RF Interface to PLC

[nornrich]

All,

I'm looking for guidance in using RF I/O interface to a PLC. We have an application where we are using a rotary carousel to hold items under pressure and we are monitoring pressure as the item rotates around the carousel. We are thinking of using 24VDC for the power supply through a rotary brush system, but don't want to send control signals through a brush and rotor system due to noise considerations. We have heard of RF for controls signals being used in other systems, but don't have any experience with these types of set-ups. Any feedback on manufacturers and or problems encountered would be most helpful.

Regards,

Rich.....

Richard Nornhold, PE

 

[danw2]

Honeywell has "true wireless": battery powered, wireless pressure transmitters, so you don't need wired power to the transmitter.

The trade-off for battery life is low RF power and low transmission rates.

Presumably low power is not a big deal - it's sounds like you have a manufacturing cell where the receiver can be close to the transmitter(s).

The fastest transmission rates is 1/second per transmitter. If that rate is fast enough for your situation you might look at their XYR5000 line

US web site is

http://content.honeywell.com/imc/fi/wirelessTransmitters/

 

[sqdguy]

Use a plc just for I/O. Put a timer in the logic that must be reset every second. If it times out the outputs are turned to fail safe state.