Parker Hannifin, the global leader in motion and control technologies, is launching the new generation of DFplus® proportional valves. The valve electronics have been fundamentally revised, opening up new possibilities for communication with the valve as well as connectivity for demanding industrial applications. The mechanical part with its patented voice coil drive (VCD), the basis for the established performance of the previous generations of DFplus valves, remains almost unchanged.
A new dual core processor, in the Generation IV valves, enables them to run at maximum performance level and to communicate with the PLC at the same time. The retention of the analogue command signal in combination with the use of the valve’s IO-Link connection for communication is unique.
There are more innovations that provide added value. One of these new features is an integrated near-field communication (NFC) chip that allows users to obtain all status information in the field or in service situations – even when the valve is not actively powered. A 360° LED at the top of the electronics box ensures that the basic status data is immediately visible in the application by different colours or flashing frequencies. Parker’s ProPxD parameterizing software has been fundamentally revised along with an improved oscilloscope function, permitting adjustment to the application-specific parameters quickly and easily.
