The S/IP (Sercos/Internet Protocol) specification has been released by Sercos International. The protocol allows standard Ethernet IP communication with a Sercos III network both during cyclic real-time network operation and during non-real time operation. During real-time operation, the S/IP telegrams are transmitted by way of a non-real-time channel without negatively affecting real-time network behavior. A Sercos master need not be operational for IP communication to function.

The S/IP protocol improves the vertical integration of devices into a production system. Any Ethernet device, such as a notebook computer, can be plugged into any unused Sercos III port for upload/download of parameters and status information for set-up, reporting and remote maintenance and diagnostics over an intranet or the Internet.

In addition to reading and writing the parameters of a device, S/IP lets you combine several tasks and send them to the final device for processing. Manufacturer-specific services can also be added to the fixed, preset, and standard-protocol services.

In other Sercos news, IXXAT Automation GmbH announced their cooperation in the development of portable stack software for the CIP Safety on Sercos safety protocol. The stack software can be used for Sercos master and slave implementations. The stack will consist of a CIP Safety layer and a CIP Safety on Sercos adaptation layer. The software will be pre-certified by the TÜV and BGIA agencies according to IEC 61508 SIL3 to facilitate the development and certification of safety-relevant automation devices.

IXXAT is also planning to develop a Sercos III interface module based on the IXXAT Industrial Ethernet Module, where Sercos III functionality integrates into an Altera FPGA component available for connection to host systems through a universal interface.

Sercos International
www.sercos.com

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