The space requirement of a sonar proximity switch in a machine or plant is mainly determined by its blind zone. The switch must be installed at a location that is set back by the length of the blind zone from the detection range to ensure reliable detection of the close-up range. This so-called dead space is reduced by more than 50 percent for the latest generation of Simatic PXS sonar proximity switches – space available to reduce the size of the machine or plant. The extremely narrow sonic lobe and the improved noise suppression make for object detection even under difficult environmental conditions and will thus increase machine availability. The reactionless transmission of sensor data in measurement operation makes for exact setting of parameters to the application. The result is an increased quality of the sensor signal.

The sensors in M30 design are available for four different detection ranges up to six meters. The K1 version has one switching output; the K2 version has two. K3 is available in several versions: with one switching and one analog output, with one IO-Link channel or Atex certification for operation in Ex-Zone 2/22. Versions with rotary head or recessed converter are available for K2 and K3 sensors.

Parameter setting of the sonar proximity switches takes place either through simple setting of the potentiometer on the device itself or more conveniently with the parameter-setting tool: it provides reactionless access to detailed realtime sensor data without interruption of the measuring operation. You can, for example, visualize several echos at different intervals and quality to optimize the parameters for the application. The tool is connected via infrared adapter so that you do not interrupt existing measurement connections.

The new Simatic-PXS sonic proximity switches can detect all objects that reflect ultrasonic waves. Their application ranges from measurement of filling and stacking levels, height detection all the way to distance measurements. The sensors detect objects with widely differing characteristics, regardless of whether they are liquid, solid, powder or even transparent and if their surfaces are rough or smooth, clean or dirty, wet or dry. They are not sensitive to extraneous influences such as light or temperature and they are extremely dependable under changing or difficult environmental conditions. The sensors emit ultrasonic waves. If these are reflected off objects, the resulting echo is converted into an electrical signal and the time between the transmitted pulse and echo pulse is measured to determine the distance.

Siemens AG is a global powerhouse in electronics and electrical engineering, operating in the industry, energy and healthcare sectors. For over 160 years, the company has stood for technical achievements, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality. In addition, Siemens is the world’s biggest provider of ecofriendly technologies. Around €23 billion, or nearly one-third of the company’s revenue, is generated by green products and solutions. In fiscal 2009, ended on September 30, 2009, Siemens had revenue of €76.7 billion and net income of €2.5 billion. At the end of September 2009, the company had around 405,000 employees worldwide.
Siemens resumed the operations of its subsidiary in the Czech Republic in 1990. Currently, with 11,000 employees, Siemens belongs among the largest employers in the Czech Republic. In the fiscal year 2008/2009, Siemens Czech Republic reported a turnover of CZK 30 bn.
Further information is available at www.siemens.com and www.siemens.cz.