The SIMATIC Power Rail Booster enables data transmission via power rail conductors and slip rings utilizing a new, cost-effective solution based on PROFIBUS, the open fieldbus for your plant automation
Customer advantage, using standard SIMATIC hardware and software components and PROFIBUS as open fieldbus platform:
Openness and greater independence as a result of PROFIBUS
Comprehensive diagnostic facilities
Simple interfacing of operator control and monitoring system
Openness for future safety technology with PROFIsafe
Saving space by omission of proprietary modulation components
Low stocking of spare parts and higher availability resulting from fewer components and less wiring
Easier modification and expansion of the application – e.g. mono rail systems
Faster spare part service, worldwide
The time is over for space consuming, expensive and extremely difficult to maintain proprietary communication systems.
How does it work? - The Power Rail Booster amplifies the PROFIBUS signal to a noise free level and transmits its over e.g. power rail conductor. On a car of the monorail system, another Power Rail Booster de- amplifies the signal back to the standard PROFIBUS level – That’s all.
Since the protocol is not changed, all PROFIBUS services continue to be possible, e.g. diagnostics and also the transmission of safety-oriented data using PROFIsafe.
Typical applications include:
Traversing tracks
Cranes
Rotary transmission lead throughs (rotary tables)
EMC-loaded cable ducts
Transmission of PROFIBUS over standard cables (e.g. telephone lines)
Overhead conveyors
High-bay warehouses/storage and retrieval machines
Example using overhead conveyors
Power rails with 6 contact wires are required for use on overhead conveyors; 4 contact wires for power transmission and the protective earth conductor (L1, L2, L3, PE) and 2 contact wires for transmission of the power-amplified PROFIBUS signal (A1, B1).
Using the Power Rail Booster the individual vehicles communicate via PROFIBUS with the central controller. The latter is responsible for vehicle management and higher-level position tracking. The central controller issues only one travel command to the individual vehicle, which then takes over automatic control of position travel, speed adjustment, distance control, etc.
With the Power Rail Booster Checker a software is available that can be used as an installation guideline for Power Rail Booster application layout using electric suspension monorails.