During the course of Hanover Fair 2009, Beckhoff introduced its PC-based safety PLC. Since 2003, the safety solution TwinSAFE has been supporting the integration of safety related functions into the automation system via flexible bus terminals. Beckhoff has now taken the next logical step and integrated the safety PLC function into the PC. The commercial launch of this new technology is scheduled for the end of 2009.
TwinSAFE, the established safety solution for the Beckhoff Bus Terminal system, is used in many applications around the world. The implementation of the TwinSAFE modules into the compact 12 mm housing of an electronic terminal allows a flexible integration and extension of safety functions and therefore offers a quite different approach than standard safety systems.
With a safety PLC running on a standard industrial PC the performance offered for standard logic is now also available for safety logic. The solution consists of software that is integrated into the TwinCAT system which allows the processing of safety functions. No hardware extension is needed within the PC ie, every PC can be used as a safety PLC.
For reliable communication between the industrial PC-based safety PLC and the decentralised TwinSAFE components (safety inputs/outputs, safety-related drives, safety sensors), the Safety over EtherCAT protocol is used. This protocol is disclosed within the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG). As it is already used for previous TwinSAFE components, the safety system can be compatibly extended with a high performance PC-based safety PLC.
PC-based automated production system for photo calendars Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Producing up to 1800 photo calendars per hour using more than 90 servo axes, Durrer Spezialmaschinen develops a wide variety of special-purpose machines from the design phase to commissioning. A new production system for photo calendars proves the importance of comprehensive motion control expertise, with AM8000 servomotors and AX5000 servo drives from Beckhoff used for over 90 dynamically controlled axes.
Read more...Beckhoff’s TwinCAT Vision functionality extended Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 Vision software portfolio offers additional image processing functions and extra options for camera integration.
Read more...TwinCAT Vision functionality extended Beckhoff Automation
IT in Manufacturing
The image processing and camera integration capabilities of Beckhoff’s TwinCAT 3 Vision software have been expanded.
Read more...Innovating control and display solutions
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Mimic Group, founded in 1971, started with electronic and mimic displays before expanding into control desks, software and display electronics.
Read more...New range of vision units Beckhoff Automation
Sensors & Transducers
Beckhoff has added four new vision units to its VUI2000 series. They integrate a camera, illumination and liquid lens technology for simplified installation.
Read more...ABB technology for greater circularity in metals and mining industries
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has been selected by GreenIron, an innovative Swedish company working in the mining and metals industries with its patented materials reduction technology, to provide automation and control system solutions for a first commercial facility in Sandviken, Sweden.
Read more...Compact drive and control technology Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
When custom machine builder Lehnen Industrial Services introduced a filling machine for lip balm, the company was surprised by the amount of interest in this premium system. In order to meet this demand, they decided to standardise the machine. The necessary adaptability is provided by the scalable control technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...Industrial PCs with new processor generations and increased performance Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
PC-based control technology from Beckhoff has always benefited from the convergence of automation and the IT world. Current examples include the use of the latest industry-standard processor generations, high-quality and demand-optimised flash memory, and the long-term availability version of Windows 11.
printer friendly version