SWITCHES
Switches - Be they ever so humble
Robert Davies, marketing manager at EAO explores the latest switches and how they are enhancing the human machine interface in a range of applications
electrical contacts, which when disconnected ‘open’ a circuit and when operated, are shorted together to ‘close’ it. Electro-mechanical switches remain popular simply because of their low cost, inherent reliability and ease of input interfacing. HMI technologists are however mindful of the need to develop switches that boost the confidence that both manufacturers and users have in their equipment. Traditional physically operated electro-mechanical switches still dominate the market, although new technologies such as the capacitive sensing technology employed in EAO’s latest Series 84 IO-Link Touch touch-sensitive devices – are becoming increasing important.
A
t its simplest an electro-mechanical switch provides one or more sets of
Link Touch touch-sensitive capacitive switches The move towards digitising the operation of existing and new machinery designs in order to provide easily connected digital switching and sensor signals that can be processed by a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) or networked into a fieldbus is surely unstoppable. The trend is however presenting manufacturers with demanding challenges in terms of system complexity and acceptable ROI (return on investment). The globally established IO-Link bi-directional communication interface is going a long way towards alleviating manufacturers’ headaches by enabling them to intelligently connect their latest factory automation systems to higher level bus systems, simplifying and speeding Industry 4.0
integration. EAO developed its Series 84 touch touch-sensitive switches to maximise the advantages offered by IO-Link technology by offering a variety of freely configurable programming options. The switching function, illumination scheme, and legends of all Series 84 touch IO-Link touch- sensitive switches can be precisely aligned to the demands of a particular application. For example, the illumination can switch-on with a deliberate delay when actuated, and operational readiness can be signalled by steady green or flashing illumination, which turns to red when actuated and then back to green a few seconds later. The configuration remains stored on the HMI even when no power is applied. All Series 84 IO link switches are IP69K jet-wash sealed and require a mounting depth of just 26mm, including the built-in 5 pin M12 connector that facilitates quick and easy wire-up.
Application-specific yet highly configurable Series 84 IO-Link Touch switches are available in three variants – standard plastic, SUS 316L stainless steel and a hygiene version - which also has a stainless steel body but features the special panel seals required to meet EHEDG food and beverage hygienic design standards. All three variants offer application specific actuators that incorporate a wide range of illuminated symbols. The front frame of the standard
26 NOVEMBER 2021 | ELECTRONICS TODAY
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