The controller utilises PLCopen-compatible motion control blocks and is particularly suitable for coupled motion sequences of multiple axes. Possible applications range from controlled single-axis positioning to complex, synchronised sequences of motion, for example geared synchronous motion, curve synchronisation, or print mark correction. The synchronous axes can be coupled to a virtual master or a real master. For safety-oriented applications, the controller fulfils the high safety requirements according to the relevant standards EN 954-1 up to Cat. 4, IEC 62061 up to SIL 3, and EN ISO 13849-1 up to PL e.
For all functions the Step 7 option package S7-Technology is available for engineering purposes for programming and commissioning. It permits simultaneous processing of up to 64 technology objects. For fail-safe applications, the Step 7 option package Distributed Safety offers pre-configured, TÜV-certified library blocks, for example for emergency stop, two-hand control, muting, and door monitoring. No external safety hardware is required for costly safety precautions at the machine, and thus less space is required in the control cabinet. Centralised and distributed fail-safe I/O and fail-safe drives according to PROFIsafe, the fail-safe communication standard, can be connected to the Simatic CPU 317TF-2DP. The drive safety functions SBC, SLS, SSM, SOS, SS1, SS2, and STO according to PROFIsafe can be used in addition to the familiar safety functions. Compared to conventional technology, the use of PROFIsafe technology results in reduced wiring overhead, reduces the risk of errors when wiring, and increases flexibility during commissioning.
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