01 - What is GuardLink?

Summary

Gardlink is an innovative safety system that simplifies the process of retrieving diagnostic data from individual safety devices, enhancing system intelligence. It supports up to 32 devices, achieving Performance Level II safety category with M12 quick disconnect wiring for safety and simplicity. The system reduces wiring complexity and diagnostic time, allowing for remote reset, lock, and unlock commands. With up to 1,000 meters of link distance and support for both electromechanical and solid-state devices, Gardlink offers extensive flexibility and real-time data access, streamlining maintenance and improving safety.

Takeaways

• 🔌 Gardlink is a system designed to simplify the connection and data retrieval from safety devices using M12 quick disconnect wiring.
• 🛡️ It achieves a performance level II safety category and can support up to 32 devices, enhancing safety and diagnostics.
• 🔍 Traditional safety systems often require extensive wiring and manual diagnostics, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors.
• 🚪 Gardlink includes smart tabs and a master module that work together to provide advanced diagnostics and control over safety devices.
• 🌐 The system uses a trunk line with smart tabs to connect devices, reducing the need for complex wiring and potential failure points.
• 💡 Diagnostic LEDs on each smart tab and the master module provide real-time status updates on the system's health.
• 🔄 The Gardlink master module can send diagnostic data back to a PLC over an Ethernet module, enabling remote monitoring and control.
• 🔗 The system supports remote reset, lock, and unlock commands over the network, offering flexibility in managing safety devices.
• 📈 Gardlink can cover significant distances, with up to a thousand meters for the main trunk line and 30 meters between devices.
• 🔄 The protocol allows for remote resetting of safety devices without needing to cycle power to the entire system, improving efficiency.
• 🔄 The system can support both electromechanical and solid-state output devices, providing versatility in device selection.

Q & A

What is Gard link and what does it offer in terms of safety devices and diagnostics?

Gard link is a system designed to simplify the process of retrieving advanced diagnostic data from individual safety devices, making them 'smart'. It allows for up to 32 devices to be connected with a no-loss rating, achieving a performance level II safety category.

What is the advantage of using M12 quick disconnect QD wiring in Gard link?

M12 quick disconnect QD wiring simplifies the connection process, making it safer and easier to manage. It also reduces the risk of loose connections, which can be a common issue with traditional wiring methods.

How does Gard link improve the diagnostic process compared to traditional safety systems?

Gard link allows for real-time data retrieval from each device, reducing the need for manual checks with meters. This speeds up the diagnostic process and makes it easier to identify issues within the safety system.

What is the typical setup of a traditional safety system as described in the script?

In a traditional safety system, multiple devices in the field are wired in series or back to a distribution block. Auxiliary contacts from each device are wired back to a standard PLC to get diagnostic data.

How does Gard link address the issue of faulty contacts in safety switches?

Gard link's smart tabs and master module provide immediate feedback when a device like an e-stop or safety switch starts to malfunction. This allows for quicker identification and resolution of issues without the need for manual checks.

What is the 'trunk line' system in Gard link and how does it work?

The trunk line system in Gard link is a main cable that runs out to which devices are connected using smart tabs. This setup allows for a more organized and efficient wiring layout, reducing the complexity and potential for errors.

What are the diagnostic features provided by the Gard link master module?

The Gard link master module provides advanced diagnostics, including LED indicators for each smart tab to show the status of the devices and the link between them. It also has lights to indicate the overall system status.

How does Gard link support remote reset, lock, and unlock commands?

Gard link supports remote reset, lock, and unlock commands over the network, allowing operators to control safety systems independently through an HMI interface without having to physically access each device.

What is the maximum link distance and device spacing supported by Gard link?

Gard link supports a main trunk line up to a thousand meters in length, with up to 30 meters between devices and 10 meters from the tap to the device, providing great flexibility in system layout.

What types of safety devices can be used with Gard link?

Gard link is compatible with a variety of generic safety devices, including electromechanical devices like door switches with Drac contacts, and solid-state output devices like light curtains and safety scanners.

How does Gard link protocol allow for remote resetting of devices without affecting the entire safety system?

The Gard link protocol enables the power cycling of individual devices in the field remotely, allowing them to reset from a fault condition without needing to power down the entire safety system.

