Proximity sensors...anti-aircraft and iPhones?

Wednesday, April 18, 2012 by Jonathan Smith

I'm new at Marshall Wolf Automation. It is time to begin my education. Let the games begin!

The first lesson in 'My Automation Education' is on proximity sensors. Fans of war films and smartphones may know proximity sensors and not realize it. The same type of device that allows your smartphone to recognize your face and "close" your touch screen so you do not press unnecessary buttons while making a call also give anti-aircraft gunners a fighting chance.

But lets talk about a few more every day uses that may be interesting to you. Proximity sensors, in one way or another, can be used by the food industry (even those that manufacture food equipment supplies), roller coasters, as a sensor for paper breaks in the paper making process, car washing systems, even all types of conveyor systems.

What does a proximity sensor do? According to my good buddy Wikipedia, proximity sensors are used to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. There are many types: capacitive proximity sensors, laser distance measurement sensors, photoelectric proximity sensors - even miniature photoelectric sensors, and retroreflective photoelectric sensors.

We can spend future blogs diving deeper into the specifics of each sensor type. For inductive or ultrasonic sensors try the Baumer electric sensors line. If you are looking for those or maybe a capacitive sensor head towards the Carlo Gavazzi sensors. Marshall Wolf Automation also offers Autonics sensors, and is one of North America's Pepperl & Fuchs distributors for all your sensor needs.

Anti-aircraft and iPhones, dairies and daredevils, self-parks and car washes...they all use proximity sensors; you should too!

Marshall Wolf Automation, industrial automation distributor, encourages you to give us a try for all your future automation needs.

Step one on the path to Knowledgetown...enjoy the journey to 'My Automation Education'!

What Is The Difference Between Sinking and Sourcing?

Wednesday, April 11, 2012 by Scott Welch

This email was taken from a recent email interaction with our technical department:

Question:

    I was trying to select some prox switches for a home project (PR08-***).  I have worked with these in industry as a maintenance electrician but this is the first time I've designed a project from scratch at home.  I don't understand the terms "sinking" vs "sourcing". 

    I'm using these essentially to turn on a light when a cabinet door is opened.  I don't want any moving parts.  These will trigger a SSR which will close the circuit for a small set of incandescent lights.  I want the lights to work as if by magic such that even under close inspection the layman will not understand how they work. 

    Please explain, "sinking" vs "sourcing" and I will order the appropriate items.

Answer:

Sinking and sourcing refer to the type of digital inputs and outputs used. A sinking digital I/O (input/output) provides a ground. A sourcing digital I/O provides a voltage source.

Consider a simple circuit that consists of one digital input connected to a digital output. The circuit needs a voltage source, a ground, and a load. A sourcing digital I/O provides the voltage needed for the circuit. A sinking digital I/O provides the ground needed in the circuit. The digital input provides the load required for the circuit to work.

Figure 1 below shows a sinking digital output that is connected to a sourcing digital input. In this circuit, the sourcing digital input provides the voltage and the load. The sinking digital output controls the line by using a transistor to leave the line high (at +V) or to ground the line to 0 V.

Figure 2 shows a sourcing digital output that is connected to a sinking digital input. In this circuit, the sourcing digital output provides the voltage and the sinking digital input provides the load and the ground. The digital output controls the line by using a transistor to leave the line at 0 V or to raise the line to +V.

Because you need both a voltage source and a ground in order to create a complete circuit, you need to have a sourcing input or output connected to a sinking output or input. If you wish to connect a sourcing input to a sourcing output or a sinking input to a sinking output, you will need to add an additional resistor.


 
Marshall Wolf Automation is your industrial automation distributor for a wide range of industrial automation products including sensors, relays, AC to DC switching power supplies, industrial light towers, variable frequency drives and industrial electric motors!
 
View our 2012 Product Line Card now!

 

AC Tech Lenze Variable Frequency Drives In Stock!

Monday, April 9, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro

Lenze America's has recently launched their OVERDRIVE program - basically saying they have increased their stock levels and so have we!

If you need AC Tech drives shipped out same day, we are the only distributor you need.

Not only does Marshall Wolf Automation keep a large inventory, we also work closely with AC Tech Lenze to make sure we get the drives you need when you need them.

