Redundant Controller brings high availability to small applications.
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Press Release Summary:
Powered by real-time Ethernet POWERLINK protocol, redundancy solution for X20 control systems is based on standard X20 controllers that can be reconfigured at any time with features that reduce downtime using Automation Studio software development environment. One controller provides active control, while second controller runs in background in standby mode. All network functions are monitored continuously, and switching time is 2 task cycles (within milliseconds).
Original Press Release:
Controller Redundancy with POWERLINK
Implementing high availability systems with standard components
B&R is setting new standards with its redundancy solution for X20 control systems, a breakthrough that now allows the advantages of high availability to be enjoyed by smaller applications at much less cost. B&R's solution is based on standard X20 controllers that can be reconfigured at any time with features that reduce downtime using the Automation Studio software development environment. This eliminates the need for specialized redundancy controllers, which are generally very expensive due the small quantities produced. Engineering effort is reduced to declaring the PLC a redundant unit and configuring communication parameters or failure criteria.
Switching in a matter of milliseconds
In B&R's solution, one controller provides active control, while a second controller runs in the background in standby mode. All network functions are monitored continuously so that when the time comes, the backup controller can quickly take over all of the active PLC's functions. Whichever controller becomes active always uses the same IP address as its predecessor. The switching time of the system is a mere two task cycles – so all of this takes place in a matter of a few milliseconds.
Perfectly synchronized with POWERLINK
This redundancy solution is powered by the high-performance, real-time Ethernet POWERLINK communication protocol. An independent high-speed fiber optic redundancy link is used to continually synchronize all important data – the I/O image, for example – between the active and inactive controllers.
B&R company profile
B&R is the world’s largest and most successful private company in the area of automation equipment manufacturing. The motto “Perfection in Automation” has provided the foundation for the company since B&R was founded in 1979. Today, B&R employs 2,400 employees worldwide and has an exceptional global presence with 168 sales offices in 68 countries.
As a global leader in industrial automation, B&R combines state-of-the-art technology with advanced engineering to provide customers in virtually every industry with complete solutions for machine and process automation, motion control, HMI and integrated safety technology. With industrial fieldbus communication standards like POWERLINK and openSAFETY as well as the powerful Automation Studio software development environment, B&R is constantly redefining the future of automation engineering.
B&R Industrial Automation, Inc. North America, based in Atlanta, GA, has been working closely with their customers since 1987. Since then, B&R North America has continuously grown as a sales and support organization through both direct sales offices and B&R’s unique Automation Partner distribution network. Today, B&R North America has a network of more than 20 offices throughout the USA and Canada and is there for its customers locally.
