Controller For Mobile And Off-Highway Applications

Parker Hannifin has launched a programmable hydraulics controller for use by original equipment manufacturers and system integrators for the development of mobile and off-highway equipment. Designated Iqan-MC3 and forming part of Parker's Iqan range of motion and control products, the new device enables both safety and operational functions to be controlled from a single module; this results in reduced system design and build times and improved machine performance, safety and productivity.

According to the company, manufacturers of mobile and off-highway equipment used in the production and development of safety systems are increasingly requiring components and software to be certified to accepted functional safety standards, such as EN ISO 13849-1 or IEC 61508. The new Iqan-MC3 module, used in conjunction with Parker's dedicated Iqan Studio Software Tools, allows both operational and safety functions to be programmed, controlled and monitored through a single controller. This helps machine builders to minimise the number of components required and to reduce overall system complexity and cost.

To make this possible, Iqan-MC3 is designed to IEC 61508 (certification pending) and effectively enables the operation and performance level of all safety functions to be proven as part of a Safety Integrity Level 2 (SIL2) methodology or to be used as part of a PLd subsystem within EN ISO 138489-1. Although the Iqan-MC3 can be used to manage both safety and operational functions, it is always the former that takes priority, according to Parker. The new module can be used as a standalone controller, with local input/output (I/O), or be integrated into larger systems using four CAN buses. Each module has 16 digital inputs and 16 analogue inputs, all of which can be set for safety-related signals.

In addition, there are four proportional current outputs designed to drive proportional hydraulic valves, with each output controlling one bidirectional valve section, as well as five digital outputs for driving on and off solenoids. Each MC3 unit is constructed to meet the rigours of mobile and off-highway applications, with a robust enclosure that withstands high levels of vibration and humidity. Each unit is sealed to IP66 and operates at temperatures from -40C to +85C. The Iqan-MC3 is designed to be used with Parker's suite of Iqan Studio Software Tools, which allows electronic systems to be developed, programmed, configured and remotely managed. In particular, tools such as Iqandesign and Iqanrun give design and production engineers a set of modular tools that can reduce development, construction and subsequent maintenance times.

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