Master/Monitor Combinations

A complete programme of components by Schmersal realises the connection from the field level - i.e. from the safety switchgear - to the higher-level control level. The user can thereby choose between "safety integrated" and "safety separated" control concepts. The new system is based upon the comprehensive range of safety switchgear with integrated AS-Interface Safety at Work (AS-i Safety) interface. They can now be directly connected to higher-level control systems through different master-monitor combinations and Safety Gateways. In this way, the link between the field and the control level becomes a safety system.
The machinery builder can choose between two system architectures. If he uses a safety control system, which is separated from the standard control system ("safety separated"), master-monitor combinations with different field bus interfaces, e.g. for PROFIBUS, PROFINET, Ethernet/IP and ModbusTCP, are available. The entire safety logic is programmed in the safety monitors by means of the user-friendly ASIMON software. Non-safety-related signals are also transmitted through the master-monitor combinations and forwarded to the standard control system. In this way, comprehensive diagnostic-relevant information is available for instance in case of a failure or during the evaluation of the operating conditions of a machine.
On the other hand, when the machine is equipped with a safety control system that processes both operational and safe signals ("safety integrated"), the Schmersal system is a system solution made up of Safety Gateways. They have been designed for two AS-i circuits and transmits up to 60 safe inputs/outputs to the safety control system through a safe field bus. The operational diagnostic-relevant signals are also transmitted to the higher-level control system, where they can be accordingly evaluated. The safe signals can also be pre-processed in the Safety Gateway through the ASIMON software.