Easy ID

The onward march of IO-Link seems unstoppable, with good reason: so much more control is possible at little extra cost, so one of the recent releases from ifm electronic is simple radio-frequency identification over IO-Link. With the largest offering of IO-Link sensors on the market, founder member ifm electronic has also been supplying RFID systems for several years, so it makes sense to combine the technologies.

The latest range of RFID antennas launched by ifm electronic covers nine housing variants using their expertise in robust designs with ratings up to IP69K and -20 to 60°C. They also neatly complement the existing range of RFID from ifm with this ideal solution for no end of applications from tooling to conveying. Easy integration the new RFID antennas via IO-Link opens up new opportunities for a wide range of applications. 

The new antennae are especially suited to the identification of workpiece carriers in conveyor technology, when only a small amount of data needs to be transmitted.

The new antennas demonstrate ifm’s competence as a supplier of both identification systems and IO-Link, providing masters, sensors and software; in short everything from a single source. Depending on the version, the IO-Link masters have an EtherCAT, Profibus, Ethernet TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP or ProfiNet interface for communication to the PLC. On the RFID side, they can be used with all RFID tags to HF standard ISO 15693, handling 32 bytes of process data and 28 bytes of user data.

ifm is committed to working closely with its customers to develop products which precisely match their needs, and the company provides expert, readily accessible technical support to help users maximise the benefits they gain from ifm products.

For further information, contact Gemma Anderson, ifm electronic Ltd., efector House, Kingsway Business Park, Oldfield Road, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 2HD.  Telephone:  020 8213-2234. E-mail – [email protected]