SICK LAUNCHES REVOLUTIONARY ENCODER INTERFACE FOR SIL3 SAFETY
08/04/2011 Sick (UK) Ltd
SICK (UK) has introduced Hiperface® DSL, a fully digital encoder feedback interface with both SIL2 and SIL3 safety capability for the communication of feedback data from brushless servo motors to associated drive electronics.The Hiperface® DSL data protocol has been designed to carry comprehensive sensor data from motor to drive while reducing system costs. The innovative solution is suitable for use in a wide range of robotic and automated machinery applications as well as process and packaging equipment.
Darren Pratt, encoder specialist for SICK (UK), commented: "Hiperface® DSL is currently the only motor feedback interface with the capability of supporting encoders to SIL3 levels for both safe speed and safe position functions. In addition, the protocol requires less expensive hardware than current digital encoder feedback systems, enabling significant cost savings.
"The combination of improved speed regulation and functionality with greater operator safety, and at a reduced cost, marks a significant step forward. Hiperface® DSL is set to be the new standard for high to low performance applications."
The interface is so robust that cores inside the motor power cable can be used for the communication of feedback data to the drive. The twisted pair traditionally used for the temperature winding sensor in a standard motor power cable can be utilised for the Hiperface® DSL communication.
Encoders supporting Hiperface® DSL will have an optional temperature sensor input for digitisation of the temperature signal and transmission to the drive together with encoder feedback data. The result is the dedicated feedback cable can be completely eliminated.
Darren added: "Machine builders using a motor and drive solution utilising Hiperface® DSL will benefit from a huge reduction in cabling costs and commissioning time.
"Hiperface® DSL encoders will also contain life-time management functionality for preventative maintenance. Temperature, speed and rotation information will be logged inside the encoder with all information accessible via Hiperface® DSL. Open accessibility to this information will enable plant operators and maintenance engineers to plan preventative maintenance enabling increased plant availability and reduced machine downtime."
With future applications in mind, Hiperface® DSL will also allow the simple incorporation of additional sensor information to further enhance dynamic axis control, including torque, vibration and acceleration.
The robust Hiperface® DSL protocol enables digital sensor data transmission over up to 100 metres based on two or four wires integrated with the motor power cable, resistant to EMC interference. The system is capable of supporting safe encoder solutions up to SIL 3 PLe, and facilitates a wide range of drive connectivity and applications.
The first encoders supporting Hiperface® DSL will be launched in summer 2011. Leading servomotor and drive manufacturers are expected to start launching systems utilizing Hiperface® DSL before the end of the year.
For more information on the SICK Hiperface® DSL, please contact: Ann Attridge or Andrea Hornby on 01727 831121 or email ann.attridge@sick.co.uk or andrea.hornby@sick.co.uk Web: www.sick.co.uk
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