Danaher Motion
06/2005
Project
M-SS-005-03 Rev
E
75
3. 12
SERCOS
The MC uses the SERCOS fiber-optic ring network to communicate with the
drives. The SERCOS interface (
SE
rial
R
ealtime
CO
mmunication
S
ystem) is
an internationally recognized specification (IEC 1491), supported by many
companies around the world. SERCOS replaces analog connections with
digital, high-speed fiber-optic communication. Danaher Motion supports
2/4/8/16 Mbit/s baud rate speeds. Danaher Motion selected the SERCOS
interface because of numerous technical advantages:
Determinism
SERCOS provides deterministic communication to all drives. The
communication method provides complete synchronization between
controller and axes, and among all axes.
International Standard
SERCOS is the only digital communication method for motion control
supported by an international body. It is the only standard with motion control
products provided by a wide base of companies.
Reduced Wiring Between Drive And Controller
SERCOS greatly reduces wiring between controller and drives. While analog
and PWM amplifiers require 10 to 15 connections-per-drive, SERCOS
requires only two fiber-optic cables between the controller and the drive.
Noise
Because SERCOS is based on fiber optics, electromagnetic noise is greatly
reduced. The controller is electrically isolated from drives and feedback
devices, as well as from limit switches and other I/O wired through the drives.
Most grounding and shielding problems, notorious for the difficulties they
cause during installation of analog motion control systems, are eliminated.
Simplifying Replacement
SERCOS allows you to download configuration parameters for all drives
simultaneously via the SERCOS network. You can configure your system to
automatically configure the drives after each power up. If a drive needs to be
replaced, all re-configuration is automatically done.
Reliable Connections
SERCOS uses fiber optic connections to eliminate the tens or even
hundreds of hard-wired connections between the drives and the controller.
This eliminates many possibilities for intermittent or reversed connections.
Access to Drive
SERCOS provides complete access to drive data. For the SERVO
STAR
drive, you can even record variables realtime in the drive and send the data
via SERCOS to your PC using
MOTIONLINK
.
Axis Modularity
SERCOS relies on the drive to connect to most external signals related to an
individual drive: feedback device, limit switches, and registration sensors.
When an axis is added to a system, most of the wiring associated with the
axis connects directly to the drive. This minimizes the changes to system
wiring required to support adding or removing drives.