Turck NIC Inductive Coupler
This article and video will be reviewing the NIC Inductive Coupler Series from Turck. The NIC series is a contactless inductive coupler that is a wear free alternative to classic connectivity solutions. The NIC series can be used for data and power transmission and is able to transfer up to 12 watts and 500 ma of power across an air gap of 7mm. With a tolerated angle offset up to 15 degrees and a parallel offset up to 5 mm, the couplers can also be fitted in restricted and non-standard mounting locations while still allowing for full power transfer.
The Inductive couplers can be connected easily. A sensor or another signal source is connected to the secondary unit, the primary unit is positioned opposite and connected via a standard four-pole M12 connector to a controller or a fieldbus device. This basic system can transfer 2 PNP switch signals via a simple VB2 splitter behind the secondary coupler.
The same system consisting of a primary and secondary coupler can also be used to transfer signals from IO-Link-Capable measuring sensors. For this, the primary coupler only has to be connected to an IO-Link master. On the secondary side, the user connects an appropriate IO-Link sensor or IO-Link-capable device. These combinations even allow bidirectional IO-Link communication including all IO-Link features such as parameter settings and diagnostic data. If the Turck I/O-Hub is connected on the secondary side, the system can also be used for identification tasks such as on tool changers since the hub can transfer a unique ID via IO-Link right into the controller.
The 3rd solution variant is used when more than 2 signals need to be transferred. In this case, the IO-Link protocol is used to transfer up to eight switch signals. In this way, 8 PNP signals can be transferred with a primary and secondary unit as well as an I/O-Hub. The 12-pole primary coupler used here acts as the IO-Link master, and the I/O-Hub as the slave. The primary unit is connected to conventional PNP inputs of a field device using a 12-pole M12 connector.
Besides the eight PNP sensor signals, the system also provides 2 poles for diagnostic signals. One signal indicates the presence of the secondary unit, the 2nd is used for foreign object detection. If any metal foreign objects such as iron chippings fall between the primary and the secondary coupler and reduce transmission quality, the fault signal is sent to the controller so that the error source and be located immediately.
In many applications with frequently changing connections, the operational readiness of the secondary unit is also important. The secondary unit of the Turck coupler is operational in less than 10 milliseconds.
Extend maintenance intervals, reduce unplanned downtime, and
achieve higher clock speeds with the new inductive coupler series from Turck.