In industrial manufacturing, the reliability of machines and equipment is paramount. Achieving high levels of machine flexibility, optimizing production processes, and ensuring remote serviceability are key performance parameters. However, accessing and interpreting data from sensors and actuators, which are essential for machine operation, can be challenging. This difficulty often leads to unexpected equipment failures and costly downtime, making the need for efficient and reliable power supplies a key focus for those in the industrial sector.
Efficiency, productivity, and reliability in manufacturing are gauged through various metrics. These include machine downtime and maintenance analytics, which are vital for operational efficiency and equipment effectiveness. Tracking and improving these metrics are essential for reducing machine downtime and maintaining a competitive edge.
Machine downtime refers to the timeframe during which a machine is not operational due to malfunctions, maintenance, or other issues. Reducing machine downtime is critical as it directly affects production capacity and efficiency. Similarly, machine maintenance and repair activities employ additional metrics to help monitor the status and effectiveness of the maintenance efforts. These metrics are critical for predictive and preventive maintenance strategies.
By tracking and analyzing these metrics, manufacturers can obtain valuable insights into the operational aspects of their machinery and equipment, enabling proactive maintenance, informed decision-making, and continuous improvement in production processes. But achieving this is easier said than done; oftentimes, the siloed rigidity of manufacturing machines makes it practically impossible to adhere to the planned production schedule due to unscheduled downtime.
Well, that no longer must be the case, thanks to IO-Link.
IO-Link™ (IEC 61131-9) is a standardized global input/output technology that is part of the IEC 61131 family of standards. IO-Link is not a fieldbus nor a network protocol in the traditional sense; instead, IO-Link specifically focuses on single-drop digital communication interface (SDCI) for small sensors and actuators. IO-Link extends the traditional tried and tested three-wire digital input and digital output interface used by machine sensors and actuators into a low-level point-to-point communication link, allowing the transfer of parameters to sensors and actuators and the delivery of diagnostic information from those devices to the automation system.
IO-Link technology plays a pivotal role in improving equipment repairs and reducing maintenance costs, thanks in large part to its capability to provide detailed diagnostics that contribute to an increase in OEE. IO-Link facilitates the communication of crucial machine process data, including analog values and switching states. It also handles the transmission of configuration data, such as function activation and deactivation, along with identification data, like device manufacturer IDs.
Moreover, IO-Link allows for easy access to machine parameters, including sensitivity, switching thresholds, and diagnostics. This feature is particularly beneficial for maintenance personnel, enabling them to receive early warnings, such as when a power supply is at risk of tripping due to a voltage overload. Machine operators can proactively adjust the voltage setting while the machine is operational, ensuring that production continues without interruption. This capability not only guarantees greater equipment uptime but also enhances the overall utilization of the machine, making IO-Link a valuable tool in industrial settings.
Industrial systems require powerful and robust power supplies that offer not only reliable power outputs, but also maximum functionality features like adaptability and preventative functionality.
The Phoenix Contact QUINT POWER 4th generation power supplies with IO-Link are engineered with adaptability, power, preventive awareness, and robustness (Figure 1).
Figure 1: The Phoenix Contact QUINT POWER 4th generation power supplies with IO-Link are three-phase input devices with screw connection, DIN rail mounting, and an output of 24VDC / 20A (p/n 1151048) and 40A (p/n 1151047). (Source: Mouser Electronics)
These fourth-generation industrial power supplies offer maximum functionality and superior system availability through IO-Link and Selective Fuse Breaking (SFB) technology. QUINT power supplies feature the unique combination of preventive function monitoring and a robust power reserve in a compact size.
These powerfully communicative QUINT power supplies are ideally suited for ensuring the maximum availability of industrial and building automation systems and can be quickly and easily integrated or parameterized in your control environment using fieldbus or IO-Link.
The QUINT POWER supplies from Phoenix Contact, equipped with IO-Link and SFB technology, significantly enhance manufacturing efficiency, productivity, and equipment reliability. By offering advanced features like adaptability, powerful output characteristics, preventive monitoring, and robust construction, these power supplies greatly contribute to Overall Equipment Effectiveness, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance in industrial settings.
Sources:
Arnold, Nils. 2023. “Understanding Machine Downtime: A Key Factor in Manufacturing Efficiency.” ADTANCE, March 7, 2023. https://www.adtance.com/en/blog/2023/understanding-machine-downtime
Rudy Ramos brings 35+ years of expertise in advanced electromechanical systems, robotics, pneumatics, vacuum systems, high voltage, semiconductor manufacturing, military hardware, and project management. Rudy has authored technical articles appearing in engineering websites and holds a BS in Technical Management and an MBA with a concentration in Project Management. Prior to Mouser, Rudy worked for National Semiconductor and Texas Instruments..