New edge amplifier takes production applications to the next level by enabling seamless IT/OT interoperability
HBK has announced the launch of digiBOX, a next-generation, multi-channel edge-amplifier, tailored to meet the demands of industrial process control and weighing applications.
With the advent of Industry 4.0, the need for measurement solutions that can process complex data streams in real time - while ensuring precision, reliability and connectivity - has never been greater.
HBK’s Edge Amplifier, digiBOX combines precision, advanced connectivity, industrial-grade durability and modular flexibility, setting a new standard for optimising industrial and weighing processes. It’s specifically designed to suit a range of industrial, manufacturing and weighing applications.
The digiBOX allows for close-proximity placement to sensors and offers real time processing of measurement data. It’s seamless IT/OT integration enables advanced interoperability between information technology and operational technology systems.
The edge-amplifier’s modular design is available in 2- or 4-channel configurations, supporting a wide range of sensors (strain gauges, load cells and piezoelectric sensors). It’s user-friendly interface provides intuitive setup, monitoring, and remote management.
digiBOX’s hardware has IP67-rated housing in order to withstand harsh conditions such as dust, moisture and vibrations.
The flexible and robust amplifier is available in two domain-specific firmware choices, tailored to meet specific industrial and weighing application needs: the first is digiBOX Industrial, which has been engineered to handle the requirements of modern industrial production such as press-load monitoring, joining-processes and assembly lines. This versatile amplifier ensures precise measurements, seamless data integration and reliable performance for force-based assembly, quality control or process optimisation.
The second option is digiBOX Weighing: specifically designed to meet the critical demands of weighing applications, offering unparalleled accuracy, seamless integration and robust performance. digiBOX Weighing ensures consistent results, minimises errors and maintains operational efficiency across applications including checkweighing systems, high-precision industrial scales and automated filling processes.
HBK’s Product Manager for Smart Sensors, Martin Schütz said: "The digiBOX edge-amplifier is not just a new amplifier generation. It is an innovative solution that uniquely combines IT/OT connectivity on a single device, which allows customers to build and realise actual Industry 4.0 applications. Now it is possible to extract the measurement data, in parallel to the amplifier being connected to the machines PLC. Using protocols like MQTT and openDAQ customers can integrate the digiBOX into cloud applications, perform DAQ analysis and transmit relevant process data into productivity software. These capabilities are now possible for piezoelectric and strain-gauge based sensors in industrial and weighing applications.”
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