November 29, 2007 - The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has unanimously approved SERCOS III, the real-time Ethernet version of the SERCOS interface, as part of international standard IEC 61784-2 (Digital data communications in control technology) and IEC 61158 (Field bus for industrial control systems).
SERCOS III is the third generation of the widely accepted SERCOS interface, and integrates the open Ethernet protocol with high-speed data transfer at 100 MBit per second. Additional innovations include improved safety, the construction of efficient networks with minimum cabling due to a redundant ring and/or line structure, and specific cross communication traffic between control systems.
SERCOS III offers developers and users continuity and a clear migration path from previous versions. SERCOS I has been a worldwide standard since 1995, and the more flexible SERCOS II followed in 1999. Over two million SERCOS I & II nodes have been installed to date. Now, all three SERCOS generations conform to the international IEC standards. This ensures the interoperability of products from diverse manufacturers, using the same standardized interfaces, operating commands and synchronization methods.
SERCOS (SErial Realtime COmmunication System) is one of the leading digital interfaces for communication between control systems, drives and local peripheral devices. With the third generation, SERCOS not only increases speed, but now also enables the use of CAT-5 copper cables in addition to optical fiber waveguides, and it transfers data packets according to the TCP/IP Internet protocol. The trouble-free real-time operation is ensured by a number of security functions and secure full duplex operation.
“The unanimous IEC vote shows that SERCOS is and will continue to be a proven option,” states Peter Lutz, Managing Director of SERCOS International. ”SERCOS interface maintains its continuity and at the same time opens new perspectives for new applications. In comparison to the many competitive interfaces on the market, it provides both users and developers with the necessary security for working with innovative machines, so that they do not have to constantly cope with new protocols.”
