Applications requiring safety automation can also be planned and implemented using a modular design strategy. Utilizing the same power and data supply principles, safety signals from any sensor or emergency stop switch can be easily and efficiently acquired.
Distributed security concept
Safety features can also be distributedly controlled by an IP67 safety controller mounted directly on the module . This avoids long loop times associated with centralized safety control and ultimately reduces safety distances on the machine. For further advantages of distributed safety solutions, please see the Turck website's Machine Safety technical page.
Modularization of control solutions
Consistent modularity also requires migrating different control functions to machine modules. These functions can be implemented through I/O systems with integrated logic controllers or through actual compact PLCs . Both product groups ( I/O modules and controllers) can be designed with IP20 protection for use in control boxes, or with IP67 protection for direct field installation. The IP67 version, which eliminates the need for a control cabinet, offers significant advantages in terms of wiring and flexibility. Migrating safety logic to I/O modules also offers other advantages due to the elimination of a central safety controller or F-CPU , such as faster execution of safety functions and a more cost-effective overall safety architecture.
For control, archiving, or visualization purposes, field controllers can communicate with higher-level controllers or HMIs. The choice of control solution depends on the type and size of the machine. Therefore, overly large control solutions can be avoided. The user's workload remains minimal due to increased machine efficiency. Field logic modules can also preprocess data, so only relevant process information needs to be transmitted to higher-level controllers.
Migrate intelligence to the field level
Migrating intelligence to the field requires software mapping by the engineering department. The machine module will act as an autonomous system, processing inputs from neighboring modules and determining their actions accordingly. Depending on the module's complexity, this can be achieved using I/O components with logic functions or a field PLC . Then, only the information needed by the neighboring module is transmitted between the two machine modules via the interface.
The migration software offers numerous advantages:
● Reduced the load on the main communication link
● Reduces the load on the main controller – or even replaces the main controller
● Perform module testing before debugging and connection.
● Since the central controller can remain unchanged, it facilitates the integration of third-party modules.
● Easily expand devices
Distributed intelligence disrupts the inherent structure of the traditional automation pyramid. The higher the modularity and distributed intelligence of machines, the less stable the inherent structure of the automation pyramid becomes. The architecture will become more transparent, especially the sensor / actuator and I/O layers, as well as the control layer.
Turck's Distributed Automation Technology
Advantages at a glance:
● Obtain free logic control functions using the AGREE feature on the Turck I/O module
● Reduce costs through standardized cables and compatibility
● Utilize multi-protocol Ethernet components flexibly
● Optimize inventory through standardized hardware applicable to 3 Ethernet networks
● Turck's modular automation portfolio supports your modular machine design.
● Simplify debugging and diagnostics with an integrated web server.
● Easily connect and replicate control solutions with CODESYS
● Use the integrated drag-and-drop interface for quick control programming
