New fibre optic controller with variable switching outputs

Micro-Epsilon has introduced an optoelectronic fibre optic sensor solution for reliable position control and presence detection in a wide range of industrial automation and process control applications.

The new optoCONTROL CLS1000 optoelectronic system consists of a controller and a sensor (sensor head and glass fibre optic cable). A wide variety of fibre optic sensor heads and cables are available. Fibre optics are offered in different form factors and with focusing lens options, which means the optoCONTROL CLS1000 system can be adapted to operate in a wide variety of demanding applications and environments, including high temperatures, aggressive chemicals, vacuums and for the detection of very fine structures.

The optoCONTROL CLS1000 controller comprises of a compact transmitter and receiver unit with integrated signal evaluation. The infrared light is transmitted to the object and back via a high quality glass fibre optic cable that works on the principle of total reflection. The received light intensity is used for evaluation.

Due to their large sensing range of up to 2000mm, the sensors can detect components at great distances. The controller also has an extremely high resistance to ambient light of up to 50,000 lux, which increases process reliability when used in production plants and systems where intensive lighting is required.

With a robust, compact design, the optoCONTROL CLS1000 is particularly suitable for use in confined installation spaces on machines, robots and production lines. The controller has an OLED display for fast, easy configuration and parameter set up. All programming steps, status displays and set/actual values are visualised via two 4-digit digital displays. The optoCONTROL CLS1000 has numerous teach-in methods including switching output functions, on/off delays, pulse output and adjustable hysteresis.