Thanks to an expansion, Pepperl+Fuchs' WILSEN.node now offers an attractive solution for countless retrofit scenarios in which existing control technology needs to be supplemented with IoT functionalities without requiring extensive modifications.

The Mannheim-based automation company Pepperl+Fuchs is now adding another useful feature to its LoRaWAN-based wireless sensor node “WILSEN.node”: Whereas inductive sensors, capacitive sensors, float switches, and similar components could previously be connected to the central unit, it is now also possible to connect up to two potential-free contacts, such as relays or toggle switches. This expansion is intended to enable simple and flexible solutions to tasks in the field that would previously have involved high cabling and cost expenses.

Potential-free contacts are connected via an adapter cable with an integrated resistor network, which is available from stock and can be extended by up to ten meters. One end of this cable is connected to the battery-powered central unit of the WILSEN.node, while the other end is connected to the potential-free contact, such as a relay or a simple toggle switch. In addition, the resistor network also enables line break monitoring from the WILSEN.node to the end of the adapter cable.

Optionally, the wiring can also be routed through the wall of an existing housing to the potential-free contact and terminated using a flange plug with an open cable end, which is also available.

Once the up to two potential-free contacts have been successfully connected to the central unit, a status change is checked at least once every minute. If the switching state changes, a data packet with the relevant information is transmitted wirelessly to the IoT platform via a LoRaWAN network. The globally standardized LoRaWAN technology used here is characterized not only by its high energy efficiency but also by its long-range signal transmission, so that potential-free contacts located kilometers away can be integrated into IoT infrastructures with minimal cabling effort.