Integrated resource for discrete sensor-related issues

Redesigned website for Schneider Electric Sensor Competency Center has a wide range of discrete sensor resources.

October 15, 2009

Schneider Electric Sensor Competency Center was created in 2005 to incorporate sensors, technologies, and experts from Hyde Park and Telemecanique, both part of Schneider Electric. SCC, located in Dayton, OH, provides one "integrated resource for all its customers’ sensor-related issues."

Schneider Electric Sensor Competency Center has interactive sensor animation, among many other resources.

A recently redesigned SCC website, with greater emphasis on images, has new products, tools, listing of all products, literature, and options for finding a distributor, cross-referencing sensors from other manufacturers, newsletter, surveys, videos (including interactive flash animation), support and service (including contact support, operating instructions, software downloads, frequently asked questions (FAQs), ultrasonic formulas, sensing considerations, and ultrasonic sensing terms).

An online sensor selection tool allows searching by model number, partial model number (useful in case of wear or lack of documentation), and by ultrasonic, photoelectric, inductive, and capacitive sensors.
Under photoelectric, for instance, selection options include:
– Diffuse (100-2,000 mm; 3.9-78.7 in.);
– Thru beam (2-60,000 mm; 0.08-2362.2 in);
– Diffuse w/ background suppression (100-1,300 mm; 3.9-50.7 in.);
– Polarized retro-reflection (800-11,000 mm; 31.5-433.1 in.);
– Sensing mode;
– Voltage;
– Circuit type;
– Voltage range;
– Housing material;
– Output mode;
– Face material;
– Body style;
– Cable / connector (length and type); and
– Potentiometer.

A "favorites" option allows comparison among various models. A help button includes a sensor dictionary, contact information, and other information.

Also see from Control Engineering :

– Schneider Electric XUM Optimum Miniature Photoelectric Sensor .
– Schneider Electric appeared at Pack Expo 2009 .
– Discrete sensing feature article on proximity, inductive, laser sensors, "Proximity Sensors: How to Choose, Use Them."

-Edited by Mark T. Hoske, editor in chief, Control Engineering www.controleng.com
Read more at the Control Engineering industrial sensor channel .