FreeCon Active

Automation applications are required to deal with increasing amounts of data while still remaining immune to electromagnetic interference. This has led to the increased use of polymer-optic fibres (POF). But since these fibres undergo a natural ageing process which increases their attenuation, it is now more important to have a precise diagnostics capability on the transmission path. The FreeCon Active checks the optical budget of the entire transmission path in real time, from the electrical cabinet to the robotics head. This ensures that the Ethernet data is always transmitted reliably. The device can issue an alarm on the PROFINET to the higher-level controller whenever a tolerance limit is exceeded. The alarm then indicates that the hose packet must be replaced.

The PROFINET-POF repeater complies with specifications defined by AIDA (The Automation Initiative of the German Automotive Industry).

Features:

Compact dimensions

The compact shape of the FreeCon Active reduces the obstructive contour of a robot.

Alarm issued when outside of tolerance range

The FreeCon Active monitors the attenuation and calculates the critical point when the hose packet needs to be replaced.

Precise information with just the press of a button

Information on the attenuation and cabling lengths help you to avoid the tedious measuring, documentation and certification process. This data thus saves you much time during the initial commissioning.

A single module for both data and power

Only one module is required for data and power: so less storage space is required and less time is needed when replacing equipment. The maintenance costs and the facility down times are reduced.

A single tool – the HTX-IE-POF multi-tool – can strip, crimp and cut 1-mm thick polymer-optic fibres. Polishing after the cut is no longer required because the fibres are cut precisely to the ferrule.