The new EP1816-3008 EtherCAT Box from Beckhoff Automation is an I/O solution with built-in tilt monitoring in longitudinal and transverse directions. This compact, IP 67-rated measuring device has two integrated three-axis acceleration sensors and 16 digital inputs. Ideal for harsh environments, the I/O module can be used to implement cost-effective acceleration and angle measurement directly in the field, outside of protective electrical cabinets, the company says. A typical application for the three-axis acceleration box is vibration and shock/oscillation monitoring of machines, plants and buildings. For example, vibrations of robot arms can be precisely monitored with no great effort via the acceleration measurements, the company explains. The signals are available directly in the main control system rather than being managed with standalone measurement solutions. The two sensors, which are arranged at 90-degree angles, make the EP1816-3008 a redundant measuring system, which can be reliably verified by the controller.
