Pepperl+Fuchs presents three new RFID read/write heads with integrated IO-Link interface. The read/write heads in three different housing designs work in the HF range in accordance with ISO 15693. They are just as compact, durable, and high-performing as the previous HF read/write heads. They are also suitable for use in harsh industrial environments. With these new designs, Pepperl+Fuchs continue to expand its RFID portfolio toward simpler and more flexible system integration. The new heads support the quick, open, and consequently future-proof IO-Link standard V1.1 while still connecting to the tried-and-tested fieldbus modules in the IDENTControl family. Easy mode allows for simple commissioning with plug-and-play connectivity, and requires no programming. This is ideal for newcomers to RFID or for simple identification tasks. Using a function block is not required, thereby simplifying implementation.
Via the IO-Link interface, the read/write heads can be integrated into automation systems quickly and easily through point-to-point connection to any IO-Link master. In the fieldbus module product range, Pepperl+Fuchs offers the corresponding Ethernet IO modules with integrated IO-Link master for an optimized connection and end-to-end parameterization. In addition to the multi-protocol capability that supports the traditional hierarchical fieldbus connection—meaning the communication between the central control panel and the field level—the integrated 8-way IO-Link master also provides the new Ethernet IO modules with the appropriate cross-hierarchy connectivity for communication structures. These structures can also be found in the implementation of Industry 4.0 and in sensor technology 4.0 applications in the smart factory. A total of up to eight IO-Link-enabled RFID read/write heads can be connected.
The new HF read/write heads are a particularly cost-efficient product family, without compromising on the quality that Pepperl+Fuchs is known for. By connecting up to eight read/write heads, channel costs are very low, providing a cost-effective total solution from a single source. For example, they are ideally suited for applications in the field of intralogistics, if a large number of identification points is required.
