With the new safety controllers based on the EL6910 TwinSAFE Logic, it is now possible to adapt the Beckhoff system even more specifically to the individual requirements of a machine concept, as well as to a broader spectrum of safety applications. The new I/O components include:
• Terminal EL1918: digital terminal with eight safe inputs.
• Terminal EL2911: safe potential supply terminal with four safe inputs and one safe output.
• EtherCAT Box EP1957-0022: IP67-protected digital combi module with eight safe inputs and four safe outputs.
More options for distributed safety applications
Just like the TwinSAFE logic-capable I/O and motion products that are already available, the three new I/O modules can be used as controllers for the direct execution of customer-specific safety projects. A special feature is their communication capability because like a dedicated controller, the safety project to be executed on the corresponding I/O component can establish direct communication relationships with other safety-relevant devices and pre-process the data internally. This makes it possible to implement highly granular machine modules with distributed safety applications. The central safety controller, if it exists in the application scenario, only needs to process the data that has already been accumulated.
The hardware and software modularity of the system simplifies implementation of even very complex safety applications, and the combination of I/O and TwinSAFE control functionalities in a single I/O component makes it easier to distribute safety tasks across individual machine modules. It also reduces hardware costs. In terms of engineering, the customising function speeds up the process and makes it more convenient. It also ensures minimum validation effort, which in turn further reduces the development costs.
More efficiency through customisation
Safety projects can be modularly designed in TwinCAT as usual. However, with the new customising function, the operating modes ‘temporary deactivation’, ‘permanent deactivation’ and ‘passivation’ can now be configured for each of these modules. With the corresponding configuration of replacement values for the interfaces between the different modules, users can thus implement highly complex, modular and scalable architectures while reducing development costs. For example, a single safety project can be used for an entire family of machines by simply deactivating any modules that may not be needed according to the given requirements.
World’s first 5G smartphone for ATEX and IECEx zone 1/21 Extech Safety Systems
IS & Ex
i.safe MOBILE has launched the world’s first 5G smartphone for ATEX and IECEx zone 1/21. The intrinsically safe mobile device, which was also developed for use in 5G campus networks, offers companies great flexibility thanks to its wide range of possible applications, especially in the automation sector.
Read more...PC-based control for advanced hydrogen storage technology Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The proportion of renewable energies from solar, wind and water is rising continuously. However, sufficient storage options are of the essence to use these energies as efficiently as possible. GKN Hydrogen offers a particularly compact and safe option, low-pressure metal hydride hydrogen storage systems with PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...Modular assembly platform for clean manufacturing Beckhoff Automation
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
JR Automation delivers custom automated solutions for numerous industries. It has done this through its scalable, modular automation platform, FlexChassis, which speeds up time to market while cutting costs. The company chose the XTS linear transport system from Beckhoff because of its speed, and modular design that allows for multiple configurations.
Read more...EtherCAT measurement terminals for vehicle development at Mercedes-Benz Beckhoff Automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
At the Mercedes Technology Centre plant in Sindelfingen, Germany, car axles are examined with the highest precision on four test benches, in parallel with road tests and simulations. All data is acquired using PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...Control technology for energy-efficient biogas power plants Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice
Reverion’s goal is to help solve two of the biggest problems facing humanity by creating a truly sustainable energy system and removing gigatons of CO2 from the atmosphere. The new generation of biogas power plants makes it possible to maximise the potential of biogas, and also benefit from surplus solar and wind energy that would otherwise remain unused.
Read more...PC-based control for waterjets Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice
Control systems are subject to very specific demands from every form of production technology, including waterjet cutting. IGEMS from Sweden set itself the goal of taking this process to a new level in terms of precision and speed, and achieved it with the help of PC-based control.
Read more...Flexible EtherCAT communication interface for DALI-2 Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The EL6821 EtherCAT Terminal from Beckhoff allows up to 64 DALI/DALI-2 slaves and 64 DALI-2 input devices to be connected. The TwinCAT 3 System Manager makes it easy to configure and parameterise DALI devices flexibly.
Read more...Plastics meets packaging for consistent and efficient process control Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice
PC- based and EtherCAT-based control and drive technology from Beckhoff represent a universal solution that transcends industry and application boundaries. This standardised and scalable automation platform offers numerous advantages. Industry experts delve into how machine builders and end users in the plastics and packaging industry can capitalise on these advantages.