Products Technology File One board, three CPUs - multiplied safety
The new F75P CompactPCI PlusIO SBC was designed for rail applications and brings functional safety to the board level, using redundant Intel Atom processors. While two redundant CPUs with independent RAM and Flash memory increase system safety, a third processor controls the I/O interfaces. The safe F75P single-board computer unites the benefits of a 1oo2 multiprocessing system and the ruggedness and flexibility of the CompactPCI PlusIO standard on one single card. Two of the total three Intel Atom E680T processors with 1.6GHz and 512MB DDR2 RAM are set up to be redun- dant, forming the safe control unit of F75P. The third Intel Atom with 1GB DDR2 controls I/O. It passes on the com- mands to the interfaces sent by the two control CPUs across an FPGA-based communication interface. Two supervisor units monitor the environmental condi- tions specified for the two control CPUs and put the
system into a safe state, for instance if the maximum oper- ating temperature was exceeded. The output of a faulty processor is not passed through (fail-silent), or the com- plete system is shut down in case of an error and a train, for example, is stopped (fail-safe). To increase the availability of a system, you can also connect two F75P SBCs to form a cluster. If one card fails, the second can take over from hot or cold stand-by, and operation can continue. An event logger allows tracing and simply reading out any hardware and application events. Basically every F75P based system can be certified up to SIL 4 – a correspondent certificate by TÜV Süd is cur- rently in preparation. It comes together with a complete certification package including the ‘safety case’ document for the F75P, which makes the certification process of the final system much more easier. The standard front I/O of F75P comprises one VGA
interface, two Fast Ethernet and two USB, while its rear gives access to one PCI Express port, four USB, one SATA and two Fast Ethernet. Characteristics typical of MEN such as the extended temperature range of -40 to +85°C, EN 50155 conformity, conformal coating and assembly of M12 connectors make the F75P a safe and robust solution. MEN Mikro Elektronik T: +49 911 99335235
www.men.de
Enter 222 Bluetooth adaptor allows remote maintenance
Eaton Corporation has launched a Bluetooth adapter for its easy800 control relay, enabling machinery and plant to be commissioned and maintained remotely using Bluetooth communication. Users can communicate with the controller, without needing to enter noisy or dangerous areas, from a distance of up to 10 metres away (based on normal industrial environments). The adapter is easy to use and each one comes with an 8-digit PIN number to enable
Air cushioning on ISO cylinders
International supplier of automation equipment, Festo, has launched the new DSBC range of square-bodied ISO cylinders with PPS self-adjusting air cushioning as standard. The DSBC offers machine builders and end users all the benefits of adjustable air cush- ioning but without the difficulties associated with set up and without a cost premium. An out-of-the-box solution for most applications, the DSBC with PPS cush- ioning system automatically compen- sates and adjusts for the set speed and mass that the cylinder is moving in a safe and controlled manner. This makes it easier to comply with the safety standards and create set up instructions within the Machinery Directive. Festo T: 0800 626422
www.festo.co.uk/dsbc Enter 224
secure communication with a notebook and to prevent external unauthorised access to the easy800 unit. A standard scan for Bluetooth devices in Windows 7 will find the adapter quickly and easily and the two can be connected by entering the adapter’s PIN.
Each adapter also has a unique
six-digit Mac ID enabling users to manage several adapters from one notebook and the adapter can manage up to four different Bluetooth connections. With the easySoft-Pro software from version 6.91, a Bluetooth connection can be used easily for programming, downloads and uploads. With its versatile function blocks such as PID controllers, maths function blocks, pulse width modulation, high-speed counter etc. the easy800 provides solutions for a wide range of indus- trial control and regulation tasks. Eaton T: 0161 655 8900
www.eaton.eu
Enter 223
Software opens new possibilities Leading solution provider Eplan
has launched its new 2.2 version of the Eplan Platform. With numerous functional extensions and additional modules – for example for field cabling – the new software opens up new pos- sibilities in engineering for users. The new graphical macro selection, smart terminal analysis and automatic termination points when copying sections of a cir- cuit provide rapid design engi- neering results. Designers receive a solid system, which accelerates processes and provides a basis for standardisation and automation. Rapid filters in the project data navigators, comprehensive parts data exchange and extended terminal design ensures greater convenience and speed in project processing. An intuitive graphical macro selection helps designers to implement stan-
Automation FEBRUARY 2013
Expansion in power ratings
Elmo has expanded the power ratings of its super compact, direct-to-mains Trombone and Gold Trombone servo drives: the Trombone 12 A/400V has increased to 16A/400V, while the Gold Trombone 8A/800V has gone up to 12 A/800V. These drives are available from Daventry-based Inmoco. The Trombone is a standalone DC servo drive that delivers up to 7kW of continuous power, while the Gold Trombone can produce 10kW of con- tinuous power. The drives are based on Elmo’s advanced SimplIQ motion control tech- nology. Both operate from a DC power source in current, velocity, position modes, while Gold also has an advanced position mode.
dards effectively, while still being able to navigate compre- hensive macros. Informative graphics and a clear structure makes accessing defined circuit templates easy.
Complicated clicking through directory structures is replaced by graphically supported navi- gation. This allows the techni- cal sales staff to draw up the initial circuit documentation whilst working closely with customers as early as the initial project brief. Eplan T: 01709 704100
www.eplan.co.uk Enter 225
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They can be used in conjunction with a permanent-magnet synchronous brushless motor, DC brush motor, linear motor or voice coil. They are designed for use with any type of sinusoidal or trapezoidal commutation, or with vector control. The trombone and DC Trombone can operate as a standalone device or as part of a multi-axis system in a distributed configuration on a real-time network. Inmoco T: 01327 307600
www.inmoco.co.uk Enter 226
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