Memosens 2.0: Evolution of digital data transfer

Knick has been supplying its sensors and transmitters for process application with innovative Memosens technology since 2008. The benefits are clear: inductive and thus contactless coupling ensures a high level of safety, while digital data transfer enables numerous functions such as sensor diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and integration in IoT applications. A technology such as Memosens, however, is a journey, not a destination – and Knick is continuously working to evolve it. The new version, Memosens 2.0, is just a step along the way.

From the sensor to the cloud

The benefits of Memosens have resulted in this system becoming the de facto standard in many process industry applications. As one of the two companies originally behind Memosens, Knick is continuously working to develop the technology, for example adding support for functions relating to digitization, industrial IoT, and “Industry 4.0”. Transmitters, such as those in the Stratos and Protos lines offered by Knick, play an essential part in ensuring optimum use of Memosens 2.0. They are key components for the full digital transmission of measurement data from the sensor, via the transmitter, to the higher-level systems.

The Profinet, Ethernet IP, Profibus, or HART protocols are usually used for connection to control systems – and are, of course, supported by the Knick transmitters. “As we evolve Memosens technology, we always ensure continued compatibility with prior versions,” says Dr. Dirk Steinmüller, a member of the Knick management team: “Our customers can rest assured that they are investing in a future-proof technology.” As he adds, development work is always ongoing: “In our transmitters, for example, we have implemented NAMUR-compliant error messages, and we’re also involved in implementation of the NAMUR Open Architecture (NOA) and the new AK 3.6.4 ‘PAT modules’.” As digitization increases within the process industry, data continuity from the field level to the control level is growing in importance. These efforts are optimally supported by the further development of Memosens technology. In this way, Knick is ensuring that Memosens will remain the technology of choice in the future.

Inductive coupling offers many advantages

The inductive coupling of Memosens sensors to the transmitter is a guarantee of safety, especially in harsh environments such as those found in many process industry applications. It means that perfect galvanic isolation is ensured at all times. Precise measurements are possible even with difficult potentials, without the need for further equipotential bonding measures.

The patented Memosens plug-in system is 100% waterproof and resistant to dirt, corrosion, salt bridges, overpressure, and interference potentials. The robust Memosens connection – the bayonet coupling can be opened and closed with one click, eliminating cable twisting – also ensures high resistance to mechanical influences.

Integrated intelligence enables predictive maintenance

One of the key features of Memosens is the intelligence integrated directly into the sensor, which provides a wide range of data, including pre-calibration data. Also stored in the integrated electronics is the sensor ID with the corresponding process variable and the properties of the Memosens sensor. This means that Memosens sensors are immediately detected when they are connected to a transmitter. The measurement can start without any delay.

The intelligent Memosens electronics also store the complete life cycle of the sensor. Diagnostic functions such as conditions of use, sensor wear, operating time, and CIP/SIP/autoclaving counters provide important information for determining maintenance intervals. Knick transmitters in the Protos and Stratos lines evaluate the sensor’s wear data via a load matrix and thus calculate the optimal process-dependent maintenance cycle. This combination of the technical advantages inherent in Memosens technology and the continuously ongoing development of transmitters and software guarantees the future viability of the system.