Transponder challenges magnetic switches

Safety specialist Euchner predicts that a non-contact switching system that operates in a similar way to car immobilisers, will replace magnetic switches in many safety applications. The company`s new CES-A-C5E-01 transponder system is actuated by sensing an electromagnetic field generated by a transceiver station, processing the signal, and sending a response back to a receiving evaluator circuit.

The system can monitor up to four safety guards simultaneously while performing evaluation tasks and monitoring externally connected devices. It can switch currents from 1mA-6A, allowing it to be connected directly to safety control modules. The tamper-proof actuators are said to be easy to program and avoid the need for extra tripping devices. Their operating range of up to 15mm means that they are unaffected by vibrations and they provide greater positioning flexibility than magnetic switches. Wiring is minimal and errors, such as cable breaks and short circuits, are detected automatically.