New functions for Sercos bus couplers

A new version of the AXL F BK S3 Sercos bus coupler for Phoenix Contact’s Axioline F IP 20 I/O system is now available. As well as offering firmware extensions such as Sercos Energy, optional cross-communication, and configuration of up to eight connections, the housing design has been optimised. The new housing is designed such that the Sercos address can be set directly during installation using built-in rotary encoders. This speeds up initial device start-up and permits seamless module replacement in the event of faults.

Installation of the bus coupler has also become easier; there now is a bus base module for local bus communication underneath the module electronics – just like in the side-by-side mountable F-I/O modules of the Axioline range. Installation of the I/O station now comprises two standardised steps and takes up less space: First, all of the bus base modules are snapped onto the DIN rail one by one and connected to each other. Next, the module electronics are mounted on each corresponding bus base module.

Up to 63 additional F modules can be connected to the bus coupler, which is V1.3-compliant. These modules can provide digital and analogue inputs and outputs, temperature sensors, and position sensing. Even when operated with a minimum cycle time of 31.25 µs, the internal Axioline local bus cycle time of just a few microseconds ensures that the process data is always up to date. Thanks to its detailed diagnostics options, the free Start-up+ software allows users to check the electric wiring of an F station even before start-up.