Defying Elements.

Interference-free distance and velocity measurement. Even in rain, fog, wind, or dust.

Industrial Radar Sensors with CAN Interface

More than 25 Meters Detection Range

More than 25 Meters Detection Range

Thanks to advanced FMCW radar technology, Pepperl+Fuchs radar sensors detect distances as well as speeds and directions of movement of target objects—at a distance of more than 25 meters.
Reliable under All Conditions

Reliable under All Conditions

Even under the most adverse conditions, industrial radar sensors deliver reliable measurement results. This is ensured by a combination of low-interference operating principle, robust CAN technology, high degree of protection (IP68/69), and extended temperature range.
Easily Penetrate Interference Targets

Easily Penetrate Interference Targets

Radar sensors know hardly any limits: The electromagnetic waves they emit effortlessly penetrate most materials, making it possible to easily suppress interfering targets with lower reflectivity than the actual target object.
Ready for Mobile Machines

Ready for Mobile Machines

With sampling rates of up to 200 Hz, radar sensors from Pepperl+Fuchs detect motion speeds in the range of -80 ... +80 m/s. In conjunction with E1-comparable EMC values, CANopen and J1939 interfaces and vehicle-typical connectors, this makes them ideal for use on mobile machines.








 

Compared with other sensory operating principles, radar waves offer unique advantages

Radar Technology

Unique—in Many Respects

Compared to other sensory operating principles, radar waves offer unique advantages:

  • They are hardly susceptible to interference and propagate near the speed of light
  • They are reflected by all materials to some extent
  • They are able to penetrate most materials to a certain degree

Pepperl+Fuchs FMCW (frequency modulated continuous wave) radar sensors take advantage of precisely these properties and make them available in the form of a solution that meets the highest industrial requirements: Three different measurement modes, long ranges, fast detection speeds, and the ability to detect virtually any target are just one dimension of these sensors.

Added to this is a selection of connection options which, in conjunction with a CAN interface, allows for conceivably simple application integration. This means that an enormous variety of demanding applications can be solved with just one type of sensor.

Learn More about Radar Technology

Advantages of the FMCW Principle

Familiarize yourself now with the underlying principles and the resulting possibilities for you.

 

A Question of Radar Cross Section

The decisive factor for the detection of objects by radar sensors is their reflectivity or the so-called radar cross section (RCS). It is specified in the unit of measurement square meter and describes the extent of the reflection of a radar wave that is reflected back from an object in the direction of the sensor.

The response curve shown here is an example of the wide range in which Pepperl+Fuchs radar sensors reliably detect a corner reflector with a radar cross section of 70 m² used as a reference.

Smaller detection ranges are given by objects with a lower RCS or by using smaller corner reflectors (here 0.5 m² as an example).

Measuring Characteristics

The decisive factor for the detection of objects by radar sensors is their reflectivity or the so-called radar cross section (RCS)
To learn more about reflection properties and the use of corner reflectors, simply browse through the info cards.
Universal Sensing Principle

A key advantage of this physical sensing principle is that radar technology enables the detection of virtually all materials and is therefore not limited to specific objects. However, the possible detection range and the measuring range depend on the reflective properties of the target object.

Material Dependence

Depending on the material, the radar waves are reflected back to the radar sensor to different degrees and are therefore detected to a greater or lesser extent. This degree of reflection is also influenced by the thickness, size and shape of the target object. A flat metal surface provides perfect reflection and is therefore very suitable as a target object. Conversely, less reflective objects can be easily penetrated by the radar wave, enabling the suppression of interfering objects.

Angle Dependence

The number of waves reflected back to the radar sensor depends not least on the angular alignment between the sensor and the target object. If it cannot be ensured in an application that the sensor is sufficiently well aligned with the target object, so-called corner reflectors can be used.

Corner Reflectors

If a corner reflector made of metal is attached to a weakly reflecting object or an object that is not ideally aligned with the radar sensor, its effective reflection area increases considerably. At the same time, corner reflectors are also used as a reference to determine radar cross sections, response curves and maximum ranges of radar sensors.

Measurement Modes

Maximum Functionality in Just One Sensor

  • icon01 Closest Distance
  • icon02 Best Reflection
  • icon03 Fastest Velocity
icon01Closest Distance icon02Best Reflection icon03Fastest Velocity
Depending on the application, the industrial FMCW radar sensors from Pepperl+Fuchs can be operated in three different measurement modes. The respective mode is conveniently set up via PACTware without the need for additional parameterization tools. In "closest distance" mode, the object closest to the sensor is detected regardless of the material. This mode is ideal for collision avoidance, i.e., with mobile construction machinery. Any objects that are within the extension range or action radius of the vehicle and boom are reliably detected.

