SERCOS III: 100 MBit per sec Ethernet protocol unanimously accepted as IEC standard

Santa Rosa Beach, FL—The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) unanimously approved SERCOS III, the real-time Ethernet version of the SErial Realtime COmmunication System (SERCOS) interface, as part of international standard IEC 61784-2 (Digital data communications in control technology) and IEC 61158 (Field bus for industrial control systems), according to organizations representing the protocol.

By Control Engineering Staff December 11, 2007

Santa Rosa Beach, FL —The

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

unanimously approved

SERCOS III

[link to PDF about protocol],

SERCOS III is the third generation of the SERCOS interface, and integrates the open Ethernet protocol with high-speed data transfer at 100 MBit per second, according to information provide by

SERCOS North America

and Germany-based

SERCOS International e.V

. Additional innovations include improved safety, the construction of efficient networks with minimum cabling due to a redundant ring and/or line structure, and specific cross communication traffic between control systems.

SERCOS III offers developers and users continuity and a clear migration path from previous versions. SERCOS I has been a global standard since 1995, and the more flexible SERCOS II followed in 1999. Over 2 million SERCOS I & II nodes have been installed to date. Now, all three SERCOS generations conform to the international IEC standards. This ensures the interoperability of products from diverse manufacturers, using the same standardized interfaces, operating commands and synchronization methods, the SERCOS organizations say.

SERCOS is a digital interface for communication between control systems, drives and local peripheral devices. With the third generation, SERCOS, the organizations explain.

“The unanimous IEC vote shows that SERCOS is and will continue to be a proven option,” states Peter Lutz, managing director of SERCOS International. “SERCOS interface maintains its continuity and at the same time opens new perspectives for new applications. In comparison to the many competitive interfaces on the market, it provides both users and developers with the necessary security for working with innovative machines, so that they do not have to constantly cope with new protocols.” Ronald Larsen is managing director of SERCOS North America.

From Control Engineering , also read:
Motion control: SERCOS III rolls out beyond Germany

Control Engineering News Desk
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