Tag: HBK

Proven HBK Force Measurement Technology goes digital with IO-Link

Global leader in precision measurement solutions, Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (HBK) is proud to introduce digital connectivity to its trusted U2B and C2 force transducers, now available with an IO-Link interface.

This enhancement makes it easier than ever to integrate tensile and compressive force measurements directly into control systems.

For years, the U2B (tensile and compressive) and C2 (compressive) series have been essential tools in production, monitoring, and testing environments worldwide. With a nominal force range from 500 N to 200 kN, these sensors are known for their reliability and precision.

Now, in addition to analogue outputs (4 – 20 mA and 0 – 10 V), users can opt for a digital output via IO-Link – which ensures smarter data handling and improved system integration.

The IO-Link Integration provides engineers with many benefits:

  • Sensor Health Monitoring: Real-time diagnostics compare applied forces and temperature conditions against sensor limits. If thresholds are exceeded, warnings are issued to help prevent damage.
  • Enhanced Accuracy: Improved measurement precision and integrated temperature sensing.
  • Universal Compatibility: IO-Link is standardised and works seamlessly with all major fieldbus systems.
  • Simplified Integration: HBK provides function blocks to streamline sensor setup within control systems.

HBK also offers IO-Link-enabled sensors for torque and weight, expanding the possibilities for smart, connected measurement solutions.

More information is available on the company’s website: https://www.hbkworld.com/en/products/transducers/force/c2
and https://www.hbkworld.com/en/products/transducers/force/u2b

HBK introduces IO-Link connectivity for proven force sensors

Global leader in precision measurement solutions, Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (HBK) has announced the integration of IO-Link communication into its trusted U10M, U10F, and C10 force transducers.

These fatigue-resistant sensors, widely used in critical test and production applications, now combine their renowned mechanical robustness with smart digital connectivity.

Thanks to this enhancement, HBK can meet the growing demand for simplified integration, real-time sensor diagnostics and cost-efficient automation solutions – all while maintaining the company’s hallmark precision and reliability.

Digital integration for demanding applications

The C10 series is optimised for measuring compressive forces, while the U10M and U10F have been designed for tensile and compressive loads. Already valued for their large measurement range and long-term stability, these sensors now offer a high-quality integrated amplifier and IO-Link interface, opening the door to plug-and-play setup in smart factory environments.

All models include built-in temperature measurement, allowing engineers and operators to simultaneously monitor mechanical and thermal conditions in real time – a key feature for ensuring sensor performance, process stability and long-term reliability within dynamic industrial environments.

The key performance enhancements include:

  • Linearity error improved to a factor up to 7
  • Temperature zero drift reduced by up to 50%
  • Enhanced resistance to dynamic overloads

Sensor health monitoring: A new standard in reliability

One of the major innovations is the introduction of Sensor Health Monitoring, a built-in system that continuously monitors applied forces and temperature levels. If physical limits are approached or exceeded, the system issues real-time alerts, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing the risk of unexpected downtime. Even short-term overloads are detected, recorded and reported, ensuring full transparency and improved operational safety.

Smarter connectivity with IO-Link

The adoption of IO-Link, a widely supported industrial communication standard, allows HBK transducers to be integrated easily into modern automation systems, providing:

  • Standardised, cost-effective cabling
  • Rapid sensor replacement and configuration
  • Seamless communication from field to control level

This development marks a significant step in HBK’s commitment to supporting digital transformation in measurement and testing environments.

More information about these sensors is available here: https://hbm.wistia.com/medias/kkrq5ajn4s

New edge amplifier takes production applications to the next level by enabling seamless IT/OT interoperability

HBK, a global leader in test and measurement solutions, has announced the launch of digiBOX, a next-generation, multi-channel edge-amplifier, tailored to meet the demands of industrial process control and weighing applications.

With the advent of Industry 4.0, the need for measurement solutions that can process complex data streams in real time – while ensuring precision, reliability and connectivity – has never been greater.

