SIL2 Certified, Fully Integrated, Highly Flexible Off Highway Functional Safety Controllers from STW

NORCROSS, Ga. - April 11, 2014 - PRLog -- Functional Safety Controllers from STW Technic, a premier manufacturer of mobile controllers and measurement technology, provide a fully integrated, highly flexible, SIL 2 certified software and hardware package for off-highway applications.

Mobile machines today have to fulfill a multitude of complex functions. In order to minimize risk, engineers need to incorporate safety-related conditions from EN13849 and IEC61508. The resulting increased complexity in the application software directly increases the development effort, since it must also be ensured that the non-safety software functions do not adversely affect the safety related functions. The IEC61508-3 describes methods to control the possibility of negative impacts on the safety and so minimize the certification effort for the non-safety software components.

STW is offering engineers a comprehensive functional safety control solution that is fully integrated, SIL2 certified but highly flexible. The development and maintenance of a safety-relevant software application is made possible thanks to memory protection mechanisms that clearly separate safety and non-safety functions.  STW’s safety solution is the first SIL2 certified package for CoDeSys V3.  A detailed safety manual clearly outlines the steps necessary to develop within the requirements of SIL2 and PLd.

In addition to the control unit ESX®-3XL (L for large), which is already used in many applications, STW has now added a little brother to the range, the ESX®-3XM (M for medium). Both control units are suitable for safety-relevant applications up to performance level PL d, or safety integrity level SIL 2, and share a common architectural concept: a fast 32-bit microcontroller with 6MB Flash and 4MB RAM, complete with 4 CAN interfaces, a serial interface, a buzzer, and multiple LEDs enclosed in a robust housing of die-cast aluminum with built-in automotive connectors. More information on the 3XL unit is available at http://www.stw-technic.com/products/canbus-modules/freely-programmable/esx-3xl/

The ESX®-3XM is roughly half the size of the ESX®-3XL and has half the number of inputs/outputs, which makes it ideal for smaller machines or for de-centralised or distributed control system concepts in larger machines. More information on the 3XM is available at http://www.stw-technic.com/products/canbus-modules/freely-programmable/esx-3xm/

Besides the customization options that the base version offers – for instance, all inputs can be configured via init functions as current, voltage, digital or RPM inputs -- the additional expansion board module concept is a unique feature of STW’s controller series: there are slots for up to three (ESX®-3XM) or six (ESX®-3XL) expansion boards with nearly unlimited additional functions.

There are currently 14 types of expansion boards in the range with various inputs and outputs, additional RS232/RS485/CAN interfaces or with Ethernet and USB. In addition, STW also develops customized expansion boards quickly and cost-effectively to meet exact requirements: e.g. for individual technical solutions or to protect against product piracy.

The application software for the ESX® series can be efficiently developed using the high-level programming language C or according to IEC 61131-3 (CODESYS V3). A Matlab package is also available. Various additional libraries such as for CANopen, J1939 or error handing simplify system integration.

STW will be showcasing the functional safety controllers at OTC 2014, May 5-8 at booth 11119. More information is available at: http://www.stw-technic.com/company/news-and-events/otc-2014/. The functional controllers are highly relevant to the Energy/ Oil and Gas industries because of the stringent safety requirements.

STW (www.stw-technic.com) is an award-winning provider of a full spectrum of freely programmable controllers, I/O modules, pressure sensors and telematics to a wide range of industries such as mining, construction, agriculture and oil and gas.  STW controllers, I/O modules and Telematics units have attained a leading role in these industries due to their rigorous testing, high quality German engineering and unmatched flexibility. All of STW’s products are mobile off-highway rated. STW (www.stw-technic.com) is also in the forefront of developing and prototyping hybrid drive technologies – generators and motors – for mobile applications.