Introducing the RESOLUTE™ FS encoder
The RESOLUTE Functional Safety (RESOLUTE FS) optical absolute encoder is based on the design of the award winning RESOLUTE series with elements redesigned to meet FS safety standards. RESOLUTE FS encoder systems are certified as:
- A Category 3 PLd rated part against ISO 13849:2015
- Being suitable for use in a SIL2 application against IEC 61508:2010 and IEC 61800-5-2:2016
RESOLUTE FS encoders also achieve the higher level of FS EMC performance defined by IEC 61326-3-1:2008 and meet the same general environmental performance limits as the standard RESOLUTE series. Much of the redesign enhances monitoring and diagnostic coverage. The original design of the RESOLUTE series included a position integrity check which greatly simplified the process of developing a full FS derivative.
RESOLUTE overview
The RESOLUTE FS encoder is a true absolute encoder system designed to provide position feedback for the motion control of linear and rotary axes. It consists of three elements: a precision graduated scale, an electro-optical readhead and a compatible interface. The RESOLUTE FS readhead is available with RELA ZeroMet™ high-accuracy spar scale, RSLA stainless-steel spar scale, RTLA tape scale, RESA rotary scale or REXA high-accuracy rotary scale. The REXA ring can also be used with a dual input version of Renishaw's DRIVE-CLiQ interface, designed for use with two RESOLUTE readheads, to compensate for the effect of bearing runout by elimination of all ‘odd' error harmonics including eccentricity.
RESOLUTE series encoders capture a 1-dimentional image of a barcode-like pattern on the scale and perform a type of image processing in order to extract position data. The position calculated by the RESOLUTE FS encoder is divided into two parts: a coarse position and a fine position in-between the scale period (≤30 µm). First, the encoder determines these values based on the scale data alone. A secondary coarse position is then determined independently by a position checking algorithm*, wherein the two most recent good readings are extrapolated in time to find the current position. If the measured coarse reading and the extrapolated values differ by more than half the scale period, then an error counter is incremented. Once the error counter reaches five, an error flag is sent to the controller which stops the machine. The RESOLUTE FS encoder variant also double checks the above process and includes a position validation check in order to satisfy IEC 61508. Position data is sent from the readhead via a custom output protocol and the position validation check confirms that the data arriving at the interface agrees with the values that have been internally generated in the readhead.
RESOLUTE FS scales have also been designed to minimise positional disturbance during operation. As a result, linear scales are applied to machine substrates with adhesive and rotary scales are installed in strict compliance with the installation instructions in the RESOLUTE FS installation guide and safety manual (L-9796-9134). Mounting instructions for the encoder readhead also specify the recommended screw type and a thread locking compound. These measures combine to ensure the correct reporting of position at all times.
Primary applications
Power drive system (PDS) use as defined by IEC 61800-5-2:2016
Encoders are essential for the correct operation of many obligatory safety functions in CNC machine tool applications and others where operators risk personal injury from heavy machinery. RESOLUTE FS encoders can be integrated into the safety control systems of adjustable-speed Power Drive Systems (Safety Related) – PDS (SR)s – to support the following safety functions:
- Safe stop 1 (SS1)
- Safe stop 2 (SS2)
- Safe operating stop (SOS)
- Safe limited acceleration (SLA)
- Safe acceleration range (SAR)
- Safe limited speed (SLS)
- Safe speed range (SSR)
- Safely limited position (SLP)
- Safely limited increment (SLI)
- Safe direction (SDI)
- Safe brake control (SBC)
- Safe cam (SCA)
- Safe speed monitor (SSM)
FANUC robotic arm (Image © FANUC)
In addition to enhanced safety, end-users also benefit from increased machine productivity and availability as they will no longer need to power down machinery whenever there is direct human interaction.
Robot control safety systems that require ISO 13849:2015
RESOLUTE FS encoders can also be integrated into PLd rated safety control systems of the robot types defined by the following standards:
- Personal care robots against ISO 13482:2014
Robots that perform basic household tasks, personal assistance and transportation.
- Industrial robots against ISO 10218-1:2011
Robots that operate in an industrial environment, for example robotic arms in automotive manufacturing.
- Service robots against ISO 18646-1:2016
Robots that perform useful tasks for humans or equipment excluding industrial automation applications.
- Medical robots – Please contact your local Renishaw salesman to discuss.
Robots that are applied in the medical sciences. They include, but are not limited to, surgical robots. A potential application could be Renishaw's neuromate® stereotactic robot.
FS data for use by safety system designers
RESOLUTE FS encoder compliance is as follows:
IS0 13849:2015
- PL = d
- Category = 3
- Mean-Time to Dangerous Failure (MTTFD)
- Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ system = 87 years
- Diagnostic Coverage (DC) = 90% / Medium
IEC 61508:2010 and IEC 61800-5-2:2007
- SIL = 2
- Probability of Dangerous Failure per Hour (PFH)
- Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ system = 1.33E-07
- Demand mode = continuous
- Lifetime = 20 years
Summary
RESOLUTE FS encoder systems still offer customers the outstanding metrology performance of the RESOLUTE series but with the added peace-of-mind that comes from compliance with the world's most stringent functional safety standards. New applications for the RESOLUTE family of encoders now include the latest collaborative robotic and industrial manufacturing technologies.
For further information on RESOLUTE FS systems, please visit www.renishaw.com/resolutefs.
*To read the white paper: Safety first - the position determination and checking algorithms of the RESOLUTE™ true-absolute optical encoder, please visit www.renishaw.com/encoderwhitepapers.
Downloads
For more images, videos or information on Renishaw and its products, visit our mediahub.