IDEC Industrial Sensors
IDEC industrial sensors are designed for use in a wide range of machine-control and automation applications, offering precise detection capabilities for position, presence/absence, distance measurement, and related switching needs. IDEC sensors are valued for precise operation, long service life, and compact form factors that make them ideal for high-speed equipment and space-constrained installations. Examples of IDEC sensing products include: photoelectric sensors, proximity sensors, safety sensors and ultrasonic sensors.
IDEC sensors are engineered to deliver stable sensitivity, quick response, and dependable operation in challenging sensing applications where vibration, surface gloss, presence of dust, or environmental temperature variations could otherwise degrade sensing accuracy. Their technology favors rugged performance, false-trigger resistance, and consistent operation in both simple and complex machine settings.
A key advantage is IDEC's focus on flexibility and ease of use: many IDEC models offer a choice of multiple mounting options, housing types, and wiring connections to enable integration into tight spaces or upgrades to existing systems. They are compatible with IDEC and third-party controllers, panels, and safety systems, which simplifies automation setup and maintenance. IDEC also prioritizes long-term stability and safety, which makes their industrial sensors well-suited for applications involving machine guarding, safety interlocking, part detection, object counting, and automation sequencing.
FAQs
What applications benefit most from IDEC industrial sensors?
IDEC sensors are used in assembly automation, robotics, packaging lines, and material handling systems where precise detection and fast response times are critical.
How do IDEC sensors maintain accuracy in tough environments?
Their durable housings, reinforced electronics, and noise-resistant design allow IDEC sensors to perform reliably under vibration, temperature changes, and electrical interference.
Are IDEC sensors easy to install in compact or tight spaces?
Yes, IDEC specializes in compact, space-efficient sensor designs that fit easily into dense machinery layouts without compromising detection performance.
How do IDEC sensors integrate with automation controllers?
IDEC sensors are compatible with PLCs, safety controllers, and machine interfaces, offering flexible wiring and output configurations for seamless connection.
Why do system integrators choose IDEC sensors for automation projects?
They provide a strong combination of precision, reliability, ease of installation, and long-term stability, making them a cost-effective choice for high-performance automation.
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).