Sensors & Transducers


Sensors achieve with ­embedded systems

May 2017 Sensors & Transducers

SICK and Silicon Software are combining their expertise and working together to extend the AppSpace ecosystem with FPGA programming for embedded sensor and integration hardware. This collaboration is diversifying the range of application solutions available with sensors from SICK – even in areas such as industrial image processing. In addition to its own FPGA algorithms, in the future, VisualApplets will also be used for the graphical programming of tailored sensor and integration technologies. To ensure compatibility between VisualApplets and sensors, VisualApplets Embedder was implemented as a one-off solution. Both companies are market leaders in their respective fields and hope to use their combined knowledge to share in the strong growth in the sensor and image processing market.

This collaboration offers customers the right sensor solution through an even more focused approach. The wide range of functions offered by VisualApplets – with over 200 operators – and FPGA programming using data flow models on a graphical user interface, are opening up new markets and applications. “VisualApplets represents the logical next step for the AppSpace software ecosystem,” explains Detlef Deuil, head of product management Vertical Integration Products. “For our in-house application software developers, and potentially for selected OEMs and system integrators as well, it is very easy to use real-time data processing in our sensor and integration hardware and implement powerful application solutions. All application developers from the various industrial sectors can benefit from the easy use and integration of VisualApplets in our products.”

Shared synergy effects benefiting customers

VisualApplets is the integrated development environment for real-time applications on FPGA processors in image processing. It enables access to the FPGA processors hardware such as frame grabbers, industrial cameras and vision sensors in order to implement custom image processing applications.

SICK offers a broad sensor and integration portfolio, ranging from compact sensors that are easy to operate, through configurable standalone solutions, and right the way up to flexibly programmable sensor systems for the most demanding of requirements. Access to its own sophisticated FPGA functions – and, in the future, to extensive operator libraries from Silicon Software – is being provided in order to minimise the complexity, costs, and risks associated with implementing programmable sensor solutions. From established modules, this creates new, perfectly tailored solutions suitable for any customer requirement in any industry.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

High-precision automated inspection
Sensors & Transducers
Delivering advanced inline metrology to an expanding range of challenging industries, SmartRay is launching the smallest field-of-view 3D sensor of its cutting-edge ECCO X series.

Read more...
Long-range laser distance measuring sensor
Vepac Electronics Sensors & Transducers
The MS-100A is a long-range laser distance measuring sensor with a range of 150 to 1000 mm. This sensor excels in applications requiring extended measurement capabilities, such as quality control and logistics.

Read more...
The power of smart maintenance for securing water supply
Omron Electronics Sensors & Transducers
The water industry plays an essential role in delivering safe drinking water and effective wastewater services to society and various industries. A lack of maintenance could have severe consequences, as even the failure of a single component can significantly impact operations, and maintenance expenses represent a substantial part of the overall costs of water and pumping systems.

Read more...
Rotary atomisers for efficient paint spraying
Instrotech Sensors & Transducers
Painting the bodywork is an integral component of vehicle manufacturing. Keller supplied intrinsically safe pressure transmitters and intrinsically safe temperature sensors to a client producing paint robots for the car industry.

Read more...
The smallest most powerful infrared sensor in the world
Sensors & Transducers
The superior performance and robustness of Telco’s infrared sensors ensures that there are no limits to any mining and industrial applications.

Read more...
Easy parameter setting of vision sensors
ifm - South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Contour verification and object inspection are two of the most important functionalities in industrial imaging. With the new O2D5xx series, ifm now offers a solution that perfectly masters both functionalities

Read more...
New range of vision units
Beckhoff Automation Sensors & Transducers
Beckhoff has added four new vision units to its VUI2000 series. They integrate a camera, illumination and liquid lens technology for simplified installation.

Read more...
Condition monitoring sensor
Sensors & Transducers
The Balluff BCM Gen2 Condition Monitoring Sensor is an advanced IIoT-ready device designed for real-time machine health monitoring.

Read more...
Inductive IO-Link sensors
Turck Banner Southern Africa Sensors & Transducers
Turck Banner is expanding its sensor range, with inductive measuring sensors with IO-Link and an analogue output for flush and non-flush mounting.

Read more...
Value of PDS grows with data and sensing technology
Sensors & Transducers
Rapidly developing technology is constantly being harnessed by proximity detection systems (PDS) to deliver steadily improved functionality to customers. Booyco Electronics sees improved PDS solutions being developed, such as the combination of multiple different sensing technologies into a single fully integrated solution.

Read more...