We also have in-house technical support to help you choose the best high performance AC drive for your application. Do you need an industrial electric motor as well? We can help.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your industrial automation distributor for everything from soft starters, motors and variable frequency drives to industrial light towers, AC to DC switching power supplies and laser distance measurement sensors.

Search all of our products now!

Spotlight: Delta VFD-E Series AC Drive Escalator Application

Friday, April 6, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro

A recent newsletter I received from Delta Industrial Automation highlighted their VFD-E series of variable frequency drives used in elevator applications.

In the U.S. they estimate there are over 30,000 escalators with a national energy use of 2,600,000,000 kilowatt hours per year!

escalator

An escalator is similar to a conveyor belt, using a pair of rotating chains that pull a series of stairs in a constant cycle.

By connecting entry and exit sensors from the escalator to the variable frequency drive's internal PLC, the escalator could be stopped when it's not in use. It would then start when anyone walks on and offer safety alarms when someone entered the wrong direction.

The ability to control the continuous operation of the escalator would offer large energy and money savings!

Features of our Delta VFD-E series of high performance AC drives:

  • Modular Design allowing users to add or subtract features as needed
  • Several Communication and I/O Option Cards
  • Integrated RF Filter on 1 phase 230V and 3 phase 460V 
  • RFI-Switch for IT Mains
  • Small X Y foot print
  • Side-by-Side Installation (40oC) for saving panel space
  • Built-In PLC using real Ladder Logic programming
  • CANopen embedded on specific models
  • Control modes: V/F, Sensorless Vector, PID, DEB, Auto Torque Boost, Auto Slip Compensation, Auto Accel/Decel, 2nd V/F Curve, Auto Tuning, Motor PTC etc.
  • Full Protection Functions: Over Loads, Over Current, Over Temperature, Ground Fault, etc.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Delta high performance AC drives, industrial operator interfaces, AC to DC switching power supplies and much more.

View all of our Delta Industrial Automation products now!

Micron Power Supplies

Friday, April 6, 2012 by Caryl Clement

You're probably Micron Din Rail Power Supplieswell aware of Micron transformers but did you know that Micron now has power supplies as well? 

Micron's DINergyTM family of small form DIN rail mounting power supplies provide valuable features and benefits at an economical price point... and can be shipped quickly from Illinois inventory!   With universal 85-264 VAC input voltage and a range of output voltages from 5, 12, 24, 36 or 48VDC, these power supplies can meet your needs and carry a 5-year warranty!

Micron's automatic input voltage matching circuitry senses and adjusts the product to accommodate any input voltage from 100-240VAC without the need for switch actuation. Unlike many competitive product designs employing passive choke filters, DINergy units feature active PFC systems that provide superior harmonic filtering. 

Marshall Wolf Automation, your industrial automation distributor is the place to go for all of your power supply needs!  Need quantity pricing?  Call us today: 800-325-9653

What Exactly Does Kodawari Mean?

Tuesday, April 3, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro

I recently saw an IDEC advertisement in DesignWorld that had the headline 'kodawari' and was intrigued regarding the meaning of the word.

Per the ad, kodawari is the uncompromising and relentless pursuit of perfection. Interesting.

The ad is explaining the IDEC mentality of constantly striving to perfect their products and technology. A look at one of the new products from Idec confirms their attitude of kodawari.

The IDEC CW series of 22mm flush mount pushbuttons, switches and pilot devices has a number of unique advantages.

Here are just a few of the highlights you will find in the IDEC CW series:

  • Two-action removal of contact blocks
  • Locking lever integrated with guard
  • Sleek and stylish switches and a 2.5mm-thick bezel
  • Only 39.9mm depth behind the panel
  • IP20 finger-safe terminals

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized IDEC distributor for their complete line of LED pilot lights, pushbuttons, switches, industrial DC power supplies, LED stack lights, sensors and much more.

I'm not sure we are pursuing perfection here (really, who determines perfection?) at Marshall Wolf Automation but I can promise you we are actively and consistently looking to improve our processes, products, pricing and service. 

Search all of our products now!

 

 

Wireless Safety System for Industrial Automatic Doors

Friday, March 23, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro

Are you tired of damaged wires in your industrial door applications?

Our Carlo Gavazzi Wireless Safety System (WSS/WSM Series) eliminates the spiral cables between the door and controller which eliminates a weak point in your system!

