The German sensor specialist Wenglor has developed a series of sensors with built-in real-time Ethernet functions, making them easier to integrate. Ethernet’s wide bandwidth will also allow fast data transfer, and remote configuration of the sensors.

The first Wenglor products to offer Ethernet communications are transit time sensors, reflex sensors with background suppression, image-processing vision sensors, and barcode scanners. Connections will be via IP67-ptotected M12 connectors.

The sensors will support three versions of industrial Ethernet – EtherNet/IP, EtherCat and Profinet – and will offer the option of using Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) technology to transfer data and to power them via a single cable. PoE can also be used to implement UPS (uninterruptible power supply) functions, resulting in increased security for the connected devices.

Web servers in the Ethernet sensors will allow them to be set up without needing additional software. Users will be able to configure the products and access their data from anywhere in the world via a Web browser.

Wenglor is also offering connection boxes that can integrate standard sensors with digital I/O into the three industrial Ethernet systems. In addition, midspan adaptors can supply voltage to Ethernet products using PoE, or integrate them into existing networks without PoE.

There are also Ethernet switches that can split a single Ethernet cable into several lines, making is possible to adapt components to the desired network topology. The switches are available with or without PoE.

Wenglor’s Ethernet products will become available during the first quarter of 2011.

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