How does sercos III function?

The solution is very simple and efficient: sercos III merges proven real-time mechanisms with the Ethernet physical layer and protocol. A collision-free real-time channel with improved protocol efficiency transmits the messages defined by sercos.

Independent of this collision-free, realtime channel, a parallel channel (time slot) can carry all other Ethernet messages and IP-based protocols such as TCP/IP and UDP/IP. Cycle times and the division of the real-time and non-real-time channels can be adapted to the specific application.

sercos III communication is based on standardized parameters to control device functions. There are no hardware or manufacturer dependencies. When the network is initialized, the parameters which make up the real-time data set on the device channel are defined in the configuration. sercos III is a universal bus for automation technology which offers communication channels and device profiles for all standard automation applications:

Real-time communication channel

• M/S (master/slave): exchange of functional data between master and slave in an M/S connection
• CC (cross communication): direct peer-to-peer communication between devices in a CC connection, either between controllers or between drive and peripheral slaves
• SVC (service-channel): service data exchange on an SVC channel as a part of real-time communication
• SMP (sercos messaging protocol): transmission of functional data for several devices in a time slot by means of a multiplex technique, configured in an M/S or CC connection
• sercos safety: exchange of safetyrelated data in an M/S or CC connection, e.g. shut-down signals, enable signals or safe set points

NRT communication channel

• Standard Ethernet: connectivity to any non-real-time Ethernet device such as a notebook PC for engineering or a webcam
• Other Ethernet protocols: transmission of any Ethernet-based protocols in the NRT channel

Device profiles

• Drive profile: uniform and integrated functions for actuating hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical drives
• I/O profile: uniform and integrated functions for actuating modular and non-modular I/O stations
• Encoder profile: uniform and integrated functions for actuating encoders
• Generic device profile: uniform and integrated functions for controlling the administration functions in all types of devices

Energy profile

Uniform and integrated functions for low-energy operation of the machines and systems used with sercos III

sercos III real-time communication with standardized parameters