Compact safety controller with growth potential

The starting point of AS-Interface is to realize functional safety. Functional safety that is simple, inexpensive and independent of control and instrumentation bus on the one hand and scalable and future-proof on the other. The ASi-5/ASi-3 portfolio of Bihl+Wiedemann has all the options for efficient solutions to offer in that area.

Many users "start small" with the Safety Basic Monitor, initially using only its configurable safe relay functionality, for example. As the number of applications and requirements increase, the compact safety controller can grow with them and control up to a maximum of 31 connected safe modules. Here it is irrelevant whether these are simple safe input or output modules or special modules for safe monitoring of speed, position or analog values or also muting applications. The Safety Basic Monitor can then be used, for example, as a head station for "distributed" safety applications in modular machines or in automatically guided conveyor systems. But whether it is a small or complex installation: both the compact safety controller and the entire safety solution are equally convenient to configure, parameterize and test via the ASIMON360 PC software suite from Bihl+Wiedemann.

Space-saving mounting

The Safety Basic Monitor with integrated safety monitor from Bihl+Wiedemann with its width of only 22.5 mm, is specifically designed for space-saving mounting on a DIN rail in control cabinets. Depending on the configuration, the Safety Basic Monitor has not only two electronically safe semiconductor outputs but also up to four safe two-channel inputs or up to eight digital inputs/outputs. In addition, it integrates fundamental functions to safely monitor movements: safe two-channel monitoring for standstill up to SIL2/PLd and safe speed monitoring for two or four axes complying with single-channel SIL1/PLc and dual-channel SIL3/PLe. Thanks to a wide range of additional functions, for example for linking light curtains, two-hand control or safety locks for doors, the Safety Basis Monitor is a cost-effective solution for small applications. For its function as a configuration and diagnostic interface, the Safety Basic Monitor has either an Ethernet TCP/IP or a USB connection.

Monitoring and additional functions

In combination with the integrated ASi Master and ASi Safety Monitor, up to 31 safe signals can be processed via additional safe inputs and outputs. The monitoring functions of the standalone device with sensors for speed and standstill are expanded after integration into ASi Safety to include the following special applications: speed areas, rotation directions, positions and position areas, end positions or brake ramps. Failures and defects, such as slip, inclination or shaft breakage are also reliably recorded. Other additional functions include safe transmission and evaluation of analog values, for example in the safe monitoring of temperatures, pressures or positions. Transport functions such as muting and gating can also be implemented.

To further expand functionality, the Safety Basic Monitor can be securely linked to other Safety Basic Monitors or ASi-5/ASi-3 gateways with an instrumentation bus via Safe Link at no additional cost and additional hardware. Thus, safe networks, such as different parts of a plant or automatically guided conveyor systems, can be linked together. Even when using different controllers. Information can thereby be exchanged both via wiring and via the Ethernet diagnostic interface, but also wirelessly, for example via radio communication, data photocells, 5G or industrial WLAN networks. 

Separately or integrally

Regardless of the size of an installation, partial systems can be combined into an integral system via Safe Link. In the most extensive variant, almost 2,000 safe signals can be exchanged in combination. Thus, a large number of completely different applications can be realized. It goes without saying that Safe Link technology meets the highest safety requirements up to SIL3/PLe. Complex systems can thus initially be set up separately as individual modules and designed, tested and inspected for safety with the Safety Basis Monitor or an ASi-5/ASi-3 gateway. At a later stage, the modules can be linked together and commissioned as an integrated system.