The mic+ sensor family

embedded in its M30 housing design covers a measuring range from 30 mm to 8 m with its five detection ranges. Depending on the detection range, the internal resolution for distance measurement is 0.025 or 2.4 mm. All sensors are equipped with integrated temperature compensation.

TouchControl with LED Display

Four different output levels

are available for all five detection ranges:

	1 switching output, optionally in pnp, npn or Push-Pull circuitry
	2 switching outputs, optionally in pnp or npn circuitry
	1 analogue output 4–20 mA and 0–10 V
	1 analogue output with an additional pnp switching output

With TouchControl

all sensor settings are made. The easily readable LED display constantly shows the current distance value and automatically alternates between the millimetre and centimetre indication. By operating the two keys beneath the LED display, the parameterisation is called up and the self-explanatory menu structure is run through.
The detection points of the switching outputs and the window limits for the analogue output can be pre-set numerically via the LED display without the object to be detected being positioned within the detection range. Therefore, it is possible to completely set the sensor without the help of auxiliary reflectors, even outside the actual application.

Two three-colour LEDs

always indicate the current status of the switching outputs and/or the analogue output.

Further additional function (add-ons) 

are available as an option within the TouchControl menu structure. Measured distances can be smoothed with different measurement filters, e.g., be stressed by means of the ten level software filter, from F00 (direct measuring value output without filtration) to F09 (extremely strong filtration and measuring value attenuation). A high measuring-value attenuation is useful for filling-level measuring operations with wave motions or in situations where parts may sporadically fly between the sensor and the actual measuring surface. The default filter value is F01. Thus, the sensors are preset for rapid counting and control operations. As further add-ons, the default settings of the switching hysteresis of the switching outputs can be changed if required. The LED display can be permanently switched off or dimmed.

Analogue sensors

 verify the load connected to the output and automatically switch to 4–20 mA current output and 0–10 V voltage output depending on the resistance value. The load verification by the sensor is always initiated upon connection of the operating voltage.

In the add-on menu of TouchControl, the user can, however, also preset the sensor to current or voltage output. In this menu, the measuring value output on the LED display with analogue sensors can additionally be changed to indicate percentage. The window limits of the analogue characteristic curve then correspond to the 0% or the 100% value respectively.

Synchronisation

of up to ten sensors automatically also operates in a mixed configuration of sensors with different detection ranges. The measurement repetition rate is then determined by the sensor with the largest detection range. If the sensors are electrically connected via pin 5 of the M12 circular connector, the synchronisation is active. In synchronised operation, all sensors initiate the measuring process at exactly the same time. With relatively narrow mounting distances between the sensors, a sensor may also receive echo signals from an adjacent sensor.

This can be used as an advantage, e.g. to broaden a sensor’s detection range.

Synchronisation using pin 5

If more than ten sensors need to be synchronised, this can be carried out with the SyncBox1 , which is available as an accessory.

Multiplex operation 

ensures that each sensor can only receive echo signals from its own transmission pulse, which completely avoids any interference between the sensors (crosstalk).

Each sensor is assigned an address from 1 to 10 for this purpose in the add-on menu. The sensors then work in multiplex mode and carry out their measurements one after the other in ascending address order.

The setting of a switching or an analogue output 

is either carried out by means of numerically entering the desired distance values  or by means of a Teach-in procedure.
Thanks to this, the user can select the preferred setting mode.

In the microsonic Teach-in process

the object to be detected must be placed in the desired distance (1) to the sensor. The button assigned to the output must then be pressed until  (or  ) appears on the LED display. Finally, the Teach-in procedure must be confirmed by a further short keystroke. Ready.

Teach-in of a switching point

To set an analogue output

the object to be detected must first be placed on the sensor-close window limit (1) and the key assigned to the output must be pressed until  appears on the display. Then, the object to be detected must be moved to the sensor-distant window limit (2) and the Teach-in procedure must be terminated by a further short keystroke. Ready.

To set window mode with two switching points, the same procedure applies to one switching output.

Teach-in of an analogue characteristic curve or a window with two switching points

NCC/NOC 

for the switching outputs and rising/falling characteristic for the analogue sensors can also be set by means of the Teach-in-procedure. For this, press the key assigned to output until the symbol  bzw.  appears on the display. With each further keystroke, the NCC/NOC (  /  ) and rising/falling (  /  ) settings are alternated. After approx. 10 seconds, the new setting is automatically stored.

LinkControl  

consists of the LinkControl adapter and the LinkControl software and facilitates the configuration of the mic+ sensors via a PC or laptop with all conventional Windows® operating systems. All settings of the TouchControl menu can be read ou during operation, edited on the PC, buffered and re-entered into the sensor.
Especially the two measuring value plotters for the visualisation of distance values support the development of solutions for complex automation tasks.

Sensor connected to the PC via LCA-2 for programming

IO-Link integrated

in version 1.1 for sensors with switching output.