Posted to News on 24th Nov 2020, 00:00
Helping OEMs bring new machine features to market
Eaton has launched its SFX programmable safety controller, an IEC 61508 safety integrity level (SIL) 2 certified controller for stationary and mobile embedded hydraulics system applications. Featuring a rugged mechanical design and unmatched flexibility, the SFX controller gives original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) the ability to develop and certify functionally safe platforms quickly and cost-efficiently.
A key feature of the SFX is its partitioned safety application development environment, which enables changes to control applications without impacting safety function software certifications. Physical separation of the pre-certified safety and application domains minimises the effort needed to introduce new features, as well as the time and expense associated with safety certification. The controller’s configurable I/O and white space facilitates design flexibility and allows for custom safety functions.
“We’re working with OEMs to enhance the safety of mobile off-highway equipment, while meeting the need to deliver the latest and greatest vehicle features,” says Jiri Foukner, product manager for electronic controls and software, hydraulics, at Eaton EMEA. “Unlike other embedded controllers, the SFX controller features a dual-processor architecture that separates safety and non-safety functions. This can help to future-proof certified software, providing more flexibility to evolve vehicle features in accordance with product road maps.”
Eaton says the SFX programmable safety controller excels in durability, reliability and configurability, and features market-leading temperature and environmental ratings. This ensures reliable performance in a wide range of operating environments. As an IEC 61508 pre-certified SIL 2 controller, the SFX is the ideal solution for a variety of off-highway steering, work and propel applications, including steer-by-wire and autoguidance systems.
The SFX controller is specifically designed as a supervisory controller for safety-critical hydraulic system solutions. Its embedded diagnostics, safety and control host domains, flexible I/O and CAN-compliance features support system integration with a variety of control devices such as displays, keypads and other user interfaces. Plug-and-play compatibility with Eaton’s HFX controllers also enables simple replacement for equipment upgrades.
