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Introduction to SERCOS interface
Three Generations
How SERCOS Works
Advantages
Applications Types
SERCOS I and II
SERCOS III
SoftSERCANS
SERCOS Safety
SERCOS Packaging Profile
SERCOS Standardization
SERCOS is an acronym for SErial Realtime COmmunications System, a digital motion control bus that interconnects motion controls, drives, I/Os, sensors and actuators for numerically controlled machines and systems. It is an open controller-to-intelligent digital device interface, designed for high-speed serial communication of standardized closed-loop real-time data over a noise-immune, fiber optic ring (SERCOS I & II) or Industrial Ethernet cable (SERCOS III). SERCOS is an international standard.

The SERCOS interface offers more than 500 standardized parameters that describe the interaction of drives and controls in terms independent of any manufacturer. This rich instruction set provides for communication of commands, parameters, status, and diagnostics, handing many different types of systems. SERCOS also includes features for I/O control that often allow a machine builder to dispense with the need for a separate I/O bus.

The SERCOS interface greatly reduces connectivity problems in control systems. It can connect up to 254 drives to a control using one fiber optic cable ring or a single daisy-chained Industrial Ethernet cable. A comparable traditional analog servo system with 8 axes of motion may require over 100 wires between the drive and control.


Functions of SERCOS

Exchanges data between control and drives, transmitting command and actual values with extremely short cycle times.

Guarantees exact synchronization for precise coordinated moves with as many axes as required.

Supports four operating modes: torque, velocity, position control and block mode. The transmission of nominal position has proven to be the best solution for fast, highly precise applications.

Includes a service channel for non-cyclic data transmission, such as internal parameters, data and diagnostics. A complete set of drive parameters can be downloaded and uploaded for storage via the service channel.

Enables the use of controls and drives from different manufacturers in a system, by standardizing all data, parameters, commands and feedbacks exchanged between drives and controls.