Safety on a new level

Stöber has developed the SX6 safety module specifically for the SC6 and SI6 drive controllers. It expands the range of functions of the two 6th generation devices with numerous safety functions. Users benefit from extremely fast worst-case reaction times, short safety distances and rapid reavailability.

With its 6th generation, Stöber offers powerful drive controllers for highly efficient multi-axis applications. These include the compact stand-alone SC6 device and the SI6, which saves redundant feed-in units thanks to a central supply module and was designed for control-based applications in series technology. A brand new addition to the range is the SX6 safety module, with which both series can be optionally equipped. This makes them suitable for safety-relevant applications up to SIL 3, PL e (category 4) according to DIN 61800-5-2 or DIN EN ISO 13849-1.

The SX6 enables the classic stop functions Safe Torque Off (STO), Safe Stop 1 (SS1) and Safe Stop 2 (SS2). A highlight: Even with multi-axis controllers, the STO safety function can be activated individually for each axis. In addition, there are Safely Limited Speed ​​(SLS) and Safe Speed ​​Range (SSR), Safe Direction (SDI), Safely Limited Increment (SLI) and Safe Operating Stop (SOS).

Stöber developed the safety module in close cooperation with Pilz GmbH & Co. KG. In order to further increase the productivity and availability of the machine, the drive specialist has expanded the monitoring mechanisms of the safety functions beyond the basic normative requirements. Through position-based limit value monitoring and the predictive suppression of interference signals, the target limit values ​​can be approached with a minimum signal-to-noise ratio. SX6 tests the integrated components every time the device starts up, after every STO and during operation. This eliminates the need for cyclical functional tests of the safety functions at the end customer that require documentation.

Stöber has also revised the shutdown paths of the STO and SS1 stop functions. These have become significantly faster at five and six milliseconds respectively. These short worst-case reaction times, the minimized safety distances and, above all, the rapid reavailability significantly reduce downtimes and thus increase system availability. SX6 is controlled via EtherCAT. This relies on the safe Safety-over-EtherCAT (Fail Safe over EtherCAT, FSoE) protocol.

No special motors, encoders, cables, standstill or speed monitors are required to operate the safety module. In the event of servicing, companies can transfer an existing safety configuration to other controllers quickly and easily using an SD card as data storage.