SERCOS group to specify controller-to-controller communications

The SERCOS trade organizations have launched a new technical working group to specify a profile for distributed control functions in modular machines and systems. This project will provide controller-to-controller synchronization between distributed motion controls via the SERCOS interface.

By Staff June 1, 2005

The SERCOS trade organizations have launched a new technical working group to specify a profile for distributed control functions in modular machines and systems. This project will provide controller-to-controller synchronization between distributed motion controls via the SERCOS interface. The organization adds this specification will address the need for machine modules that aren’t just connected mechanically, but are also integrated into communication networks and coupled in hard real-time.

Manufacturer-specific solutions, based on available SERCOS interface physics, presently exist to for synchronization between distributed motion controls. With the SERCOS Controller-to-Controller (C2C) Synchronization and Communication Profile, this type of communication will now be standardized. The C2C profile is a supplement to the existing SERCOS device profiles for servo drives and remote I/O devices.

In addition, the specification of communication and synchronization mechanisms between distributed motion controls takes into consideration the hardware redundancy and hot-plugging features of the new SERCOS III concept. Also, the data and commands exchanged between controls will be defined based on the SERCOS parameter model. This data includes control and state information, as well as relevant command values and actual values. In this context, a convergence with the CIP Motion Profile and the development of a SERCOS/CIP-Gateway is planned.

Typical applications for the C2C profile are in printing, packaging, and processing machines, as well as in machine tools with special requirements for control systems and synchronization. These include machine concepts with gantry axes or rotary transfer tables.

The SERCOS C2C profile specification reportedly will be available in time for Hannover Fair 2006.