SICK has released an infrared data transmission photoelectric switch for communication between mobile transport equipment and a stationary controller.
The ISD400 is said to have compact dimensions, an integrated display with switchable carrier frequency, a range of 180m, transmission rates of up to 3Mb/s, and Profibus interface.
The unit uses infrared for communications, eliminating trailing cables and resulting in a friction-free application.
A transmission path with the ISD400 consists of two devices. Each device's carrier frequency is selected via the display. Only one device type needs to be ordered and stocked for spare parts.
The stationary unit and the mobile unit each contain a data transmitter and a data receiver. They can communicate bi-directionally on an optical path.
The point-to-point light path is monitored during transmission and any interruption of the light path is displayed both optically on the device and via a special functional interface.
A level indicator and optical alignment aid helps to align the units with each other. An error counter will provide failure statistics.