Sensors & Transducers


Vehicle detection sensor features easiest installation

December 2004 Sensors & Transducers Products & Solutions

The M-GAGE Q7M Flat-Pak, from Banner Engineering is a self-contained vehicle detection sensor/amplifier that can be surface mounted or embedded into roadways. Unlike conventional embedded inductive loop vehicle sensors that require as many as nine saw cuts in a complex geometric pattern to install or replace, the completely self-contained M-GAGE Q7M requires only a single, straight, 10 mm saw cut - and no re-cuts are necessary to replace a sensor if needed.

Utilising Banner's magnetoresistive-based passive sensing technology, the Q7M reliably detects 3-dimensional changes in the Earth's natural magnetic field when the presence of a large metal (ferromagnetic) object such as a car, truck or other vehicle is introduced - causing the sensor's outputs to switch. Unlike existing inductive loop technologies, this unique sensor features a completely self-contained design, functioning as the receiver and using the Earth's own magnetic field as its signal source.

Sophisticated on-board technologies allow the Q7M sensor to automatically 'learn' its own environment, determining ambient background characteristics and storing them in the sensor's on-board non-volatile memory, and, unlike conventional loop technology, once an environment is learned the sensor is accurate enough to detect objects that are stopped - where the typical loop-based sensing circuits will begin to readjust settings and become blind to the stationary object's presence.

"The Q7M delivers accurate, trouble-free vehicle detection with the easiest-to-install form-factor - and sensor durability that far exceeds conventional loop products," said Joe Dolinsky, Banner's transportation solutions manager. "The Q7M is ideal for gate-and-door detection of a vehicle at entry and exit doors for car washes and drive through service facilities or at a fast food kiosk. It can also be wall mounted to detect a tractor trailer at a loading dock or a forklift passing through an automatic overhead door or stopped within the sensing field. Unlike traditional inductive loop sensing technologies, the Q7M does not require an external controller, installs easily above or below grade and offers long-term trouble free sensing."

With its completely self-contained design, the Q7M makes sensor replacement (if necessary) quick and easy - with no disruption of traffic or additional damaging cuts to the roadway.

Programming the Q7M is convenient and quick with a remote TEACH wire, on-board pushbutton, or via a portable programming box or traditional PLC. The sensor's output is directly interfaced into a PLC or timer input and can be taught by the PLC and/or pushbutton, which provides flexibility and simplified set-up of embedded or otherwise inaccessible sensors such as when mounted underground.

The compact M-GAGE Q7M is approximately the size of a traditional stick of gum measuring only 77,0 mm x 19,0 mm x 7,5 mm and its housing is constructed of rugged, epoxy-encapsulated, anodised aluminium with thermoplastic polyester end caps, achieving IP69K and NEMA 6P environmental ratings. The Q7M features both NPN and PNP outputs and operates in temperatures from -40 to +70°C.

Banner Engineering is a world-leading manufacturer of vision sensors, photoelectric and ultrasonic sensors, fibre-optic assemblies, electronic machine guarding systems, and precision measurement systems.



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