Reliable control of applications is the be-all and end-all – for example in terms of process reliability. At the same time, the security requirements are much higher for a whole range of applications. Above all, the automotive industry stands out because: Here, robots dominate what is happening and require a particularly high level of safety. SMC has therefore developed an optimal solution for this and similar industries with the fieldbus system of the EX245-FPS1 series. The expansion of the well-known EX245 series scores among other things with the PROFIsafe protocol, relies on a less fault-prone fiber optic connection – with parallel status detection of the line – and can be optimally put together thanks to the online valve terminal configurator. Protection class IP65, communication of safety-relevant data via PROFINET via just one line,
The automotive industry is one of the leading sectors in the use of industrial robots of any kind. The extensive field of application that they cover also places the highest safety requirements on the control of robot applications such as welding, gluing or handling. This also applies to the special cases of use on a hall or robot installation panel. In order to let users benefit from a particularly high level of security, flexibility, performance and low installation effort, SMC has expanded its EX245 series fieldbus system with the EX245-FPS1 series. Not only does the new series support the PROFIsafe protocol and conform to several safety standards – the degree of protection IP65,
1 A safety
The addition of the PROFIsafe protocol enables direct connection without a separate safety output unit. As a result, users benefit from lower hardware costs, smaller parts lists and simpler warehousing. This also applies to the four available safe inputs for connecting safety components such as light barriers or safety contacts, which simplifies wiring and does not incur any costs for additional safety inputs. In connection with the conformity with the safety standards ISO 13849-1 and IEC 61508/IEC 62061, a high safety integrity for the performance level PL e and the safety integrity level SIL 3 is achieved. Overall, this ensures improved machine safety and greater operator protection.
The EX245-FPS1 series also impresses when it comes to process reliability: Thanks to the MRP (Media Redundancy Protocol) and MRPD (Media Redundancy for Planned Duplication) functions for PROFINET, which is combined on one communication line alongside PROFIsafe, reliable and fast communication is possible, even if the corresponding cables are severed or damaged at one point. By also using fiber optic cables/fiber optic cables (FO), the communication is also protected from electromagnetic interference (EMC). In addition, the continuous monitoring of the light intensity with transmission to the PLC provides condition monitoring, which prevents unplanned machine downtimes. Finally, the EX245-FPS1 series has IP65 protection,
Central communication platform – easy to configure
All safety-related data is transmitted via PROFINET and therefore only requires one communication line, which again saves costs and simplifies the structure. A total of up to 24 solenoid valves (32 for PROFINET) and up to 8 I/O modules (scalable) can be connected to the modular fieldbus system and up to 128 inputs and up to 64 outputs can be set up. That’s what the series does EX245-FPS1 to a central communication platform – e.g. in a supply module to provide compressed air and cooling water both for a hall installation panel (mounting outside of a cell) to supply several robots and for a robot installation panel to supply a robot within a cell. When using PROFINET, tools can also be changed quickly thanks to the fast start-up function (FSU).
Since the connection for both communication (M12 and SCRJ/RJ45 push-pull communication plugs) and the power supply is duplicated, a daisy-chain connection can be implemented, which further simplifies wiring. SMC provides an online configurator so that users can configure a needs-based configuration for quick and, above all, error-free integration into their machine design . This is where the compilation – from the valve terminal and parts lists to CAD data and documentation – can be carried out reliably and safely.