HBK’s Edge Amplifier, digiBOX combines precision, advanced connectivity, industrial-grade durability and modular flexibility, setting a new standard for optimising industrial and weighing processes. It’s specifically designed to suit a range of industrial, manufacturing and weighing applications.

The digiBOX allows for close-proximity placement to sensors and offers real time processing of measurement data. It’s seamless IT/OT integration enables advanced interoperability between information technology and operational technology systems.

The edge-amplifier’s modular design is available in 2- or 4-channel configurations, supporting a wide range of sensors (strain gauges, load cells and piezoelectric sensors). It’s user-friendly interface provides intuitive setup, monitoring, and remote management.

digiBOX’s hardware has IP67-rated housing in order to withstand harsh conditions such as dust, moisture and vibrations.

The flexible and robust amplifier is available in two domain-specific firmware choices, tailored to meet   specific industrial and weighing application needs: the first is digiBOX Industrial, which has been engineered to handle the requirements of modern industrial production such as press-load monitoring, joining-processes and assembly lines. This versatile amplifier ensures precise measurements, seamless data integration and reliable performance for force-based assembly, quality control or process optimisation.

The second option is digiBOX Weighing: specifically designed to meet the critical demands of weighing applications, offering unparalleled accuracy, seamless integration and robust performance. digiBOX Weighing ensures consistent results, minimises errors and maintains operational efficiency across applications including checkweighing systems, high-precision industrial scales and automated filling processes.

HBK’s Product Manager for Smart Sensors, Martin Schütz said: “The digiBOX edge-amplifier is not just a new amplifier generation. It is an innovative solution that uniquely combines IT/OT connectivity on a single device, which allows customers to build and realise actual Industry 4.0 applications. Now it is possible to extract the measurement data, in parallel to the amplifier being connected to the machines PLC.

Using protocols like MQTT and openDAQ customers can integrate the digiBOX into cloud applications, perform DAQ analysis and transmit relevant process data into productivity software. These capabilities are now possible for piezoelectric and strain-gauge based sensors in industrial and weighing applications.”
Learn more about digiBOX on HBK’s website: https://www.hbkworld.com/en/Campaign/industrial-production-control-4-0-and-weighing-processes

Feel the force with digitally enabled sensor technology

To help engineers working in production and assembly lines – or those handling test challenges that require measurements of tensile/compressive forces in confined spaces – HBK has released is U93A, an easy to mount miniature force sensor with the option of digital and analogue interfaces.

The U93A is available as traditional passive mV/V sensor or users can order the force transducer with different hardwired amplifier modules. Models with 0–10V or 4–20 mA are available, as well as a digital module with IO–Link interface.

IO–Link is an established and standardised interface, allowing the integration of HBK force sensors into any PLC system in a cost effective and time saving manner. As with all HBK smart sensors, the IO–Link version comes with many beneficial features such as the sensor health warning, which enables the sensor to compare conditions concerning temperature and force introduced within the limits of the sensor. When limits are exceeded, the sensor sends a warning to prevent failure. Limit switches, filter or digital outputs are included as well, helping to solve typical challenges in the world of production and assembly.

Transducer Electronic Data Sheet (TEDS) and various practical cable lengths are also an option, as well ready-mounted plugs for HBK instruments. This allows users to easily expand their testing capabilities – and the configurations offered means the sensor can also be integrated  as a part of a machine or in an assembly line.

The robust sensor is IP68 rated, rust-free, has cables resistant to most operating substances (oils, cleaning agents, etc), and is suitable for use in drag chains, making it ideal for laboratory based tests and tough environments, such vehicle engines, outside measurements or moving machinery parts.

This miniature sensor has been tested in an electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) laboratory according to IEC standards, shock and vibration test – and is also compliant with international standards. Despite its specialised, compact construction, it remains extremely resistant to lateral forces and bending moments.

U93A is the successor of the established U93, with many improvements: it operates to HBK accuracy class 0.2, instead of the previous 0.5, providing the user with precision measurements. It has excellent temperature characteristics, low hysteresis and a small linearity error.

More information about HBK’s U93A smart sensor is available here: U93A Miniature Force Transducer with IO-Link | HBM