The Cannon-Automata sercos III Compact PLC, part of the SCS3 and F3 series, is a high-performance, real-time Ethernet controller purpose-built for the most demanding automation tasks. As a native device on the sercos III automation bus, it is engineered to orchestrate complex, highly synchronized motion and I/O operations. The controller's architecture leverages the full capabilities of the sercos III protocol, enabling microsecond-level determinism and seamless integration with a wide ecosystem of drives, I/O modules, and other field devices.

At the core of its performance is the ability to achieve communication cycle times as low as 31.25 microseconds, with synchronization accuracy across all networked devices guaranteed to be better than 20 nanoseconds. This extreme precision, combined with a simultaneity of less than 100 nanoseconds, allows for the implementation of tight control loops and coordinated multi-axis motion that would be challenging or impossible on slower networks. Furthermore, the ring redundancy feature ensures high availability; in the event of a cable break, communication continues without distortion and the network re-configures in less than 25 microseconds.

The controller integrates functional safety up to SIL 3 via the "CIP Safety on sercos" protocol. This allows both standard control data and safety-critical information to coexist on the same physical network, simplifying system architecture and reducing wiring complexity. Remarkably, the sercos III interface does this without tunneling; any standard Ethernet protocol, such as TCP/IP and UDP/IP, can run simultaneously on the same network, providing true openness for IT/OT convergence. The controller itself can be configured as a master or slave and includes an additional CAN interface for legacy integration.

Programming the sercos III Compact PLC is accomplished via CoDeSys V3, the industry-standard IEC 61131-3 development environment, providing access to all standard PLC languages. For advanced users, the controller also supports programming in C/C++. Comprehensive diagnostics are built-in, providing exact fault information down to the individual IO channel level. This, combined with its hot-plugging capability, modular expansion options, and compact DIN-rail mountable plastic housing, makes it an ideal core for modular machine automation, high-speed packaging lines, printing presses, and complex motion control applications.

Technical Specifications