The Carlo Gavazzi WSS/WSM system consists of a main module (WSM) which interfaces directly with the safety input of the main door controller.

The main module, in turn, can monitor up to 4 sub-controllers (WSS). 

Learn more about the Carlo Gavazzi WSS/WSM Wireless Safety System now!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Carlo Gavazzi sensors, industrial DC power supplies, energy management solutions, phase monitors and much more!

Search all of our Carlo Gavazzi products now!

IDEC LF1F: Ideal For Visual Inspections!

Thursday, March 15, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro

Are you looking for an LED light that will allow you to accurately detect uneven surfaces, scratches and flaws?

Our IDEC LF1F series of LED lights do not flicker so they allow even object illumination, a big advantage over fluorescent lights.

The IDEC LF1F provides steady light regardless of ambient temperature. Other advantages include:

  • Energy savings
  • Long operating life
  • Maintenance-free
  • 12mm bezel saves space!
  • 300mm square illuminated surface
  • Wide operating temperature range than fluorescent lighting

Interested in where you might use the IDEC LF1F LED lights?

  • Detect uneven plastic and rubber part surfaces
  • Identify dust on glass or plastic plates
  • Illuminate marks on metal surfaces during cutting and marking
  • Elevator illumination
  • Detect scratches and foreign materials on silicon wafers
  • Find flaws on painted or plated surfaces

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized stocking IDEC distributor! We carry their entire line, everything from miniature photoelectric sensors, ice cube relays and AC to DC switching power supplies to industrial stack lights, LED pilot lights and programmable logic relays (SmartRelays).

Search all of our IDEC products now!

Single Phase Energy Meters

Wednesday, February 29, 2012 by Caryl Clement

Carlo Gavazzi EM10 MeterAlong with Carlo Gavazzi sensors and relays, look at the compact EM10 and EM 11 Series Energy Meters. The EM10 Series is an innovative single-phase energy meter which monitors 120 or 230VAC. It provides a cost effective solution for most metering applications, allowing an effective energy measurement without the need for an external current transformer.

This ultra-compact device can easily be interfaced with a PLC, (which is also easily obtained at Marshall Wolf Automation)  thanks to its optional pulse output (1 Wh resolution). It is ideal for use in public buildings, offices, condominiums, apartments and in most facilities that require energy cost sharing and the metering of common loads. The main technical features of the EM10 Series include:

  • Self power supply: One-phase 120 or 230VAC Class B, in compliance with EN50470-1-3
  • Readout: 5+1 digit
  • Direct connection up to 32A
  • 90 x 67.5 x 17.5mm (HxWxD mm) 1-DIN module
  • 1 pulse output on request (1000 pulses/kWh)
  • IP40 protection degree


As an Industrial Automation Distributor with technical help on staff, we can answer your questions, help you with your application needs and provide the best product for the job.  Call us today: 800-325-9653!

The Best Looking 22mm Switches On The Market!

Wednesday, February 29, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro

Idec has released new options on their sleek CW series of pushbuttons and selector switches!

New options on these Idec switches include:

  • Maintained pushbutton operators, marking plates and rubber boots
  • Flush mount design
  • Easy to see LED lighting
  • 10A contact ratings
  • 3-across contact block mounting
  • Black or metallic bezels

Illuminated pushbuttons, pushbuttons, LED pilot lights, selector switches and key selector switches

Marshall Wolf Automation is your IDEC distributor for the complete line of industrial switches, AC to DC switching power supplies, miniature photoelectric sensors, industrial stack lights, SmartRelays and much more!

Search all of our Idec switches and products now!

Pepperl+Fuchs Bebco EPS Purge Systems

Tuesday, February 21, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro

The Pepperl+Fuchs Bebco EPS purge and pressurization units were designed to supply protected enclosures with a clean instrument air or inert gas.

That explanation confused me a bit so I looked around a little more and found that basically this process removes flammable gases or prevents ignitable dust from accumulating within the protected enclosures.

These systems are commonly used for all applications involving basic electronics, electrical equipment, motors and switchgear. 

BebcoEPS systems meet the demands of rack-mounted instrumentation, video displays, programmable controllers, computers, printers, recorders, measurement, gas analyzers and calibration equipment.

One of the best benefits is the continuous flow of protective gas, which can be specifically used to eliminate problems like heat increase, moisture buildup, dust and corrosion.

