Functional Safety Controllers for Mobile Applications
Looking for controllers that are fully integrated yet meet the most stringent safety tests? Functional Safety Controllers from STW provide a fully integrated, highly flexible, SIL 2 certified software and hardware package for off-highway applications.
Mobile machines today have to fulfill a multitude of complex functions. In order to minimize risk, engineers need to incorporate safety-related conditions from EN13849 and IEC61508. STW is offering engineers a comprehensive functional safety control solution that is fully integrated, SIL2 certified but highly flexible.
In addition to the control unit ESX®-3XL (L for large), which is already used in many applications, STW has now added a little brother to the range, the ESX®-3XM (M for medium). Both control units are suitable for safety-relevant applications up to performance level PL d, or safety integrity level SIL 2, and share a common architectural concept: a fast 32-bit microcontroller with 6MB Flash and 4MB RAM, complete with 4 CAN interfaces, a serial interface, a buzzer, and multiple LEDs enclosed in a robust housing of die-cast aluminium with built-in automotive connectors.
The ESX®-3XM is roughly half the size of the ESX®-3XL and has half the number of inputs/outputs, which makes it ideal for smaller machines or for decentralised or distributed control system concepts in larger machines.
Besides the customization options that the base version offers – for instance, all inputs can be configured via init functions as current, voltage, digital or RPM inputs — the additional expansion board module concept is a unique feature of STW’s controller series: there are slots for up to three (ESX®-3XM) or six (ESX®-3XL) expansion boards with nearly unlimited additional functions.
There are currently 14 types of expansion boards in the range with various inputs and outputs, additional RS232/RS485/CAN interfaces or with Ethernet and USB. In addition, STW also develops customized expansion boards quickly and cost-effectively to meet exact requirements: e.g. for individual technical solutions or to protect against product piracy.
The application software for the ESX® series can be efficiently developed using the high-level programming language C or according to IEC 61131-3 (CODESYS V3). A Matlab package is also available. Various additional libraries such as for CANopen, J1939 or error handing simplify system integration.
The development and maintenance of a safety-relevant software application is made possible thanks to memory protection mechanisms and the safety manual. The clear user manual and inexpensive tool chain complete the package.
More information on:
