POSITAL rotary encoders for safety-critical systems

POSITAL has expanded its family of IXARC absolute rotary encoders to include models explicitly designed for use in safety-critical motion control systems. The new encoders feature redundant measurement elements and are certified to Safety Integrity Level 2 (SIL 2) and Performance Level d (PL d). They feature a PROFINET communications interface and support the PROFIsafe protocol. PROFIsafe-based control systems are used for critical applications such as industrial robots or material handling equipment, where loss of control could result in hazardous situations. The encoder transmits a safety position and/or safety velocity value.

At the heart of the new SIL 2-certified encoder is POSITAL’s extremely reliable magnetic measurement technology. The sensing elements in these devices are more mechanically rugged than optical measurement systems and significantly more resistant to the presence of condensation and dust. Moreover, with no direct contact between sensing elements, IXARC magnetic encoders will retain their accuracy and reliability over long lifetimes. Versions with multi-turn capabilities have a 12 bit (4096 rotation) measurement range. The measurement system is backed up by advanced signal processing and interface software that supports a full range of PROFINET and PROFIsafe capabilities, including prioritized startup, media redundancy and the possibility of firmware updates through the PROFINET communications network. Ethernet bridging functionality is built into the communications interface, which makes it possible to make use of a variety of network topologies. System troubleshooting is simplified by the presence of LEDs that indicate the device’s operating status and help to isolate faults.

Like other members of POSITAL’s IXARC family, the SIL 2-certified absolute rotary encoder is available in a wide range of mechanical configurations. Saltwater-resistant aluminum housings make these devices suitable for use in harsh marine environments.