Integration

The utility value of automation components stands and falls with their integrability
The utility value of automation components stands and falls with their integrability. Our FMCW radar sensors take this into account in many respects: from the design structure and electrical connection to signal transmission, parameterization and functional safety—we have considered all aspects to offer you a solution that will excite you as soon as it is integrated your application.
Mounting
Connection Types
Communication
Parameterization
A rotatable and swiveling sensor head allows the radome to be ideally aligned in the respective installation situation
FMCW sensors from Pepperl+Fuchs are designed in the proven VariKont-L2 design. This not only ensures a compact form factor for the sensors, but also opens up additional freedom. A rotatable and swiveling sensor head allows the radome to be optimally aligned in the respective installation. A robust metal mounting with two screw connections serves as a receptacle for the sensor head and prevents problems caused by harsh ambient conditions and machine vibrations.

Applications

Mobile Equipment

Process Optimization in Road Construction

Process Optimization in Road Construction

In road construction, a tandem of paver and feeder is often used for placing the pavement. While both machines move slowly, the feeder continuously feeds the paver with material such as asphalt. Since both machines are controlled manually, there is always a risk that the distance between the machines will change beyond the maximum tolerance, or that the track of one machine will shift slightly relative to the other.

The precision of this operation can be significantly increased by the intelligent use of radar technology. The feeder is equipped with a pair of robust radar sensors from Pepperl+Fuchs, which are directed at two corner reflectors on the paver and register changes in distance. This not only enables the ideal distance between the two machines to be maintained, but also a precisely coordinated track due to the sensors and reflectors being mounted in pairs.

Distance Measurement in Mobile Crane Booms

Distance Measurement in Mobile Crane Booms

Radar sensors from Pepperl+Fuchs effectively support the precise control of mobile crane booms. The radar lobe of a radar sensor mounted inside the main boom is directed at a corner reflector positioned in the tip of the hydraulic telescopic element. If the telescopic element now moves forward or backward when the boom is extended or retracted, the sensor registers this change in distance and transmits these values to the crane control system as the basis for further positioning operations.

Through vehicle-typical connectors such as AMP Superseal or DEUTSCH and the CANopen or J1939 interfaces the sensors can be easily integrated into the on-board network. Even dirt such as hydraulic oil residues inside the crane arm do not impair the performance of the radar sensors.

Agricultural Machinery

Precise Ground Speed for Optimized Crop Protection

Precise Ground Speed for Optimized Crop Protection

Integrated into agricultural machinery, industrial radar sensors precisely measure the actual movement of vehicles in relation to the ground (speed over ground). Rough surfaces are reliably detected and possible interfering objects such as plants are simply suppressed by the penetration of the radar wave. This enables precise control of agricultural equipment such as field sprayers, harvesters, and seed drills.

The efficiency of the process is increased, overlaps and gaps are minimized and the use of seeds, fertilizers, and plant protection agents is optimized. Due to the CANopen or J1939 interface and vehicle-specific connectors, the sensors can be seamlessly integrated into existing vehicle bus networks.

Level Measurement in Field Sprayers

Level Measurement in Field Sprayers

Industrial radar sensors can also play a decisive role in level measurement on spraying tanks. Here, radar technology enables precise monitoring of the fill level through the plastic tank wall (depending on the thickness of the wall) without the need for physical intervention in the tank. This also makes retrofitting possible, which significantly increases flexibility.

In addition, this enables continuous and reliable monitoring of the fill level to ensure the correct amount of spray agent is used, maximizing the efficient use of resources and avoiding overdosing and wastage, while early warning of low levels optimizes operations.

Intralogistics

Maximum Speed Reduction on Forklifts

Maximum Speed Reduction on Forklifts

Speed is a decisive factor in material handling. This also applies to the use of forklifts on company premises. While a high speed is still advantageous outdoors and the surrounding area is usually easy to see, a certain restriction is necessary in factories and warehouses for safety reasons.

To relieve personnel, a vertically aligned radar sensor that detects the hall ceiling or metallic crossbracing below it can immediately determine whether the forklift has reached an indoor area. If this is the case, the possible maximum speed is automatically limited to a tolerable level and only released again when the forklift leaves the hall. Due to the strong reflectivity of the metal crossbars, the installation of a corner reflector is not necessary here. Thanks to the high range of the sensors, this application can also be implemented with correspondingly high hall ceilings.

Collision Avoidance for AGV

Collision Avoidance for AGVs

The safe use of heavy-duty AGVs for liquid or gaseous media places special demands on sensor technology. The dimensions of the vehicles and the associated large monitoring area must be taken into account, as well as the weather influences in outdoor areas. Due to their long measuring range, radar sensors from Pepperl+Fuchs offer an efficient solution here that allows reliable protection of driving movements. Monitoring the flanks of the long vehicle is also possible without any problems due to the long range of the sensors.

Outdoor weather influences do not affect the measurement accuracy thanks to the radar technology, which is not very susceptible to interference. Mutual interference between the radar sensors mounted in close proximity to each other is also ruled out by the frequency modulation used.

Application Videos

Mobile Equipment

This video gives you an insight into the use of radar sensors on mobile equipment.

Intralogistics

Watch this video to find out more about how radar sensors from Pepperl+Fuchs can support you in material handling.

Contact Us

Pepperl+Fuchs Inc.
1600 Enterprise Parkway
Twinsburg, OH 44087
United States of America
sales@us.pepperl-fuchs.com
phone +1 330 425-3555

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