Ericson Industrial Sensors
Ericson RFID sensors provide enhanced tool and equipment management, asset visibility, and security by automatically tracking the location of tagged objects, cords, or devices within an industrial facility, job site, or maintenance operation. The primary strength of Ericson RFID sensors is reducing asset losses and improving equipment accountability by giving businesses an automated record when tagged tools, reels, or portable items cross into or out of controlled zones. Unlike barcode scanners or manual sign-in procedures, Ericson’s RFID technology captures usage data even if objects are obscured or without a direct scanning step. This makes it easier for organizations to monitor which assets are in use, prevent accidental cord/tool removal from job sites, and complete audits faster with greater accuracy.
Another key benefit of Ericson RFID sensors is the rugged industrial design. Because the underlying Ericson tags and system components are built for demanding environments, they will continue reading reliably around electrical interference, dirt, grease, harsh weather, and rough handling. This improves overall asset management compared to consumer-grade tagging solutions and makes Ericson especially valuable for teams working outdoors or in industrial settings where tagged cords and tools are often exposed to challenging conditions.
FAQs
What do Ericson RFID sensors do?
They automatically identify and track tagged tools and equipment as they move through work zones.
Are Ericson RFID systems suitable for industrial environments?
Yes, they are built with durable materials designed to withstand harsh field and production conditions.
Do Ericson RFID tags require line-of-sight scanning?
No, RFID allows bulk, non-line-of-sight detection even when items are stacked or enclosed.
Can Ericson RFID systems track exact location?
They provide zone-based detection but not precise, GPS-style positioning.
Where are Ericson RFID sensors commonly used?
They are widely used in construction, utilities, maintenance teams, and industrial facilities that manage portable equipment.
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).