n TECHNOLOGY UK-BASED TRIO MOTION TECHNOLOGY unveiled a new class of machine controller at the SPS show that combines motion, robotics and logic. Called the Motion-PLC, it integrates advanced motion control performance with the functions and simplicity of a PLC to cut the cost and complexity of machine designs. The new controller combines multi-axis motion control and IEC language programming with Trio’s new MS I/O system for exible I/O expansion. “Combining motion coordination with the functionality and simplicity of a PLC, Trio’s Motion-PLC is a true paradigm shift in the world of motion and factory automation,”says Trio’s president, Tom Alexander. “Based on Trio’s advanced motion platform, Motion-PLC can increase machine performance, but as it replaces the need for a separate motion controller or PLC, this single controller can improve machine reliability and enhance design simplicity, while reducing cost.” The new device will be available in six models to control standalone machines from 2-16 axes, and can integrate robots. It is aimed at applications that need motion control and machine logic, such as gantries and packaging. The new MS I/O system provides compact I/O expansion via a slice interface. Up to 16 of the I/O slices, that combine digital and analogue inputs and outputs, can connect directly to a Motion-PLC controller. The I/O system can be extended further using a coupler that allows extra banks of MS I/O to be connected via EtherCat. The Motion-PLC performs motion and logic control in parallel using a multi-tasking operating system which optimises machine control performance by improving datasharing between applications, and removing the latency of eldbus communications. Combining motion and logic functions also reduces the need for hardware and cabling, cutting costs and footprint sizes. The controller’s motion capability is based on Trio’s Motion-iX motion-rst automation platform, which includes a variety of preprogrammed motion functions, from simple point-to-point control through to complex kinematics and robot control. Motion-PLC also includes a PLCopen motion library, and motion can be programmed in PLC languages based on the IEC 61131-3 standard. The Motion-PLC achieves extensive device integration and control via an EtherCat port, supporting up to 96 EtherCat devices. It also oers up to two Ethernet ports supported by an Ethernet switch, enabling application programming plus HMI and PLC protocol support via Modbus TCP, Pronet IO, and Ethernet/IP. Application development and device integration is managed via Trio’s licensefree Motion Perfect software tool, which combines programming and diagnostics. The Motion-PLC removes the need for a separate motion controller or PLC. The controller modules measure from 100mm high, 23mm wide and 75mm deep, while I/O slices are 12mm wide. The controllers are DIN rail-mounted. The I/O slices oer front insertion for easy access, and their connections enable easy wiring with spring clamp connectors. www.triomotion.com Controller marries motion and logic to cut machine costs and complexity B&R HAS UNVEILED a new, open approach to programming safety functions which, it claims, overcomes previous barriers. The Safety+ platform allows developers to use the latest software engineering tools and methods. An innovative data structure with digital ngerprints makes the source code freely accessible, while also meeting the special requirements of functional safety. “With Safety+, we're providing customers with an open programming system for the rst time, allowing them to use familiar advanced tools and methods from standard programming,”explains B&R’s safety product manager, Franz Kaueitner. “Safety applications can be developed much more e¥ciently and exibly.” According to B&R, there are three main reasons for this productivity boost: an innovative data architecture; a exible choice of language and data types; and the use of standard programming tools and processes. Data is stored in a freely accessible format and every change is documented. The source les are stored in an open text-based code repository in formats such as XML or JSON. To ensure the integrity of the program code, despite being open, each le is given a digital ngerprint that shows if something changes. What was changed, when and by whom, is said to be “completely transparent”. The metadata doesn't only reference the safety application. Engineers can track every change down to the function block and parameter set level, allowing them to optimise the code in a more targeted way. This results in more agile engineering of safety functions that can then be adapted to changing user requirements more easily. As well as the new data architecture, the openness of Safety+ allows engineers to create and manage safety applications using third-party tools and platforms. “By integrating safety programming into common tools such as GitHub and Jenkins, developers can work with a high degree of exibility,” says Kaueitner. “This simplies the development process and also promotes collaboration and exchange within the developer community.” A command line interface (CLI) is available for automatic build generation and continuous integration, allowing developers to interact directly with the software and process program code e¥ciently. The third key innovation oers freedom to choose a programming language and application-specic ne-tuning when programming with data types. B&R says that developers were previously limited in their choice of programming languages and data types for functional safety applications, which had a negative eect on development time and exibility. www.br-automation.com Open approach to safety programming ‘overcomes barriers’ November/December 2024 www.drivesncontrols.com 24 Trio’s Motion-PLC family consists of six models which combine motion controls with PLCs.
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