ABB Industrial Sensors
ABB industrial sensors are reliable, proven devices for measurement and monitoring of critical physical process variables in thousands of applications. These sensors cover a wide range of instrument types and sensing technologies including pressure, temperature, level, flow, position, and more. Designed for rugged use and consistent long-term accuracy, ABB sensors are trusted in water treatment, food and beverage, utility, power generation, mining, oil and gas, and manufacturing industries worldwide.
Sensors are manufactured to high specification and feature corrosion-resistant materials, advanced electronics, digital communication, low power options and robust enclosures with full instrument certifications. ABB sensors integrate safely into automation systems, supporting plant efficiency and predictive maintenance goals. With decades of expertise and a reputation for consistent quality, ABB sensors provide a secure solution for automation, control, and safety applications.
FAQs
What applications benefit most from ABB industrial sensors?
ABB industrial sensors are used extensively in manufacturing, process automation, power distribution, robotics, and energy systems where accurate measurement and reliable detection are crucial. Their robust construction and stable electronics allow them to function in harsh environments involving heat, vibration, chemicals, or electrical noise. Because ABB sensors provide precise feedback, they help optimize production, improve safety, support predictive maintenance, and ensure consistent equipment performance.
How do ABB industrial sensors integrate with PLCs and monitoring systems?
ABB sensors are designed to integrate seamlessly with modern PLCs, SCADA systems, industrial networks, and digital automation platforms. They offer multiple electrical outputs and communication options that make pairing with ABB or third-party controllers straightforward. This compatibility ensures accurate data transmission for real-time monitoring, closed-loop control, safety interlocks, and advanced diagnostics across multiple automation layers.
Are ABB industrial sensors reliable in harsh operating environments?
Yes, ABB sensors are engineered to withstand demanding industrial conditions such as extreme temperatures, heavy vibration, mechanical stress, and exposure to contaminants. Their housings, materials, and internal circuitry are built to minimize drift and false readings, ensuring accurate long-term operation. This durability reduces maintenance frequency, improves uptime, and enhances system reliability in mission-critical applications.
What sensing technologies does ABB offer for industrial automation?
ABB offers a wide range of sensing technologies, including inductive, capacitive, optical, ultrasonic, pressure, temperature, and flow sensors. This breadth allows ABB to support varied automation requirements from simple object detection to advanced process measurement. Their sensor technologies are optimized for high accuracy, fast response, and strong immunity to electrical interference.
Why do engineers choose ABB industrial sensors over other brands?
Engineers choose ABB sensors for their proven precision, global availability, long product lifecycle, and advanced integration features. ABB’s long history in industrial automation ensures strong engineering support and consistent quality across product families. Their sensors help facilities reduce downtime, maintain safety compliance, and achieve high levels of operational efficiency.
Analog and Digital Control Signals: The Basics
Digital Signals
Digital signals are represented in either a true or false. There is no gray area with digital signals. An example of this might be a light switch. A light switch is either on or off. Another example of this might be a motor that is running or not running. Digital signals can be generated with both AC and DC circuits with varying voltages, currents and resistance. Some practical examples of using digital signals in an industrial environment might be if a pump is running or not running or a whether a valve is open or closed.
Analog Signals
Analog signals convey information in the form of a range. A light switch might be on or off as a digital signal, but a dimmer switch would be an analog signal. It can be on or off, but it can also be somewhere in between. A practical example of using analog signals in an industrial environment would be if there is a need to measure the level of a tank; whether it's full, empty or somewhere in between. Analog signals can take many different forms with some of the more common being a 4 to 20 milliamp signal or a 0 to 5 or 0 to 10 volt signal.
Communication
Communication in a device can either be sent or received. Whether that data is sent or received depends on the type of information. Is there a need to monitor the status of something? If so, an input needs to be received about that information. Is there a need to control something? If so, an output needs to be sent about what needs to occur. Receiving inputs and setting outputs are both things that can be accomplished by using both digital and analog signal types. Therefore, the signals are referred to as analog outputs (AO), analog inputs (AI), digital inputs (DI) or digital outputs (DO).