Powering Sensors
How does the sensor get its power
Selecting the right power supply is the basis for high machine productivity. Today mostly switching power supplies are used, which convert an input voltage (AC) of 230 V/110 V into an output voltage (DC) of 24 V.
Voltage conversion and supply
Conversion of AC voltage (230 V/110 V) into DC voltage (24 V) by a switching power supply
Sensors, controller and infrastructure powered by a switching power supply
To select just the right power supply for your requirements, note the following criteria:
Number of sensors and consumers and the resulting total current
Current requirement for the connected consumers
Turn-on response and inrush currents of the sensors
Input voltage (e.g. 230 V/110 V), power and load of the supply network
Location of the power supply (central in the control cabinet/IP20 or modular in the field/IP67)
In addition to this criteria you should also take into account the ambient temperature and – if necessary – make any modifications (e.g. cooling). Only then is maximum performance of the power supply assured.
You should also consider how the power supply responds to overload. Depending on the version (e.g. Powerboost or Hiccup*) inrush currents or fast peak loads will be withstood better or worse.
* Powerboost: The power supply provides greater power for a limited time in order to compensate for inrush currents.
** Hiccup: The power supply switches off under overload and after a short time attempts to restart. This is repeated until the overload is eliminated.