Sensata Technologies’ New IO-Link Position Sensors Enable Industry 4.0 and Industrial IoT Environments

New ACW4 and TCW4 Position Sensors with IO-Link push Automation Forward with Simplicity, Configurability and Diagnostic Features

SWINDON, United Kingdom, August 11, 2020 – Sensata Technologies (NYSE:ST), an industrial technology company and a leading provider of sensors, today announced the availability of two new Rotary Hall Effect Sensors with IO-Link– the ACW4 single turn and the TCW4 multi-turn modular rotary Hall effect sensors. IO-Link integration standardizes the sensors’ outputs so that they can communicate in any IO-Link enabled fieldbus network, simplifying installation and replacement. The new interface capability allows for sensor connection from an ERP all the way down to the component level – enabling Industry 4.0 and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) environments.

Using IO-Link simplifies the need for designing custom IO boxes to translate various sensor outputs into the fieldbus standard for an application, saving space and development cost. With this standardized method of communication, the ACW4 and TCW4 sensors can provide digital, point-to-point signals that connect directly to any IO Link Master. As IO Link Masters are made with a variety of fieldbus interfaces, the existing fieldbus part of a system can remain the same. IO Link also provides universal power supply capability, further simplifying the system’s design.

IO-Link features for the ACW4 and TCW4 rotary Hall effect sensors include:

• 24 Volt operation
• Maximum 20m connection length as specified by IO-Link standard
• Enhanced diagnostic and “record-keeping” functions
• Event notification for out-of-spec or warning situations

Bryan Siafakas, Product Line Director of Sensata Technologies’ Industrial Sensing Portfolio, explains: In addition to its compact size, the second generation of this product takes advantage of the IO-Link standard to enable user access to additional diagnostics data from the sensor. Users can now monitor parameters like internal temperature, running hours, voltage level and synchronization to identify anomalous conditions.

This diagnostic data allows the operator to better understand the health of the sensor and arrange for planned maintenance, preventing costly downtime. The electronics are contained in an IP65 rated, over-molded plastic shell which keeps them environmentally sealed. At about 11mm thick, these rotary Hall effect sensors are very compact and flat. The magnet component is separate, and a range of magnet holders is available to fit a variety of installations. This combination of small size and two-part configuration provides developers with additional design flexibility.

"As Sensata continues to expand its solutions in smart technology, new products like the ACW4/TCW4 with IO-Link will deliver more value to our customers as the need for components tailored to automation grows to accommodate Industry 4.0 and Industrial IoT environments," explains Naoto Mizuta, Vice President of Sensata’s Industrial business.

The new ACW4 and TCW4 rotary position sensors with IO-Link are ideal for use in robotics and conveyor applications commonly found in inspecting, packaging, sorting and palletizing equipment where IO-Link helps maintain a smooth-running system, minimizing material loss and improving package accuracy and delivery.

To learn more about Sensata’s IO-Link connected rotary Hall effect sensors, review the specification sheets or read the application note, Inspecting, Packaging, Sorting & Palletizing, please visit www2.sensata.com/w4.

About Sensata Technologies

Sensata Technologies is one of the world’s leading suppliers of sensing, electrical protection, control and power management solutions with operations and business centers in 11 countries. Sensata’s products improve safety, efficiency and comfort for millions of people every day in automotive, appliance, aircraft, industrial, military, heavy vehicle, heating, air-conditioning and ventilation, data, telecommunications, recreational vehicle and marine applications. For more information please visit Sensata’s website at www.sensata.com.