Powering sensors
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.
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.
