Ethernet-capable Optical Data Couplers Enables Live Video Communication

Pepperl+Fuchs introduces LS680 Series Optical Data Couplers. With speeds from 33 up to 50 times faster than competitive models, the LS680 is uniquely capable of transmitting signals, such as live video and other communication information, that were previously unavailable in material handling applications. Additionally, the LS680 has no operating controls such as push buttons, switches, or potentiometers, and requires no programming, making it a true tamper-proof, plug-and-play solution.

“Live video can be very helpful for maintenance, diagnostics, and feedback, especially for very remote or inaccessible locations, like high bays in a warehouse,” says Jeff Allison, Product Manager. “In the past, users may have to shut down a line and send a technician to trouble-shoot if there is overhang from a bay. Now, these issues can be addressed remotely with live video from the trouble spot, which saves time and makes for a more secure system.”

The LS680 optical data transmitter transmits protocol-free, meaning various industrial Ethernet topologies such as Ethernet IP, PROFINET, and TCP/IP can all be transmitted on the same product without changing a thing. It transmits signals from 0 meters to 150 meters, with a 180 meter threshold distance. It transmits data consistently at a rate of 100 MBit/s via a 100 Base-TX interface.

The LS680 optical data coupler acts a “virtual cable” that replaces a physical Ethernet cable, which has inherent mechanical limitations such as inflexibility and wear and tear, and electrical limitations such as susceptibility to noise.

Quick-disconnect connectors enable faster set-up than terminal-type connectivity. Diagnostic and status LEDs, such as a bar graph LED display, simplify troubleshooting and indicate the quality of the optical signal. The LS680 also features a wide and forgiving beam angle, and two built-in alignment LED’s, making alignment quick and easy.

The LS680 is designed to aid in the positioning of moving stacker cranes / vehicles in Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) by relaying placement information from the stationary control system to the mobile vehicle controls. The LS680 can also send images from a camera on a high-bay stacker crane, retrieve the location of pallet pick-ups on pallet transfer vehicles, and can also be used to transmit data in overhead monorail systems, mobile transport units, automated guided vehicles and carts, and material transfer systems.

Pepperl+Fuchs
www.pepperl-fuchs.com

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