The Allen-Bradley SmartGuard 600 safety controller from Rockwell Automation measures a compact 101 x 89 x 127mm, and fills the bill for applications that have traditionally fallen between safety relays and PLCs.
The new controller helps reduce wiring and installation costs commonly associated with relay-based systems, and interfaces easily with programmable controllers to help manufacturers integrate both conventional and safety-based systems.
SmartGuard 600 comprises 16 safety-rated inputs, eight safety-rated outputs, four pulse test sources, a USB port for configuration, and a DeviceNet port that supports both standard and CIP Safety communication into a single and highly compact package. The built-in DeviceNet port will allow users to expand the number of safety inputs and outputs by controlling up to 32 Allen-Bradley Guard I/O safety modules, the same safety distributed I/O used in GuardLogix systems.
The built-in DeviceNet facility can be used to communicate the status of the safety system to standard PLCs and HMIs. RSNetWorx for DeviceNet is used to configure the DeviceNet network and to programme the SmartGuard controller, a time-saving step that also saves money by eliminating the need for separate programming software.
Cost is further reduced by incorporating a USB port for programming and configuring devices on the DeviceNet network, such as Guard I/O modules, thus eliminating the need for additional interface cards and simplifying maintenance.