Integrated connectivity

If sensor and interface work together perfectly in a system, it creates advantages for commissioning, machine monitoring and process optimization. Leuze makes it possible with the "integrated connectivity" concept.

It's all in the sensor

Integrated connectivity means: All relevant industrial Ethernet interfaces are integrated in the sensor, making it possible to access the central device functions. It sounds simple, but is not standard on the market. Instead, manufacturers frequently offer devices without an industrial Ethernet interface to save development effort. In such cases, the interface is provided via a gateway. The reason why this is not the optimal solution and why integrated connectivity from Leuze provides system operators with multiple benefits is illustrated in the following examples. The advantages range from commissioning (device management) to machine monitoring (condition monitoring) to process optimization.  

Advantages of integrated connectivity for device management, condition monitoring and process optimization

Considerably leaner system layout

Leuze offers devices with integrated interfaces for PROFINET, Ethernet/IP and EtherCAT. The significant advantage that can already be gained during commissioning is demonstrated using an illustrative system design with and without integrated connectivity. First a system with bar code readers without integrated interfaces: here, every scanner must be connected to a separate gateway - this means an additional gateway with its own power supply for each bar code reader. As a result, the installation effort and the number of cables are double of what is required. The parameterization is also significantly more complex. And not to forget: Because of the gateways required, there are significantly more devices in the system that can cause a malfunction and have to be checked should this occur. In comparison, the same system with integrated connectivity: The industrial Ethernet interface is already integrated in every bar code reader. This means that separate gateways are superfluous. Most importantly, the system layout is significantly clearer and fewer cables are required. Last but not least, errors can be eliminated more quickly as fewer devices have to be checked.

The bar code readers from Leuze's BCL series are equipped with integrated connectivity.

Switch included

Leuze sensors with integrated connectivity also have an additional feature that contributes to particularly efficient commissioning: the devices have a switch as standard, i.e. an Ethernet input port and output port each. As a result, system operators do not need an external switch. In addition, it is much easier to connect several devices, for example in a ring or linear topology. With linear wiring, the system operator connects one sensor to the next using the integrated switches. Only the last sensor in the row is connected to the control. Again, the benefits are the simplified system design and reduced number of cables. Devices without an integrated switch, however, require an external Ethernet switch. Users must also connect each individual sensor to the switch using a star topology and then connect this to the control.

The familiar control environment

Integrated connectivity also means that you can work in your usual control environment. This is possible because the entire device parametrization is integrated in the GSDML file ("Generic Station Description Markup Language") of PROFINET, for example. In contrast, many other Ethernet-based devices on the market generally have to be parametrized via a web server. This is complex, as every manufacturer supplies their own web server version with its own user interface. Users have to familiarize themselves with new interfaces every time and find the corresponding functions. And another issue: devices without Ethernet that are connected via a gateway frequently need product-specific manufacturer's software for parametrization. This in turn can cause problems regarding compatibility with the hardware used. For example, if the manufacturer no longer updates their software after a number of years. Here too, integrated connectivity has multiple advantages:

• Users stay in their usual control environment
• Installation of manufacturer's software and associated familiarization are not necessary
• Access to a web server is not required

Devices from Leuze that are equipped with integrated connectivity are very easy to parameterize. The GSDML file only has to be downloaded from the Leuze website via the control and copied once into the company's own engineering software. The modules are then available in the hardware catalog. A meaningful description of the device functions is also included. This makes it very easy to parametrize and use a sensor and the manual is not required in most cases.

Integrated connectivity offers advantages during commissioning, processes can be optimized, making it possible to achieve optimum system operation.

Simple process optimization

How can processes be optimized on the basis of the collected data? This is demonstrated by two representative practical examples using bar code readers. First example: The scanning window of the sensor can become contaminated. In some systems this does not happen for years, in others it occurs more quickly. Data evaluation via OPC UA can be used to quickly determine which sensor is contaminated. Using the data, a software program records the read quality of each individual decoding process. For bar code readers with impaired reading performance, it indicates that maintenance is required. Second example: The label itself can also cause problems - for example if the code is damaged or printed incompletely. In this case, it is not enough to monitor an individual sensor to determine the error. Instead, the faulty label has to be traced along different measuring stations to identify it. This makes it possible to detect similar evaluations and use the identification number to determine the label involved.

Integrated connectivity for optimum operation of the system

Summary: increased efficiency on three levels

Integrated connectivity offers advantages on several levels. It contributes to easier commissioning and provides additional information for machine monitoring. This information is particularly useful for process optimization, resulting in optimal system performance. All sensors developed by Leuze for fieldbus-controlled automation, for example in intralogistics, are equipped with integrated connectivity. This allows system operators to save time and money.