Leuze: DDLS 500 photoelectric sensor remote diagnosis via integrated web server

Leuze electronic is setting new standards in terms of performance and transparency with the world's first DDLS 500 data transmission photoelectric sensor, which enables location-independent remote diagnostics thanks to its integrated web server.

Optical data transmission light barriers make it possible to transmit data from industrial networks of moving system parts in conveyor technology wirelessly and therefore without interference over long distances. Devices currently available on the market require considerable effort for alignment and adjustment during commissioning on site and only allow local fault diagnosis.

Convincing performance data

The new DDLS 500 optical data transmission photoelectric sensor from Leuze electronic impresses with performance data of 100 Mbit/s real-time transmission up to a distance of 200 m with a world first: Per Remote diagnostics via integrated web server all relevant data can be called up worldwide. This means that specialists worldwide can access all the information required to analyse error messages from a machine or system. They no longer have to travel long distances and carry out diagnostics in person on site to get them up and running again as quickly as possible, but can initiate maintenance work remotely and accompany and support the maintenance staff accordingly.

Especially in the course of the increasing internationalisation of companies, the possibility of remote diagnosis via web server represents a great saving of time and money and makes the new DDLS 500 an economical, efficiency-enhancing central network component. To monitor availability and power reserves, the Receive level constantly monitored. This provides an early warning of impending failure, for example due to excessive soiling. In addition to the reception level LEDs in the control panel, the pre-failure message is also available as a signal.

For quick and easy on-site diagnostics, the data transmission photoelectric sensor has a clearly visible Status LED for displaying warnings and errors, which further simplifies maintenance and diagnostics. These new technical features set the new DDLS 500 data transmission photoelectric sensor from Leuze electronic significantly apart from all other optical data transmission devices available on the market to date.

„The new data transmission photoelectric sensors set a new standard worldwide: they enable remote diagnostics and fast and efficient data transmission. A modular device configuration also enables optimum adaptation to the respective application, and simple installation, alignment and commissioning are guaranteed,“ summarises Matthias Göhner together.

Fast and efficient data transmission

Wherever wired communication systems reach their limits, data transmission photoelectric sensors transmit the data of industrial networks contactless and wear-free by means of invisible, infrared laser light. Two devices are positioned opposite each other, with one device usually mounted stationary and the opposite device travelling on a moving part of the system. The infrared laser communicates bidirectionally. In this way, distances of up to 200 metres can be bridged wirelessly. The new DDLS 500 links Ethernet networks using optical data transmission with a bandwidth of 100Mbit/s. All common Ethernet protocols such as PROFINET, Ethernet IP, EtherCAT, Ethernet TCP/IP or Ethernet UDP realtime are supported and transmitted. Typical areas of application are lifting and travelling axes in storage and retrieval machines as well as transfer carriages in conveyor technology, gantry bridges and overhead cranes.

Modular design for optimum performance

Thanks to the modular basic structure, the devices can be selected flexibly and according to requirements and combined with the basic model. The ability to adapt to applications begins with the choice of range: the DDLS 500 is available for distances from 0.1 to 200 metres. An optional laser alignment aid is also available, which is ideal for longer distances. It projects four clearly visible laser points parallel to the optical axis downwards onto the floor, making horizontal alignment very simple and intuitive.

Simple installation and alignment

The basic equipment of a DDLS 500 includes a Pre-assembled mounting plate with spring-loaded wobble elements, with which the appliance can be easily mounted and aligned. Adjustment screws make it child's play to align the appliances horizontally and vertically to each other. The installer simply turns an alignment screw until the four flashing points are aligned at the same distance from the guide rail or system. Vertical alignment is carried out using an integrated spirit level and also by turning a second adjustment screw. A laser spot then clearly marks the target point at which the opposite device is to be mounted.

Thanks to the patented single-handed adjustment (SHA) process for One-man adjustment allows precise alignment of the data light beam by a single person. Fine adjustment using the SHA method is supported by self-explanatory monitoring of the reception level in the control panel on the front of the housing. The convenient laser alignment aid is available for longer distances. „With additional functions that make the use of data transmission photoelectric sensors simple and efficient, the DDLS 500 becomes much more than just ‚optical cables‘,“ emphasises Matthias Göhner.