Drives and servos now certified to communicate via Profisafe

The COMBIVERT F6 range of drive controllers and the COMBIVERT S6 range of servo drives from KEB Automation, which offer integrated safety functions directly in the drive, are now certified to communicate via the safe fieldbus protocol Profisafe.

In the ‘application’ device variants of the COMBIVERT F6 and S6 ranges, Ethernet-based bus systems are switchable via software and therefore enable a flexible fieldbus connection to the superimposed control level, for example, via Profinet. Communication via Profisafe has now been integrated and certified in these units. This reduces the amount of wiring required in the application.

The goal of functional safety is to minimise the risks posed by technical equipment, people and the environment. Machining or machine tools, for example, can endanger operators or technicians through the tools that rotate at high speeds. Functionally safe system solutions for plant equipment and machinery are based on a consistent architecture right down to the mechanical interface. This results in potential savings in terms of space, time and costs, as well as expanded possibilities in application.

Certified hardware and software are used to simply project planning and development of applications with safety solutions. Consistent and safe communication facilitates commissioning as well as the operation of machines and systems.

The integration of drives with integrated safety into the Siemens TiA-Portal Profinet network takes place with the help of GSD files that have been checked for conformity in advance. Based on this, the safe fieldbus communication between different F-Devices (safety devices) is realised. With the COMBIVERT F6 and S6 APPLICATION drive controllers (with type 3 safety module), the corresponding encoder-related safety functions can be selected and used via the configuration.

The COMBIVERT F6 and S6 series cover a wide power range from 0.75kW to 450kW and can be used to operate different motor technologies such as asynchronous, synchronous, synchronous reluctance, IPM, torque, linear and high speed motors with speeds up to 45,000rpm. The COMBIVIS 6 commissioning and diagnostic software from KEB makes it easy for customers to use the various systems. Software wizards provide support for necessary adjustments. This enables optimisation of the drive system for different requirements even without detailed knowledge.