CAN in Automation (CiA) has released version 2.1 of the CANopen device profile for fluid power proportional valves and hydrostatic transmissions.
The CiA 408 specification is based on the bus-independent profile by VDMA (German association of machine builders). Compared to the predecessor version published in 2005, the Finite State Automaton (FAS) has been improved. The control- and the status-word have been updated accordingly. Additionally, some parameters have been removed, and others have been added. This means that the updated profile is partly incompatible with the predecessor.
The CiA 408 profile is intended originally for hydraulic valves, hydrostatic pumps, and transmissions. It is suitable for pneumatic devices, too. Experts from Atos, Bosch-Rexroth, and Moog participated actively in the development of the CiA 408 profile supported by other experts reviewing the document, for example Buerkert and Parker Hannifin.
Devices compliant to the CANopen hydraulics profile have been available for many years. They are used in different applications including injection and blow molding machines, punching, and pressing machines as well as mobile machines. Hydraulic actuators are also installed in pitch control systems for wind power systems.
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Filed Under: Mobile Hydraulic Tips