FX-550L photoelectric sensor with IO-Link

The IO-Link technology makes it possible to continuously collect and process data and to control the sensor. This allows users to implement predictive maintenance and to monitor operation in machines and assembly lines. Processing the multitude of data requires users to invest know-how and time. Panasonic has developed a self-diagnosis function for each sensor type. This function sends sensor data via IO-Link to a higher-level fieldbus, thus informing about the state of the sensor directly. This way, the amount of production data and the work needed to analyse the data is reduced.

To ensure smooth operation on the production floor, it is important to keep the machine downtime to a minimum. The new IO-Link technology permanently generates data on the sensor level and transmits them to a PLC for processing. The result is a large amount of data waiting to be analysed so that they can be used in a meaningful way. The right information helps to take effective measure in the case of a failure in the shortest possible time. To find out at an early stage why a component has failed is a big advantage. Panasonic’s IO-Link sensors are equipped with a self-diagnosis function which outputs individual failure information for each sensor type, for example when the amount of light received has deteriorated. This way, you receive error messages specifically for the problem at hand without extra programming effort.

Thanks to predictive systems, IoT helps to reduce maintenance time. For sensors with a self-diagnosis function, users only need to monitor the parameter value that informs about whether the sensor is still working properly.

The sensing range of the thin reflective type fiber is about 1.6 times longer than that of a conventional product. The sensing range of the standard reflective type fiber is about 1.4 times longer. This adds extra flexibility to the placement of the sensors.

The FX-500 series is equipped with only the most important functions for improved ease of use. No matter which model you select, they are all easy to use.

NAVI mode

The NAVI mode uses three indicators and a dual display to show the amplifier’s basic operation. The current operation mode can be checked at a glance so that even a first-time user can easily operate the amplifier.

1. L/D
   Switches output operation. L: Light-ON, D: Dark-ON.
2. CUST
   The sensitivity to received light can be changed directly.
3. PRO
   Gives access to the advanced functions and settings for timer, shift amount and threshold value tracking.

• PRO 1: Contains the settings for response time, timer, and shift amount.
• PRO 2: Contains the settings for teaching lock, digital display items, digital display turning and the ECO function.
• PRO 3: Contains the settings for display adjustment, reset, emission frequency, and threshold value tracking

• Assembly line downtime caused by failures of the sensor can be avoided thanks to predictive maintenance.
• Sensors mounted in the production line are often difficult to access so that as a rule is it not possible to make settings manually by pressing the buttons. Sensors capable of remote configuration and maintenance offer a big advantage here.