ABB introduces wireless proximity sensor

ABB Stotz-Kontakt presented the first pre-production samples of a new wireless proximity switch that promises to eliminate the task of cabling sensors on production machines. Operating in the 2.4 GHz band, the low-power, 6-mW sensors are energized by induction through an electromagnetic field provided by a cable that functions as a primary loop.

By Staff June 1, 2002

ABB Stotz-Kontakt presented the first pre-production samples of a new wireless proximity switch that promises to eliminate the task of cabling sensors on production machines. Operating in the 2.4 GHz band, the low-power, 6-mW sensors are energized by induction through an electromagnetic field provided by a cable that functions as a primary loop. The link to the controller is handled by input modules that can communicate with up to 60 sensors via an antenna. Wolfgang Zimmerman, ABB Stotz-Kontakt’s sensor product manager, says a typical enclosed manufacturing cell in an automobile plant can contain 30 to 200 proximity switches, which all have to be fitted with power supply and signal transmission cables for each sensor.