OMRON Automation and Safety introduces NX Series Safety Controllers. The NX series combines automation and safety on the same EtherCAT® network in a mixed I/O backplane to promote design flexibility and minimize wiring costs. A single intuitive software programming environment reduces machine and safety design time, while an auto configuration restart function eliminates the need for tools or software to exchange I/O hardware. The result is a seamlessly integrated solution that helps maximize machine flexibility, safety and productivity for the total machine lifecycle.

“The NX Safety Controller is a particularly exciting introduction because, in combination with our new NX I/O system and Sysmac NJ Controllers, it represents a decisive step towards the complete integration of safety, logic, motion and vision disciplines – and it does so in one software platform (Sysmac Studio), on one network (EtherCAT) and in one control system (Sysmac NJ Controller),” says Matt Dodds, Product Marketing Manager – Safety, OMRON Automation and Safety.

Their functionality and flexibility make these safety controllers ideally suited for applications such as automotive robotic work cells, larger flexible packaging machines and material handling work cells with multiple access points.

FSoE - Safety over EtherCAT
The open protocol Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE) defines a safety related communication layer for EtherCAT. The NX Safety Controller and the distributed Safety I/O can be freely placed in the EtherCAT network, and their integration in the Sysmac Studio software environment simplifies initial system design, setup, and maintenance of the application. With this integrated system, machine builders can focus attention on improving machine performance and safety rather than system configuration.

“NX series safety controllers add ease and flexibility in programming the safety system with direct access, by the PLC, to all status and information about each safety inputs and outputs by simply assigning a variable,” explains Dodds. “As a result, faster design and commissioning can be realized with this integrated solution.”

Sysmac integrated safety
Sysmac integrated safety is suitable for satisfying the most demanding applications meeting Performance level (PLe) according to the ISO-13849-1 and SIL3 according to IEC61508. Sysmac integrated safety conforms to programming standard IEC-61131-3, and includes certified PLCopen Safety Function Blocks.

“Combining our integrated system, including safety components, from safety switches and safety sensors to motion devices with integrated safety functionality, provides significant benefits to machine builders who want to simplify and speed machine designs, and improve machine performance,” says Dodds. “Omron is a Global ‘one stop solution’ supplier that offers not just components, but integrated solutions and services that can help OEMs design and build a competitive advantage.”