TwinSAFE SC Technology

The TwinSAFE SC (Single Channel) technology enables the use of standard signals for safety tasks in any networks of fieldbuses. To do this, EtherCAT terminals from the areas of

• analog input
• angle/displacement measurement
• communication (4…20 mA, incremental encoder, IO-Link, etc.)

are extended by the TwinSAFE SC function. The typical signal characteristics and standard functionalities of the I/O components are retained.

The TwinSAFE SC technology enables communication via a TwinSAFE protocol. These connections can be distinguished from the usual safe communication via Safety over EtherCAT. The data of the TwinSAFE SC components are transferred via a TwinSAFE protocol to the TwinSAFE Logic, where they can be used in the context of safety-relevant applications.

The combination of ELX terminals with the TwinSAFE SC technology additionally represents a highly compact solution for applications with requirements for intrinsically safe signal transmission and functional safety. The ELX terminals with TwinSAFE SC thus enable the direct connection of intrinsically safe field devices up to zone 0/20.

Typical application scenarios for analog value processing with TwinSAFE SC using two different measurement methods are:

• speed monitoring: drive with safety function (e.g. STO) and sin/cos encoder with EL5021-0090
• temperature measurement: thermocouple type K with EL3312 and Pt100 measuring resistance with EL3214-0090
• level measurement: ultrasonic sensor (0…10 V) with EP3174-0092 and level probe (4…20 mA) with EL3152
• pressure measurement: pressure sensor (IO-Link interface) with EL6224 and a pressure sensor (4…20 mA) with EL3124-0090
• monitoring of lifting devices, slack cable detection and overload: SG sensors on the guide pulleys (EL3356-0090 and EL3751)

Detailed examples for the correct application of the TwinSAFE SC components and the respective normative classification, which were confirmed/calculated by TÜV SÜD, can be found in the TwinSAFE application manual that is available for download.

Overview product series in protection class IP20:

• BKxxxx/EKxxxx/EKMxxxx: EtheCAT Couplers are the link between the EtherCAT protocol at fieldbus level and the EtherCAT Terminals
• EJxxxx: EtherCAT Plug-in modules
• ELxxxx/EMxxxx: Standard and Special EtherCAT Terminals
• ELMxxxx: EtherCAT Terminals in robust metal housing
• ELXxxxx: EtherCAT Terminals for connecting intrinsically safe signals

Product series in protection class IP67:

• EPxxxx: EtherCAT Box modules for decentralized, modular EtherCAT network and power architectures. Available in industrial, zinc die-cast or stainless steel housings (EPxxxx/ERxxxx/EQxxxx)
• EPPxxxx: EtherCAT Box modules with EtherCAT P: Communication and power in a single 4-wire Standard Ethernet cable. Available in industrial or zinc die-cast housings (EPxxxx/ERxxxx)
• EPXxxxx: EtherCAT Box modules with intrinsically safe inputs/outputs