October 23, 2013 - B&R adds redundancy to X20 PLCs. One controller provides active control, while a second controller runs in the background in standby mode. All network functions are monitored continuously so that when the time comes, the backup controller can quickly take over all of the active PLC's functions. Whichever controller becomes active always uses the same IP address as its predecessor. The switching time of the system is two task cycles – so all of this takes place in a matter of a few milliseconds.
B&R's solution is based on standard X20 controllers that can be reconfigured at any time with features that reduce downtime using the Automation Studio software development environment. This eliminates the need for specialized redundancy controllers, which are generally very expensive due the small quantities produced. Engineering effort is reduced to declaring the PLC a redundant unit and configuring communication parameters or failure criteria. This redundancy solution is powered by the high-performance, real-time Ethernet POWERLINK communication protocol. An independent high-speed fiber optic redundancy link is used to continually synchronize all important data – the I/O image, for example – between the active and inactive controllers.
B&R company profile
B&R Industrial Automation, Inc. North America, based in Atlanta, GA, has been working closely with their customers since 1987. Since then, B&R North America has continuously grown as a sales and support organization through both direct sales offices and B&R’s unique Automation Partner distribution network. Today, B&R North America has a network of more than 20 offices throughout the USA and Canada and is there for its customers locally.
