Motion Control & Drives


Beckhoff's stage and show technology in TwinSAFE

April 2012 Motion Control & Drives

Using Beckhoff’s stage and show technology, the I/O systems form the central component for the connection of sensors and actuators: from standard digital and analogue signals to the integration of the lighting technology (DMX, DALI, dimmer, LED) or actuators (servo, DC and stepper motors) as well as safety functions according to SIL 3. In order to ensure the safety of operators and actors, Beckhoff offers a safety solution for stage and show technology in TwinSAFE, which is scalable in terms of both software and hardware. With this simple to implement safety solution, for example, emergency stops (E-stop) or light curtains can be reliably read and actuators can be switched off via safe outputs.

The Beckhoff control technology is simple to link to other systems thanks to its open interfaces. The bus-neutral Bus Terminal system supports 17 bus systems, such as Profibus, Profinet, CANopen, Ethernet TCP/IP, Modbus or RS232/RS485. DMX devices such as moving heads can be integrated via DMX master and slave terminals without a great deal of engineering expense.

Highly dynamic drive technology in stage and show applications

Beckhoff offers highly dynamic drive technology for driving backdrop or point hoists, eg, for stage scenery, stage parts and show elements, or for lighting movements. The introduction of the new AM8000 servomotors opens up new possibilities: the highest dynamics and energy efficiency requirements are covered. As a highlight, the motors require only one motor connection cable for feedback and power, which significantly reduces the material and installation costs. The Servo Drives from the AX5000 series, which are optionally available with safety functions, ensure a universal safety solution right up to the drive level.

CX2000 embedded PC: multi-core power on the DIN rail

High multi-core computing power is now also available in embedded PCs with the new CX2000 controller generation. The scalable control platform contains different basic CPU types up to the Intel Core i7 quad-core at 2,1 GHz. Modular system or fieldbus interfaces are connected with high bandwidths via the internal PCI Express bus. The electronic terminal blocks (Bus Terminals or EtherCAT Terminals) can be directly connected to the Embedded PC. The CX2000 is an extremely compact and powerful solution, both in the central control cabinet and as a local controller for all stage and show applications. Through the use of a CFast flash card as storage medium and fanless processors up to the Intel Core i7 dual-core, the embedded PC is virtually noiseless in operation.

Modern operating convenience with the greatest possible flexibility for stage or control room

Beckhoff offers scalable industrial PCs as a platform for the control of stage and show technology. The new Beckhoff CP2xxx and CP3xxx Control Panel and Panel PC series are characterised by a modern, user-friendly operating concept with multi-touch display as well as a contemporary, elegant device design. Widescreen panels in various sizes and resolutions are available in addition to the classic display sizes in 4:3 format. The multi-touch panel series covers display sizes from 145–600 mm. The 600 mm panel, for example, can be used for the display of large visualisations, such as in the theatre.

For more information contact Kenneth McPherson, Beckhoff Automation, +27 (0)11 795 2898, k.mcpherson@beckhoff.com , www.beckhoff.co.za



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