Ceepackaging

Technology

ELAU upgrades automation systems

ELAU’s CEO, Dr. Thomas Cord, stated that this latest SERCOS technology offers the viable one-network choice for synchronized motion, safety, I/O and information over Ethernet for high-performance applications sought by many packagers and packaging systems providers alike.

The company will continue to support an open system architecture by implementing all field and device bus solutions (such as ODVA’s EtherNet/IP) that have earned acceptance in the packaging industry for users preferring to continue to segregate their networks according to functional requirements.

The much anticipated implementation combines the proven real-time performance of SERCOS (Serial Real-time Communication System, IEC 61784-2) in the familiar and cost effective Ethernet standard. Increasingly important, SERCOS III also supports safety applications up to SIL 3 (Safety Integrity Level) according to IEC 61508.

The SERCOS interface offers more than just drive communications. Standardized parameters fully describe the interaction between controllers and drives, and several suppliers also provide I/O stations and other automation components, for a cost effective, single bus solution. This ease of use enables packaging systems providers concentrate on what differentiates them from the competition, namely innovation in machine design.

SERCOS has long been the bus of choice for motion. ELAU has developed its SERCOS II and now SERCOS III solutions to meet the requirements of packaging machinery, among the most dynamic of motion applications. As a member of Schneider Electric’s Automation Business Unit, ELAU leads the development of high performance motion control technology for the OEM market segment.