Absolute encoder with SIL 3 approval

Malfunctions or failure of machines and equipment may lead to personal injury or damage to environment or property. The safety standards IEC 61511 and IEC 61508 assess facilities and risk-counteracting steps assessed into four safety categories, from SIL 1 (inferior risks) to SIL 4 (high risks). The higher the risk, the more painstakingly must be the precautions and the more reliable the components utilized. This applies consequently also to encoders which so far used to be the "weakest link" in the chain of safety precautions. In the absence of existing approvals the only alternative used to be adequate auxiliary concepts under supervision of technical authorities. Now things have changed. By G1S2B Baumer IVO presents a safety-relevant multiturn absolute encoder featuring two redundant interfaces (SIL3 approved) especially intended for use in theatre stage technology, at cranes and suspension railways.
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