SERCOS-III combines real time and Ethernet

Citation

(2004), "SERCOS-III combines real time and Ethernet", Assembly Automation, Vol. 24 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2004.03324bab.001

SERCOS-III combines real time and Ethernet

SERCOS-III combines real time and Ethernet

Keywords: SERCOS, Machine, Control systems, Ethernet

Interests Group SERCOS interface (IGS) has announced a new project of linking the existing high-performance SERCOS interface and the Ethernet standard to form a new SERCOS generation, SERCOS-III. Work has proceeded as scheduled, so at present, as promised, a progress report is being issued at the SPS/IPC/ Drives 2003 show.

SERCOS-III is based on the established real time mechanisms of the SERCOS interface and continues to work on the principle of cyclic data transfer with an exact time pattern. A hardware- based synchronization is the indispensable prerequisite for the reliable realization of motion applications, such as electronic line shafts in printing machines, packaging machines or multi-axes machine tools.

SERCOS-III has been defined such that any standard IP telegram (e.g. TCP/IP) can be transmitted in a non-real-time time slot, in parallel to the real-time transfer of the data required for motion control. The SERCOS-III controller is able to exchange these telegrams with superordinate devices in the network.

SERCOS-III thus combines the established real time mechanisms and their distinct range of opportunities for diagnosis, with the universal communication based on Ethernet. SERCOS-III is not only an open interface, but also an all-purpose automation interface, as the direct integration of I/O devices, electric-hydraulic axes, frequency converters and servodrives is common at present.

SERCOS-III is being defined such that real time communication will be compatible with the established SERCOS mechanisms to the greatest possible extent, so that upgrading of existing software solutions will be possible at low cost and effort.

An important goal is the reduction of the interface costs per node by offering low-priced and powerful hardware components. Various hardware options are being examined, e.g. a FPGA-based controller and a multi-protocol communication controller. These considerations will be finalized in the next months.

The rough technical concept of SERCOS-III has been worked out and verified, and IGS is announcing that the first SERCOS-III prototypes will be available in 2005.

A presentation with additional technical details and a white paper on SERCOS-III are available on request from the IGS office.

For more information, please contact: Interests Group SERCOS interface e.V., Landhausstrasse 20, D-70190 Stuttgart. Tel: +49-711-28457-50; Fax: +49-711- 28457-55; E-mail: info@sercos.de; Web site: www.sercos.de