As your Pepperl + Fuchs distributor we can help you find the ideal products for all your applications. We are a full line industrial automation distributor with in-house technical support available to our customers.

Search all of our Pepperl+Fuchs products now!

 

Idec SJ Sockets Now With New Features!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro

Our popular Idec SJ sockets, used with our Idec RJ relays, have recently been released with many new features!

They can be DIN rail mounted or panel mounted and come with standard screw terminals for IEC finger-safe terminals.

A new locking lever makes it even easier to secure or replace relays in SJ sockets, saving you time and money on installation!

The new locking lever also has a built-in marking plate that can be popped out for easy labeling. Idec has also added 5 addtional positions for marking plates.

White terminal numbers (they used to be black) make them easier to read.

Learn more about our Idec RJ series!

Get pricing and learn more about the new features on the Idec SJ series!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized IDEC distributor. Idec has a wide range of products including industrial DC power supplies, industrial warning lights, relays, photoelectric sensors, programmable logic relays and much more!

 

Wireless Safety System for Doors

Wednesday, February 15, 2012 by Caryl Clement

Wireless Door SystemsMarshall Wolf Automation is proud to announce the latest in Carlo Gavazzi innovations, as Carlo Gavazzi proudly launches a new Wireless Safety System for industrial automatic doors. The WSM/WSS eliminates the need for coiled cables between the door and the door controller, thus eliminating the possibility of damaged wires rendering a door inoperable or unsafe. The system consists of a main module which interfaces directly with the safety input of the main door controller.

The main module in turn can monitor up to 4 sub-controllers. Each sub-controller is powered by 1-4 batteries, and can monitor 2 safety edges, or 1 safety edge and 1 door-in-door sensor. The system is completed with our new PB11 low power consumption photoelectric sensors for safety edges. Power for the PB11 is supplied by the sub-controller. The system will also work with many safety edge products already on the market.

Call us for all of your Carlo Gavazzi sensors, as well as 3 phase monitors or power supply products.  As your factory authorized industrial automation distributor, we can help! 800-325-9653 (WOLF).

New Wireless Safety System from Carlo Gavazzi

Wednesday, February 15, 2012 by David Sheets

Carlo Gavazzi has proudly launched a new Wireless Safety System for industrial automatic doors.  The WSM/WSS eliminates the need for coiled cables between the door and the door controller, thus eliminating the possibility of damaged wires rendering a door inoperable or unsafe.

Marshall Wolf Automation, your full-line industrial automation distributor, is an authorized Carlo Gavazzi distributor.


wsm

The WSM/WSS system consists of a main module (WSM) which interfaces directly with the safety input of the main door controller.  The main module can monitor up to 4 sub-controllers(WSS).  The system is completed with their new PB11 low power consumption photoelectric sensors for safety edges.  Power for the PB11 is supplied by the sub-controller.  The system will also work with many safety edge products already on the market.

Please visit our website at www.wolfautomation.com and view our large selection of Carlo Gavazzi products as well as the huge variety of other industrial automation products.

New Lower Pricing On Power Supplies!

Friday, February 10, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
Our AC to DC power supplies now start at just $19.80!

industrial power suppliesIf you need an industrial DC power supply we can ship them today.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized stocking distributor for all the top brands including:
  • IDEC PS5R, PS5R-S and PS3X series
  • Altech PS- series
  • Delta CLIQ -  PMC and DRP industrial DC power supplies
  • Carlo Gavazzi SPD, SPP1 and SPM series
  • Micron MDP DINergy power supplies
Marshall Wolf Automation stocks a wide range of AC to DC power supplies including 5 to 960 watt, many DC voltage options, and single or 3 phase. We also offer a complete offering of power supply products and accessories.

Search all of our industrial DC power supplies now!

Center Pivot Irrigation Systems Explained

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
The name sounds more complicated than the system actually is.

You've probably seen these, especially if you've been in a plane lately. Those big green circles out in the fields? Courtesy of a center pivot irrigation system.

center pivot irrigation systemsBasically the irrigation sprinkler pivots around a central point. The center pivot (get it?) is fixed and rotates around to water a large circle.

Marshall Wolf Automation has a number of products that can benefit and upgrade an existing center pivot irrigation system or simply improve a new one.

