New Future-Oriented Product Architecture Expanded to Include Variant Specifically for the US Market

In time for the Hannover Messe 2016 trade fair - and perfect for partner country the USA - Pepperl+Fuchs introduces the new R103 series for the first time. It complements the successful new generation of compact photoelectric sensors already on the market, R100 and R101. The design of the new variant employs an assembly concept widespread in the USA with an M18 thread on the front. The R103 again combines the special benefits of future-oriented product architecture — including all photoelectric functional principles in identical housings as well as the new DuraBeam laser technology. Even IO-Link is fully integrated.

The R103 delivers all the benefits of future-oriented product architecture, as already implemented by Pepperl+Fuchs in the R100 and R101 photoelectric sensors. Thru-beam sensors, retroreflective sensors, foreground suppression or for the detection of transparent objects, energetic triangulation sensors including with background suppression, and measuring photoelectric sensors and distance sensors — the entire range of potential sensor versions is incorporated into an identical housing. The front M18 "nose" thread allows the sensor to be mounted directly through a perforated plate or through the side panel of the material handling module. The operating and visualization concept is also uniform: Sensitivity, switching threshold, and operating mode can be set using a multiturn potentiometer. Configuration of the switching type and Teach-in of the switch point occur via a push button. A uniform and pleasant look & feel for the operator is thus ensured for every R103 variant.

"Inside" innovations

All R103 sensors are optionally available with the innovative DuraBeam laser technology. This combines the advantages of the PowerBeam LED from Pepperl+Fuchs with the strengths of conventional laser diodes. The results of this combination include optimized detection performance for larger operating distances and operating reserves, highly precise switching characteristics, improved energy efficiency and a longer service life. The Multi Pixel Technology (MPT) developed by Pepperl+Fuchs and an innovative photoelectric ASIC also allow a highly precise and reliable distance measurement in near range applications.

Fit for the "Smart Factory"

Finally, all sensor variants have IO-Link as standard and are thus well equipped for communication capability in the upper fieldbus levels. Whether it is used for parameterization, for diagnostics, or for maintenance tasks, IO-Link enables all R103 sensors in the field of a Smart Factory to communicate from the control level. This communication can also take place wirelessly via smartphone or tablet PC, using SmartBridge® technology from Pepperl+Fuchs. For integration into existing automation environments, all R103 sensors are optionally available with an M8 connector plug, M8 or M12 pigtail, and a cable outlet.

Automation is our world. A Perfect application solution is our goal.

A willingness to take entrepreneurial risks, a pioneering spirit, and a firm belief in their own inventive powers – these were the assets that Walter Pepperl and Ludwig Fuchs started out with when they opened their Mannheim radio repair shop in 1945. Their invention of the proximity switch a few years later proved their strength. It was also the starting point in a successful history defined by close customer relationships as well as innovative automation technologies and procedures. Then as now, our focus is directed squarely on the individual requirements of each customer. Whether as a pioneer in electrical explosion protection, or as a leading innovator of highly efficient sensors – the close communication with our customers is what allowed us to become the leader in automation technology. Our main objective is combining state-of-the-art technologies and comprehensive services to optimize our customers’ processes and applications.