Posted to News on 8th Apr 2014, 09:21
Software configurable safety relay increases productivity
Machine builders can now easily implement required safety functions while improving productivity with the Allen-Bradley Guardmaster 440C-CR30 software configurable safety relay from Rockwell Automation. Users can configure the safety relay through the free Connected Components Workbench software, with the software helping to reduce programming time and increase productivity by enabling users to create, control and monitor a safety system in the same software environment as their standard (non-safety) control system. The Guardmaster 440C-CR30 safety relay meets PLe, SIL 3 of EN ISO 13849-1 and IEC 62061. It is suitable for applications requiring four to nine safety circuits and control of up to five zones.
Thomas Helpenstein, the product manager at Rockwell Automation, says: "Machine builders across all industries are seeking safety solutions that go beyond meeting compliance requirements to helping significantly increase both configuration and operation productivity. The flexible, compact Guardmaster 440C-CR30 safety relay configured via Connected Components Workbench software meets their needs for improved safety, uptime and productivity."
The distinct graphical user interface and drag-and-drop capabilities of the software help guide users through a simple process of selecting certified safety function blocks for the safety relay. Once configured, an embedded Modbus interface enables the safety relay to communicate diagnostic data to Allen-Bradley Micro800 controllers, Allen-Bradley PanelView graphic terminals or Allen-Bradley CompactLogix controllers. Leveraging the embedded communication capabilities and the software also enables users to monitor, troubleshoot and quickly modify their applications, including performing partial or conditioned shutdowns, as needed. Five status and 16 user-configurable LEDs on the safety relay's faceplate provide local diagnostics to further aid in status reporting and troubleshooting.
With 22 on-board safety I/O points, including six configurable I/O, the Guardmaster 440C-CR30 safety relay is suitable for applications requiring multiple safety zones. Without increasing the footprint, the safety relay also can be expanded with two standard Micro800 plug-in modules to support 16 additional standard I/O points, thereby saving valuable safety I/O points for user safety systems. The safety relay also permits interoperation with multiple standard-control platforms, so the safety control can remain the same even if the standard control changes.
Follow the link for more information about the Allen-Bradley Guardmaster 440C-CR30 software configurable safety relay from Rockwell Automation.
