New, externally teachable amplifier for high-performance light barriers

High-performance light barriers have been classics in ipf electronic‘s product portfolio for decades and are continuously being further developed. In combination with a variety of amplifiers, very different tasks can be realized and even special challenges can be mastered.

While the technology quickly gained acceptance in the wood industry at the beginning due to its excellent contamination compensation, it is now used across all industries, from the automotive industry to steel mills and the food industry.

Now ipf electronic introduces the OV560930, a new externally teachable amplifier for its high-performance light barriers. The amplifier has a PNP output and a potential-free changeover contact. The analog output (0 ... 10V) allows easy alignment of transmitter and receiver during installation. In case of extreme contamination of the optics of the transmitter and receiver or in case of a system error, an automatically resetting alarm output switches through. On the input side, the OV560930 also offers a test and teach input.

By applying a 24V DC pulse to the test input, the monitoring path between transmitter and receiver can be specifically switched on and off for a function test. The detection range between transmitter and receiver can now be taught in automatically via the teach input as a new function, whereby a dip switch can be used to select between the modes „detect object“ or „do not detect object“. The taught value is then permanently stored in the amplifier.

The new function can be used to solve a whole range of tasks very quickly and conveniently, where other sensor systems may reach their limits, for example in so-called part-in-part detection. For example, a plastic crate could be specifically blanked out via teach-in, while the contents to be detected in the crate trigger a switching process.

Furthermore, two selectable basic powers with automatic power tracking are available in the automatic mode of the light barriers. This function is useful, for example, when objects are to be detected in environments with a high level of dust or dirt, whereby the amplifier automatically adjusts the power of the light barrier as the optics of the transmitter and receiver become increasingly dirty. In addition, the described function can be used for reliable detection of objects over longer distances (>50m).

The OV560930 is also designed for the operation of multiple light barriers. In order to avoid mutual interference of directly adjacent systems, a second modulation frequency can be set at the amplifier.