Characteristics of Sensors for Industrial Automation

With the advancement of modern industrial machinery, the number of sensors required to improve its performance has increased. They must survive in increasingly harsh environments, placing more demands on connectors. At the same time, almost every application in the world that communicates with and uses data uses fiber optic connections. The demands of evolving factory automation systems such as next-generation automation and the Internet of Things (IoT) are driving the combination of rugged sensors and optical networks.
 
Today, production equipment, communication masts and bridges increasingly require sensors that continuously transmit data to the cloud and monitor the performance of electronic systems – part of the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0. Connectors in these systems are also now being used in the harshest conditions, whether indoors or outdoors, buried in the ground or submerged underwater. HANGZHI high-precision current sensors are small in size and can accurately monitor small current changes in various environments, which can perfectly meet the needs of Industry 4.0.
 
1. Sensors for measuring distance, humidity and temperature
 
More and more sensors are being embedded into devices. From photoelectric sensors that measure humidity, temperature, proximity and distance, these sensors are designed to send data to and from the cloud. The data that feeds all this data back through a network of bridges and gateways, fieldbuses and repeaters definitely require fiber optic connections. Using light transmitters and photoelectric receivers, photoelectric sensors are especially useful for detecting distances, the presence or absence of objects. For example, some electro-optical automation sensors can be used to detect objects up to 40mm away.
 
2. Save some space
 
These new sensors reduce the number of devices in the device and eliminate the need for reflectors or receivers; this allows for smaller sensor subsystems. Installed in harsh environments, water and dust sealing is essential. A sturdy case that can withstand physical shock is also important. Inside and outside the factory, temperature and humidity sensors provide more data on the performance of industrial machinery. Smaller, more robust sensors can be embedded and engineered into critical locations within the device. This can help flag potential problems ranging from high temperatures to excessive condensation. To be effective, these sensors must be connected to a local gateway that connects back to the cloud. This is where fiber optic links are gaining popularity because they are immune to the electric fields that fluctuate in these environments.
 
3. Need to protect fragile fibers
 
For these gateways, standard fiber optic connectors are not enough, which means that measures must be taken to protect the fiber from moisture and other foreign objects. To keep local gateways small and aggregate data from multiple sensors requires compact connectors, but those connectors also need to be able to withstand harsh environments. Several types of rugged optical link connectors are available, but these must provide standardized connectivity in IoT and Industry 4.0 applications so that specialized equipment and engineers are not required to terminate the connections.