downwards onto the floor, making horizontal alignment easier and more intuitive. Another function module is an integrated device and front screen heater, which is important when the light barrier is used in deep-freeze warehouses or outdoors.

Assembly and alignment

The basic equipment of the light barrier includes a pre-assembled mounting plate with spring-loaded wobble elements, with which the device can be mounted and aligned. Adjustment screws help with the horizontal and vertical alignment of the devices to each other. To do this, the installer simply turns an adjustment screw until the four flashing points are aligned at the same distance from the guide rail or the system. Vertical alignment is carried out using an integrated spirit level and also by turning a second adjustment screw. A laser spot marks the target point at which the opposite device is to be mounted. Thanks to the patented 'Single-handed Adjustment' method for one-man adjustment, precise alignment of the data light beam is possible by a single person. Fine adjustment using the SHA method is supported by self-explanatory monitoring of the reception level in the control panel on the front of the housing.

Author:
Matthias Göhner is Product Marketing Manager at Leuze electronic in Owen