This article appeared in Microwaves & RF and has been published here with permission.
L-com recently added to its family of Internet of Things (IoT) light-detection environmental sensors that gauge ambient and ultraviolet light. The latest sensors are designed to assist in collecting IoT data to make process control more efficient and reduce building and process costs. According to L-com, applications for the new light-detecting sensors include greenhouses, agriculture, solar farms, labs, factories, manufacturing, and environmental monitoring.
“Our new light-detection sensors have high sensitivities to detect specific light levels. They transmit a signal to an I/O module or PLC that then reports the information to a PC or SCADA system,” stated L-com Senior Manager Tim Houghton in a recent press release. “This allows system integrators, engineers, and others to use IoT data collection to improve safety, make processes more efficient, and lower building costs.”
The new SRMS-D058 series of sensors can measure ambient or UV light, with the wall-mount ambient-light versions measuring up to either 65,000 or 200,000 Lux. They come packed in a waterproof housing and are suitable for outdoor use and harsh indoor environments such as factory floors.
The UV-light models, which can mount to DIN rails or panels, are well-suited for use with UV testers and index meters, as well as germicidal lamps, flame detectors, monitoring equipment, and more. The SMRS-D469 series are sensitive to UV light in 200- to 370-nm wavelengths and feature 4- to 20-mA output. These sensors also require a 12- to 24-V dc voltage supply for operation. They come with screw-type terminals for easy field termination.
L-com also offers a 3-in-1 environmental integrated transmitter (SRMS-D139) that measures light along with temperature and humidity. It too is housed in a waterproof, wall-mountable enclosure and uses the Modbus serial communication protocol to transmit data. The transmitter is ideal for use in outdoor and indoor applications in harsh environments.
The company’s new line of sensors is now available and ready for purchase its website.