Posted to News on 25th Apr 2016, 18:08
New Compact GuardLogix controller for safety and motion control
Rockwell Automation is launching the Allen-Bradley Compact GuardLogix 5370 controller that provides integrated control of safety and motion on a single EtherNet/IP network. Machine builders and system integrators using the new GuardLogix 5370 controller do not need separate networks and controllers for safety and motion in applications with up to 16 axes. Rockwell Automation says this makes it easier to design safety into a wide range of standard and custom machines, and results in simpler system architectures.
Ming Jing Ye, global product manager at Rockwell Automation, states: "The new Compact GuardLogix 5370 controller has all the performance capabilities of our popular Allen-Bradley CompactLogix 5370 controller, while also providing integrated safety and motion on a single EtherNet/IP network. When safety, motion and standard control are combined into one package, configuration is easier, wiring is reduced and users get better diagnostics. Ultimately, it helps increase machine uptime and plant productivity."
The Compact GuardLogix 5370 controller also helps users meet global safety standards; it achieves Safety Integrity Level 3 (SIL 3), Performance Level e (PL e) and Category 4 - the highest ratings for machine safety. When used in combination with the Allen-Bradley Kinetix 5500 servo drive or the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 527 AC drive, users benefit from integrated safe torque off (STO) on EtherNet/IP.
Programming environment
As with other Logix controllers, engineers use the Rockwell Software Studio 5000 software to configure the Compact GuardLogix 5370 controller and develop all elements of their control system. Data can be defined once and then easily accessed and reused across different machine types, thereby saving time in system development and commissioning.
In addition, a single programming environment for both safety and standard control removes the need to manually manage separate standard and safety memory, or partition logic to isolate safety.
The Compact GuardLogix 5370 controller also includes dual Ethernet ports to support both linear and device-level-ring (DLR) network topologies. Built-in energy storage removes the need for batteries, and a removable 1GB Secure Digital (SD) card improves data integrity.
Rockwell Automation will also be releasing an on-machine option later in 2016, namely the Allen-Bradley Armor Compact GuardLogix 5370 controller. This option enables the controller to be located closer to the application or on the machine, which eases installation, commissioning and troubleshooting. The on-machine controller is IP67-rated for wash-down protection and includes quick-connect cabling to ease system wiring.
Follow the link for more information about the new Allen-Bradley Compact GuardLogix 5370 controller
