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SERCOS interface News
| Safety Protocol Introduced for SERCOS Interface |
Nurenberg, November 23, 2005 – At the SPS/IPC/DRIVES 2005 show in Nurenberg, Nov. 22-24, the SERCOS trade organizations introduced a safety concept that allows a safe data transfer based on the SERCOS interface®. The SERCOS safety concept is a protocol extension, which is compatible with the established transmission mechanisms of the SERCOS interface. Thus, the SERCOS interface can be used within safety applications up to SIL 3 (Safety Integrity Level) according to IEC61508 even with the shortest cycle times. Independent of the type of data – command values, logical signals or safe logic or process information -- the SERCOS interface provides a homogeneous, continuous solution for modern automation concepts. SERCOS safety is independent of the transport layer, so that any transmission physics can be used. Thus, the extension is available both for SERCOS II and SERCOS III and also for other transmission physics, as no special requirements for transmission components need to be fulfilled. Due to the routing capability of the protocol, a safety network may even be extended over several subordinate SERCOS networks. The safe data container, which is embedded in the SERCOS III data telegram, may transfer up to 64 bits of safe user data. SERCOS safety achieves its best performance when used in combination with the new Ethernet-based SERCOS III. Safe data can be exchanged between slaves directly using the peer-to-peer cross-communication capabilities of SERCOS III, without collection and re-distribution of data by a central master (safety control). In addition, when combining SERCOS safety with the fault tolerance provided by the hardware redundancy of SERCOS III, safe, highly dependable automation solutions can be implemented for both centralized and decentralized safety applications. SERCOS safety is presently being investigated by TÜV Rheinland, an international technical service provider which evaluates, tests and certifies the safety and quality of products. The specification should be approved by the TÜV Rheinland within the next two months and will be available free of charge to all SERCOS members. The first SERCOS safety products will be available in 2006. Visit their website at: www.sercos.com. |