The IFM KI531A is an adjustable capacitive sensor designed for industrial and hazardous-area applications. It provides a 3–26 mm adjustable sensing range with a nominal real sensing distance of 15 mm. The sensor features complementary NO/NC switching and supports IO-Link communication for parameterisation and diagnostics. Its M30 threaded design provides a practical installation format for material and level detection. ATEX and IECEx approvals allow operation in suitable dust-hazard environments.
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The KI531A detects conductive and non-conductive materials using a capacitive measuring principle. Its sensing range can be adjusted between 3 and 26 mm. The nominal real sensing range is 15 mm with a tolerance of ±10%. An integrated potentiometer provides straightforward local sensitivity adjustment. This makes the sensor suitable for changing target materials and installation conditions.
The sensor supports IO-Link revision 1.1 with COM2 communication at 38.4 kBaud. IO-Link functions include switch-point setting, hysteresis adjustment and PNP/NPN parameterisation. Device identification, operating-hours information and diagnostic functions are also supported. SIO mode allows conventional switching operation when IO-Link communication is not required. The minimum process cycle time is 20 ms.
The KI531A is designed for suitable applications in hazardous dust areas. It carries the ATEX marking II 3D Ex tc IIIC T90°C Dc. IECEx certification is also specified for the product. The ambient operating temperature range is -20 to 60 °C. IP65 and IP67 protection support demanding industrial installations.
3–26 mm adjustable sensing range
15 mm nominal real sensing range
Capacitive measuring principle
Complementary NO/NC output
IO-Link 1.1
COM2 communication
38.4 kBaud transmission
SIO mode
Potentiometer adjustment
PNP/NPN parameterisation
Switch-point adjustment
Operating-hours counter
IP65/IP67 protection
ATEX approval
IECEx approval
Powder level detection
Granulate monitoring
Bulk-material detection
Liquid level monitoring
Container presence detection
Hazardous dust environments
Packaging machinery
Process automation
The KI531A has a specified hysteresis range of 1–15% of the real sensing distance. Switch-point drift is specified from -20 to +20% of the real sensing distance. These parameters should be considered when configuring the sensor for the target material. IO-Link allows operating parameters to be adapted electronically. This helps integrate the sensor into configurable automation systems.
The sensor supports IO-Link diagnostic functions in addition to conventional switching operation. Its Smart Sensor profile includes device identification, multiple switching signals and process-data variables. Short-circuit protection is pulsed and overload protection is integrated. Shock resistance is specified at 30 g under the applicable test conditions. The calculated MTTF is 623 years.
| Specification | KI531A |
|---|---|
| Product type | Capacitive sensor |
| Product code | KIE4150NCPKG/IO/3D |
| Measuring principle | Capacitive |
| Sensing range | 3–26 mm |
| Sensing range adjustable | Yes |
| Real sensing range | 15 mm ±10% |
| Adjustment | Potentiometer / IO-Link |
| Output function | Complementary NO/NC |
| PNP/NPN parameterisation | Yes |
| Communication | IO-Link |
| IO-Link revision | 1.1 |
| Transmission | COM2 |
| Baud rate | 38.4 kBaud |
| SDCI standard | IEC 61131-9 |
| SIO mode | Yes |
| Master port | Type A |
| Minimum cycle time | 20 ms |
| Device ID | 1286 |
| Hysteresis | 1–15% of Sr |
| Switch-point drift | -20…20% of Sr |
| Short-circuit protection | Yes, pulsed |
| Overload protection | Yes |
| Ambient temperature | -20…60 °C |
| Protection | IP65/IP67 |
| ATEX | II 3D Ex tc IIIC T90°C Dc |
| IECEx | BVS 20.0061X |
| Shock resistance | 30 g |
| MTTF | 623 years |
| Weight | 151.8 g |
| Application | Hazardous dust areas |
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