Rod-style and profile magnetostrictive transducers

The range of Gefran magnetostrictive position sensors has been widened with the introduction of two new models, MK4P and IK4P, provided with Profibus interface. Although, in recent years, the use of industrial Ethernet devices has been spreading in automation and process solutions, conventional fieldbuses still appear to be the preferred option in 70% of cases, with the Profibus technology - at present integrated in over 20% of both existing and newly installed systems - representing the leading choice.

The main advantages ensured by Profibus solutions include the possibility of integration into complex systems featuring communication ranges of considerable size as well as extremely quick and safe data transmission. In addition to these characteristics, the devices by the manufacturer from Brescia also offer reliability, durability and high reading accuracy.

The new solutions by Gefran integrate a Profibus DPV0 interface for RS485 ports, in compliance with IEC 61158 standards, and are available in both the profile (MK4-P) and rod-style (IK4-P) versions, for strokes from 50 to 4000 mm. The profile version allows for the use of sliding or floating cursors, ensuring a greater installation flexibility, while the rod-style range can feature ring magnets, for in-cylinder applications, or float magnets, for level measurements.

These transducers can manage one to 4 cursors on one single sensor, for absolute position and speed readings. In addition, they indicate the sensor status as well as possible errors occurred while measuring (magnet status). Available settings include the offset value of each magnet and the measuring direction (forward/backward). Each transducer features one 4-pin M8 power supply connector and two 5-pin M12 bus connectors, making it possible to configure the device from handheld programmers, without having to connect the transducer to the bus network.