Variable frequency drives are one way to lower peak current demands and run the motors at a reduced speed. A simple energy management solution.

We also are an authorized IDEC distributor which means we can offer you great pricing on SmartRelays, industrial DC power supplies, industrial stack lights, pushbuttons, sensors and much more.


Even better, we have in-house technical support ready to recommend the best products for your center pivot irrigation system.



What Is A Grid-Tie Inverter?

Friday, February 3, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
Two weeks ago my response would have been 'heck if I know' but now that we have a line that carries them I can answer the question.

Of course my first action when hearing about grid tie inverters was to ask my old friend 'Google'. Which brought me to another pal, Wikipedia.

grid tied inverterTo start with, you might be calling them something different. I've seen GTI (grid-tie inverter), PV inverters, solar inverters, synchronous inverters, grid-interactive inverters and a mix of all of the above.

The purpose of a grid-tie inverter is to convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) and send that electricity into an existing electrical grid.

Grid-tie inverters are popular in solar panels and small wind turbines because that power is being used to power homes and businesses.


You might ask why these are becoming popular... great question and one I asked myself!

In many places you are now able to sell your energy to the utility grid. There are a number of ways to do this so that would need a separate blog (and plenty of additional research by me).

Regardless, check out our our new single phase solar inverters (GTI, PV inverter, etc.) from Carlo Gavazzi, the ISGA series.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Carlo Gavazzi sensors, relays, industrial DC power supplies, monitoring relays and now... grid-tie inverters!



What Is The Difference Between A Transformer And A Power Supply?

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
Transformers are AC to AC devices... you cannot transform DC.  Transformers convert AC electricity from one voltage to another voltage, usually with little loss of power.

control power transormersThe input coil on a transformer is called the primary and the output coil on a transformer is called the secondary.

Industrial DC power supplies, on the other hand, reduce high voltage (generally AC) to a safer low DC voltage.

Do you need a transformer? We are authorized industrial automation distributors for the complete line of Micron transforms. You might also call these CPT's, control power transformers, step-up transformers or high inrush transformers.ac to dc power supply

Search our Micron Transformers now!


After reading this maybe you have decided what you actually need is an industrial DC power supply to reduce AC voltage to a lower DC voltage?

Not a problem, we have a large inventory of VDC output power supplies ranging from 5 to 960 watt.



Search our AC to DC switching power supplies now!

Replace Traditional Brake Resistors!

Monday, January 30, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
Our Delta AFE (Active Front End) units will replace traditional brake resistors to reduce heat energy.
regenerative energy
This energy management solution regenerates more than 95% of the energy and supplies it back to the mains!
  • Converts regenerative energy (excess heat) into reusable electricity
  • Improves power factor and decreases harmonic distortion
  • Full load operation
  • Supports 4-quadrant operation with variable frequencies and adjustable system
Constant DC bus voltage unaffected by mains voltage fluctuations.

Would you like to learn more? Click here for more information on the Delta AFE 2000 series!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your industrial automation distributor for the full line of Delta Industrial Automation products which includes:
  • Variable frequency drives
  • Industrial operator interfaces
  • AC to DC switching power supply
  • Communication Modules
Search all of our Delta products now!

New Product: Grid-Tied PV Inverters

Monday, January 23, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
Carlo Gavazzi has released their ISGA series of Grid-Tied PV Inverters!

grid tied pv intertersThe Carlo Gavazzi ISGA series features a transformer-less design which does not incorporate or require a cooling fan.

Cooling fans have moving components which eventually fail... this means not having one will give you a longer, maintenance-free product life span.

The primary markets for PV inverters include residential, commercial and light industrial.

The Carlo Gavazzi ISGA series is available in 2kW, 3kW, 4kW and 5kW output sizes. The inverter has an output efficiency up to 96.4%!

Other features of the Carlo Gavazzi ISGA series include:
  • Low MPPT input voltage
  • One or two MPPT inputs
  • High efficiency rating
  • Transformer-less design
  • Fanless design
  • Informative mimic panel display
  • Free graphical user interface software
  • RS232, RS485, Ethernet or USB communications
  • UL1741, CSAC22.2, IEEE1547 and FCC
  • Up to a 10 year warranty!
Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Carlo Gavazzi sensors, monitoring relays, solid state relays, industrial DC power supplies and much more!

Search all of our Carlo Gavazzi products now!