Sensor market stays wired

Industrial Mass Flow Controller
Max-Trak 180 industrial controller measures and controls gas mass flow rates 0-200 slpm, and up to 400 slpm upon request, in a 5-in. flow body. Accuracy is ±1% of full scale with a repeatability of ±0.2% of full scale. Features include digital and analog communication, genuine 50:1 turndown, low differential-pressure operation, and the ability to view and change critical parameters in the field. Sierra Instruments; 800/866-0200; www.sierrainstruments.com

Long-Range Plans
Series M position transducer provides long displacement range and multiple mounting options for high-volume applications. Available with a maximum range of 85 in., the transducer has a reduced displacement cable fleet angle that increases repeatability, and reduces cable overlap. SpaceAge Control; 661/273-3000; www.spaceagecontrol.com

Alert the Media
MediaGauge digital pressure gauges have an accuracy of ±0.25%, measure pressures 15-5,000 psi, and are well-suited for industrial and commercial applications. SSI Technologies; 608/757-2000; www.ssitechnologies.com

Mount and Protect
GuardHouse brackets for threaded-barrel photoelectric sensors hold diffuse, retro-reflective and through-beam sensors with protective tabs that provide protection from physical damage. Custom, standard and models for attachment fit most automation applications. Brackets are made of heavy-gauge stainless steel that resists corrosion, and meets FDA requirements. SoftNoze USA; 315/732-2726; www.softnoze.com

Simple Clip-On
Clip-on-mount TLS 100 capacitive, level sensor reduces installation time, and permits a wider adjustment band for sensitivity. The non-contact sensor detects the presence or absence of liquids at a chosen level in plastic tubes, rubber hoses, and small glass or plastic pipes. It can protect pumps from running dry, has no moving parts, and is not prone to wear. TLS 100 is designed to measure high dielectric, water-based liquids. E-T-A Circuit Protection; 800/462-9979; www.e-t-a.com

Programmable Sensor Monitors Motion
The Gemco 955 Brik Gen III programmable linear displacement transducer detects movement to 0.001 in. A simple programming unit provides calibration for changing the setting of zero and span. Its tri-color LED visual indicator verifies optimal magnet positioning, confirms active zones, and provides self-diagnostics of LDT functions. The sensor is available in a variety of transducer outputs and can be ordered in lengths to 180 in. Ametek; 800/635-0289; www.ametekapt.com

Vibration Transmitter in the Loop
The HI 5701VTE loop-powered vibration transmitter provides a 4-20 mA output proportional to vibration amplitude levels of 0-1, 0-2, or 0-3 ips peak--suitable for monitoring vibration levels on rotating or reciprocating equipment. The sensor has non-polarity wiring and a power supply requirement of 10 VDC, and provides both 4-20 mA and buffered outputs. Hardy Instruments; 800/821-5831; www.hardyinstruments.com 

Take the Cable and Go Home
To help prevent unauthorized changes, the Telemecanique XUN “teachable” photoelectric sensor has a removable push button cable. The cable is used to program the sensor to operate in any of four sensing modes--background suppression, proximity diffuse, polarized retro-reflective and thru-beam. The sensing range of the sensor is 4.7 in. to 49.2 ft, depending on mode and can be panel-mounted or 18 mm thread-mounted. Schneider Electric; 704/916-6173; www.us.telemecanique.com

Programmable Sensor Monitors Motion
The Gemco 955 Brik Gen III programmable linear displacement transducer detects movement to 0.001 in. A simple programming unit provides calibration for changing the setting of zero and span. Its tri-color LED visual indicator verifies optimal magnet positioning, confirms active zones, and provides self-diagnostics of LDT functions. The sensor is available in a variety of transducer outputs and can be ordered in lengths to 180 in. Ametek; 800/635-0289; www.ametekapt.com

Runs Hot and Nasty
The MIH temperature sensor can be installed in environments to 356º F with no air-cooling required and withstands harsh chemical environments, making it suitable for thermoforming, infrared and curing ovens and paint booths. It has an RS-485 interface that allows up to 32 sensors to be networked on two wires, and user-selectable 0/4-20 mA, 0-5 V, J or K thermocouple outputs. Raytek; 800/866-5478; www.Raytek.com

Increase Sensitivity
Sensing ranges for M12 extended range inductive sensors are 4 mm flush mount and 8 mm non-flush mount.  Sensing ranges for M18 are 8 mm and 14mm, and 15 mm and 22 mm for M30.  The sensors have 10-40 VDC supply range, and are available in both two and three-wire versions.  Outputs are transistor types, with NPN and PNP versions available.  The housings are made of nickel-plated brass, allowing the sensors to be both robust and economical.  Carlo Gavazzi; 847/465-6100; www.gavazzionline.com

Doesn't Drift
Infosense temperature sensors use software to reduce process variation and drift of thermocouples and RTDs. Each sensor has four error values, known from calibration, printed on small tags. Users simply enter the values into a compatible controller's standard menu. Entering the codes immediately improves sensor accuracy by a factor of two. Other sensors in the product line have an EEPROM with additional information or use IEEE P1451.4 smart sensor technology. Watlow; 314/878-4600; www.watlow.com

Molded Connectors Suit Sensors
M8 and M12 molded connectors have a mechanical safeguard against vibration, gold-plated contacts and IP67 protection, and are available with variable lengths of wire or cables. The M8 and M12 sensor cables come in straight and angled versions, each with male and female contacts in three, four or five positions. The M8 connectors are available in three and four positions. The female connectors are available with or without LEDs. Phoenix Contact; 800/322-3225; www.phoenixcon.com