Energy -harvesting wireless switches for industrial applications

Highly versatile energy-harvesting wireless switches for industrial applications from Cherry are now available in two standard versions: a rocker switch for actuation by hand or a snap-action switch for mechanical actuation typically by a machine as limit switch or position switch. Both variants are available for European (868MHz) or North-American (915MHz) frequency bands with a radio range of 30m inside buildings and a minimum life of 100,000 operations. A compatible enclosed standard receiver module for 868MHz and 915MHz offers several output interface options, is complete with power supply and is suitable for wall mounting. A flexible pairing function allows operation of several receivers with one switch or several switches with one receiver. A ‘unique ID’ prevents interference between different RF-switches. The energy-harvesting wireless switches are seen as an ideal alternative to traditional cabled solutions for monitoring and managing industrial installations. The devices are simple to install, require no maintenance, are not subject to failure caused by damage to cables. Installing the wireless switches offers users increased flexibility in the planning process of building and industrial automation as they require no complex and expensive cabling and can easily be retrofitted. Also available is an energy-harvesting generator / generator with PCB. The component offers a high energy yield of 2 x min. 0.33mWs, an operating temperature range of -40C up to +85C and high operating life of up to 1,000,000 switching cycles. In addition to the core component, the radio module (generator with PCB) is available for 868MHz and 915MHz frequency bands as standard. In support of the customer’s design-in process application notes are available on request for the following topics: generator, energy management, proprietary protocol of ZF, general installation details for the wireless switches, says the company.