Automation and Control Guides Page 4: 198 technical guides for choosing Automation and Control products: selection criteria, standards, common mistakes and frequently asked questions.
What Is a Humidity and Temperature Controller? Types and Selection Criteria — A humidity and temperature controller compares the relative humidity and temperature read from its sensor with setpoints and switches loads such as heaters and humidifiers via relays. What Is an Analog Thermostat? Types and Selection Criteria — An analog thermostat is a panel-mount controller whose temperature is set with a scaled knob and which switches its relay by the reading from a thermocouple or PT100 probe. What Is an Analog I/O Module? Types and Selection Criteria — An analog I/O module adds to a PLC both analog inputs that read current, voltage or temperature and analog outputs that produce reference signals. What Is an AC Two-Wire 90-Degree Plastic Photoelectric Sensor? Types and Selection Criteria — An AC two-wire 90-degree plastic photoelectric sensor switches its load directly at AC voltage in series and emits light from the side of an M18 plastic housing. What Is an Analog Output Module? Types and Selection Criteria — An analog output module converts a numerical PLC value into a ±10 V, 0–10 V or 0/4–20 mA reference signal for an inverter, proportional valve or indicator. What Is an EtherCAT Motion Controller? Types and Selection Criteria — An EtherCAT motion controller manages servo drives over an EtherCAT network to move several axes simultaneously within a fixed cycle time. What Is a Step and Impulse Relay? Types and Selection Criteria — A step and impulse relay (latching relay, impulse switch) is a modular relay that changes contact position with each pulse to its coil and holds it until the next pulse. What Is AS-Interface (AS-i)? Module Types and Selection Criteria — AS-Interface (AS-i) is an industrial fieldbus that connects field sensors and actuators to a PLC over a two-wire flat cable carrying data and power together. What Is a Digital Input Module? Types and Selection Criteria — A digital input module is an expansion module that passes on/off signals from push buttons, limit switches, inductive sensors and relay contacts to the PLC. What Is an SSR Heat Sink? Types and Selection Criteria — An SSR heat sink is a cooling profile fixed to the base of a solid state relay that carries the heat produced in the semiconductor into the air through its fins. What Are Magnetic and Piston Sensors? Types and Selection — A magnetic sensor switches without contact by detecting a magnet's field; a piston sensor detects the position of the magnetic piston in a pneumatic cylinder. What Is a Profile Controller? Types and Selection Criteria — A profile controller is a PID controller that changes the temperature setpoint over time according to pre-programmed ramp and soak steps. What Is a Digital I/O Module? Types and Selection Criteria — A digital I/O module is a PLC and smart relay expansion module that combines input channels reading on/off signals and output channels driving loads in the same housing. What Is an Ultra Mini DC 3-Wire Inductive Sensor? Types and Selection Criteria — An ultra mini DC 3-wire inductive sensor is a proximity sensor that detects metal without contact from 0.8–1.5 mm in a Ø4, M5 or Ø6.5 mm housing slimmer than M8. What Is a Solar Pump Drive? Types and Selection Criteria — A solar pump drive is an inverter that converts solar panel DC voltage into variable-frequency AC voltage to run a submersible or surface pump directly from the panels, without batteries. What Is a Selector Switch? Types and Selection Criteria — A selector switch is a control device fitted in a panel door whose handle is turned to change its contacts between two or three positions. What Is a Servo Kit? Motor and Drive Kit Types and Selection Criteria — A servo kit is a package in which a servo motor and servo drive matched by the same manufacturer are sold together under one product code. What Is a Solid State Relay (SSR)? Types and Selection Criteria — A solid state relay (SSR) switches the load with a semiconductor instead of a mechanical contact, running silently on a small control signal without contact wear. What Is a Stack Light and Warning Light? Types and Selection Criteria — A stack light is a signal tower that shows the status of a machine or production line from a distance with stacked coloured light tiers and an optional audible alarm. What Is an M12 DC 3/4-Wire Inductive Sensor? Types and Selection Criteria — An M12 DC 3/4-wire inductive sensor is a proximity sensor with an M12x1 threaded cylindrical housing that detects metal without contact and gives a PNP or NPN output. What Are PLC Accessories? Types and Selection Criteria — PLC accessories are the backplanes, terminal blocks, cables and cards used to mount, wire, extend, program and back up a PLC's CPU and modules. What Is a Relay Socket? Types and Selection Criteria — A relay socket is the series-specific base part that carries a plug-in relay's pins to screw or push-in terminals and fixes the relay to a DIN rail. What Is a Safety Relay? Types and Selection Criteria — A safety relay monitors devices such as emergency stops, door safety switches and light barriers over two channels and safely de-energises contactors on demand or on a fault. What Is an M8 DC 3-Wire Inductive Sensor? Types and Selection Criteria — An M8 DC 3-wire inductive sensor is a proximity sensor with a compact M8×1 threaded housing and a PNP or NPN output that detects metal without contact.