Pneumatic pressure sensor with full graphic TFT display

The cube shape with an edge length of 30 mm has become the standard for sensors in pneumatic applications. The PQ Cube from ifm, which corresponds to this form factor, offers numerous advantages during installation and operation, including simple mounting without accessories, a fully graphic display for visualization and an extremely robust measuring cell.

With the PQ Cube, ifm electronic is now launching a new pressure sensor on the market that is characterized by numerous features. At its heart is the extremely robust measuring cell, which always works reliably even in adverse environmental conditions. Especially in industrial applications with vacuum grippers, the air is often contaminated with dust. This has just as little effect on the measuring cell as oily compressed air. With a housing that meets protection class IP67, the pressure sensor is also suitable for harsh environmental conditions.

Another highlight of the PQ Cube is the fully graphic TFT display, which enables optimum visualization in the application. In addition to the current value, a color change at the switching point shows directly and clearly whether the pressure at the measuring points has reached the switching point. An additional info line can display further information, such as values of the switching points or minimum and maximum values - in plain text. Two additional LEDs also signal when the switching points have been reached. The display is also helpful when installing the PQ Cube, which is done using three buttons. The display shows the parameterization in one of the ten available languages while the user uses the installation wizard.

Simple installation without many accessories

In most installation situations, the sophisticated mounting concept does not require any additional accessories. Cut-outs in the housing allow the sensor to be easily attached at the back or side with screws. The process connection is possible on all devices both at the rear and at the bottom and can also be easily changed without accessories. The process connection on the rear is sealed with a grub screw on delivery. This can simply be unscrewed and screwed into the connection on the underside. Accessories are only required for installation in a panel or for mounting on a DIN mounting rail. The new PQ Cube is available in different versions with pressure ranges from negative pressure to 16 bar. All versions are available with either an M8 or M12 connector, with either two switching outputs or one switching output and one analog output in addition to IO-Link.

Typical applications for the new pressure sensor can be found in many areas of mechanical and plant engineering: examples include the control of vacuum grippers for handling tasks, the monitoring of pneumatic cylinders and general pneumatic applications.