CHICAGO (Sept. 19, 6:20 p.m. EDT) — At NPE 2006, the Sensors Division of MTS Corp. introduced an industrial Ethernet sensor, the R-Series EtherCAT, which the company claims provides the fastest industrial controls.
MTS of Cary, N.C., makes linear-position and liquid-level sensors.
R-Series EtherCAT was designed for industrial settings in which high speed is necessary to control complete factory automation systems that need a networked solution.
Industrial Ethernet systems are based on traditional office-based networking, but beefed up for more durability and reliability for the factory environment.
The EtherCAT sensor is available for use with one to five position magnets, depending on the specific network. It can be customized to document position, velocity and acceleration, plus a customer-specific “smart” functionality.
MTS also rolled out a new option for linear positioning sensing under environments of extreme shock and vibration, with more-rugged versions of its R-Series and G-Series sensors. A patent-pending electronic housing and a sensing element mechanical suspension system on the sensor were developed first for MTS' M-Series mobile hydraulic product line.
The sensors have a high level of immunity from electromagnetic interference and environmental ingress, according to the company.