Tri-Tronics Sees the Way with Smart Sensors
Published: May 28th, 2009
Photoelectric communication sensors for monitoring conveyor lines are getting a second look. The Smarteye X-PRO XPC sensor from Tri-Tronics (Tampa, FL) is a photoelectric sensor that interfaces with the HMI, PLC, or Computer system and provides feedback from the sensor, as well as full control of the sensor for digital changeover and digital control.
The XPC operates on either an RS-232 or RS-485 bus, with MODBUS ASCII, or MODBUS RTU protocol. The company cites it as a true communication sensor that relays messages to and from the assembly line for digital process control, with high speed of response, and on and off delay adjustments for leading edge or trailing edge timing.
“It has a readout on screen so I can capture it and record it digitally,” says Tim Kelley, vice president of business development at Tri-Tronics. “We can log it so there’s no interpretation necessary.”
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| VIDEO: Click to see the Smarteye X-PRO XPC sensor from Tri-Tronics in action. |
Kelley also touts the product’s onboard sensor scope, which can inform operators if there is a problem. It provides a digital feedback for repairs and is helpful in adjusting sensitivity. The screen displays the sensor, the feature access buttons, the sensor scope, and the digital threshold and signal level strength.
Other products that the company is promoting in its inspection line include the Smarteye UVS analog/digital luminescence sensor, which Tri-Tronics says is the only standard fiber optic luminescence sensor available in the industry. It uses a UV LED to read invisible marking by detecting the visible light that illuminates when excited by the UV LED.
“You can use invisible marks to keep your label presentation clean and clear,” Kelley says. Security markings can go directly over existing graphics or branding on labels without detection by the human eye.
To see both sensors in action, visit this article in the May 2009 online edition at www.pmpnews.com.
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