Which communication protocol does the VMB301 use?

The VMB301 condition monitoring sensor uses a CANopen protocol based on ISO 11898. It supports various CAN in Automation (CiA) profiles, which are specified in the technical data sheet.

Which parameters are calculated in the device?

The device supports the following condition indicators: Fatigue (v-RMS) Friction (a-RMS) Impact (a-Peak) Displacement (d-Peak2Peak) Crest factor – a statistical indicator used to detect bearing damage and other faults Unbalance analysis Bearing demodulation (BearingScout™) A detailed explanation of these condition indicators can be found HERE .

How can it be ensured that the sensor is not affected by process influences of the machine?

Each wear indicator provides different filtering options, which can be configured as Service Data Objects (SDOs). This filtering offers the flexibility to focus on the monitoring task while eliminating disruptive process influences.

How does unbalance or bearing analysis (BearingScout™) work?

The VMB condition monitoring sensor can receive speed information dynamically from a CANopen master or other CANopen producers via PDO linking as an RPDO. This speed signal is used inside the sensor to dynamically monitor rotational frequency, allowing it to identify increased unbalance – for example, due to material build-up on rotating components or missing blades on a mower. For bearing analysis (BearingScout™), the speed information can also be combined with bearing frequency factors (SDO: index 2054). If bearing-specific information is not available, a generic BearingScout™ is calculated with fixed filtering and demodulation.

Vibration sensors
3-axis vibration sensor with CANopen

Condition monitoring sensor with CANopen

What if your machine had a guardian angel – one that constantly watches over it, detects issues early, and alerts you before damage occurs? VMB301, the first condition monitoring sensor with a CANopen interface, delivers exactly that.

Your guardian angel for mobile machinery

Like a guardian angel, this sensor continuously monitors vibration and temperature on mobile machinery and industrial equipment. It detects anomalies and wear before they escalate into serious faults and costly downtime. With a frequency bandwidth of up to 7,500 Hz, a measuring of range up to ±60 g and advanced 3-axis MEMS technology, the VMB301 reliably detects high-frequency damage such as bearing defects, insufficient lubrication, or increased unbalance.

Extremely robust and designed for harsh operating environments, the new VMB301 is your machine’s invisible companion – always there, always vigilant.

The VMB301 in detail

VMB3 product benefits at a glance

Thanks to high-performance 3-axis MEMS technology, the sensor can be mounted flexibly and delivers precise measurements in axial, vertical and horizontal directions.

The sensor provides continuous real-time detection of key condition indicators such as displacement, fatigue, friction, shocks, and surface temperature – all directly within the device. It also features an integrated load spectrum counter and a counter for machine start-ups.

The ultra-rugged stainless steel housing is built for the toughest operating conditions. With its internal MEMS self-test function and M12 connector, the sensor is maintenance-free and durable. An integrated LED gives instant visibility of device status.

Built-in bearing and unbalance diagnostics are easily accessible via the CANopen interface

A configurable 120-ohm resistor built into the device simplifies set-up and reduces cost.

Applications for the condition monitoring sensor

The VMB condition monitoring sensor captures acceleration signals on three axes and calculates condition indicators in real time, which are then transmitted via CANopen in accordance with CiA-301. These values provide insight into:

Dynamic displacement (d-Peak2Peak)
Fatigue of machine components (v-RMS)
Increased friction, cavitation (a-RMS)
High shocks / impacts (a-Peak)
Early-stage bearing damage (BearingScout™)
Critical unbalance (unbalance analysis)
Excessive heat generation (surface temperature)
High crest factor (Crest)

Process and condition monitoring of vibrating screens

The sensor continuously monitors bearing condition (BearingScout™), insufficient lubrication (a-RMS), vibration energy (v-RMS), surface temperature and displacement (d-Peak-to-Peak) at the sensor’s measurement point.

By detecting these condition and performance parameters in real time, the system detects wear in damping elements, bearing damage in the drive motor and screen overload early. This increases machine efficiency and reduces unplanned downtime.

In addition, the device can store up to 4 seconds of synchronous raw data from all three axes and transmit it on demand. This enables comprehensive analysis and a fast response to critical conditions.

Wear detection in rotating components of mobile machinery

The vacuum system in sweepers, the drilling unit in earth drills or the cutting head of a mower are all exposed to extreme rotational forces. Material wear or increasing unbalance can push these forces to critical levels and lead to complete machine failure.

With the VMB condition monitoring sensor, you gain control over your machine’s service life. The smart sensor detects changes in vibration energy – also dynamically using machine speed – and reliably identifies emerging damage. Drivers are alerted early and can schedule maintenance proactively, preventing serious damage and extending machine life.

Foreign object detection and shock monitoring in mobile machinery

Early detection of unwanted foreign objects in wood chippers or in the intake units of forage harvesters and combine harvesters is essential to prevent severe damage to cutting systems. High-voltage batteries or hydrogen tanks on mobile machines are often exposed to harsh conditions and may suffer long-term damage due to frequent high shocks.

With the VMB condition monitoring sensor, you are perfectly prepared for these challenges: Thanks to its wide measuring range of up to 60 g and precise 3-axis measurement, severe shocks from foreign objects suddenly entering the system are detected early. In the event of critical deviations, the sensor triggers immediately to protect your equipment and ensure safe operation.

Early warning with condition monitoring in mobile applications

Bearings in harbour cranes, centrifugal pumps on tank trucks or gears in forestry machines are critical mechanical components that require regular attention to avoid complete machine failure.

The VMB acts as the eyes and ears of your machine. It continuously monitors these components and detects developing bearing damage early with BearingScout™. It also identifies cavitation in pumps and high-frequency lubrication issues in gears, making condition changes visible before serious faults occur.