Outlines

00:00

🔐 Introduction to Guard Link Safety System

The Guard Link system is introduced as an innovative method for retrieving advanced diagnostic data from individual safety devices, enhancing safety and intelligence in industrial applications. It utilizes M12 quick disconnect (QD) wiring for ease of setup and maintenance, supporting up to Performance Level II safety category and accommodating up to 32 devices without loss of rating. Traditional safety systems often involve complex wiring and are time-consuming to diagnose issues, such as faulty contacts in safety switches. Guard Link simplifies this by reducing the need for extensive wiring and providing immediate feedback through its smart tabs and master module, which includes an Ethernet module for advanced diagnostics and control integration.

05:01

🌐 Advanced Features and Flexibility of Guard Link

The Guard Link system offers significant advantages over traditional hardwired setups, including support for diagnostics, remote reset, lock, and unlock commands over the network. It allows for real-time monitoring of each device and simplifies the process of troubleshooting by reducing the need for physical checks. The system supports up to a thousand meters of main trunk line and up to 30 meters between devices, with a 10-meter limit from the tap to the device, providing extensive coverage. It can also handle two main trunk lines from a single master module, enabling connectivity for up to 64 devices. The use of standardized M12 quick disconnects reduces maintenance issues and the potential for lost or misplaced wires. Furthermore, the Guard Link protocol allows for remote cycling of power to individual devices without affecting the entire safety system, offering a significant benefit in scenarios where machine downtime is undesirable.

Keywords

💡Guard Link

Guard Link is a system designed to facilitate the extraction of advanced diagnostic data from individual safety devices. It is integral to the video's theme as it represents the innovative approach to safety device connectivity and diagnostics. In the script, Guard Link is described as a 'smart' solution that simplifies the process of connecting multiple safety devices to a central system, allowing for efficient data retrieval and diagnostics.

💡M12 Quick Disconnect (QD) Wiring

M12 Quick Disconnect Wiring refers to a type of electrical connection that is both safe and easy to implement. It is a key concept in the video as it highlights the simplicity and efficiency of the Guard Link system's wiring method. The script mentions that this wiring method is used to connect up to 32 devices, emphasizing the system's scalability and ease of use.

💡Performance Level II

Performance Level II is a safety standard in the context of machinery safety. It is mentioned in the script to indicate the level of safety that can be achieved with the Guard Link system. The term is crucial for understanding the system's capabilities and compliance with safety regulations, as it sets a benchmark for the reliability and risk reduction provided by the system.

💡Safety System

A safety system is a collection of devices and mechanisms designed to prevent harm to people or damage to equipment. In the video, the safety system is the central focus, with Guard Link being presented as an enhancement to traditional safety systems. The script discusses how Guard Link can improve upon existing safety systems by providing advanced diagnostics and reducing the need for extensive wiring.

💡Auxiliary Contacts

Auxiliary contacts are additional contacts in a switch or safety device that can be used for control purposes. In the script, they are mentioned in the context of traditional safety systems where each device's auxiliary contacts are wired back to a PLC for diagnostic data. The term is important for understanding how safety devices communicate with control systems and how Guard Link simplifies this process.

💡E-Stop

E-Stop, short for Emergency Stop, is a safety feature allowing immediate cessation of a machine's operation. The script uses the term to illustrate a common issue in field safety systems where the failure of an E-Stop's contacts can disrupt the system. The video explains how Guard Link can help in diagnosing such issues more efficiently.

💡Guard Link Master

The Guard Link Master is a central component of the Guard Link system, described as the 'brains' of the system in the script. It is a safety relay-sized module that processes and manages the data from connected safety devices. The term is key to understanding the system's architecture and how it centralizes control and diagnostics.

💡GSR Ethernet Module

The GSR Ethernet Module is a component that enables advanced diagnostics and data transmission over Ethernet. It is mentioned in the script as being part of the next-generation series safety relays and is connected to the Guard Link Master. The term is important for understanding how the system communicates diagnostic data back to the controller.

💡Diagnostics

Diagnostics in this context refers to the process of identifying and troubleshooting issues within a system. The script emphasizes the advanced diagnostic capabilities of the Guard Link system, which allows for real-time monitoring and quick identification of faults in safety devices. This is a central theme of the video, showcasing the system's ability to improve maintenance and reliability.

💡Remote Reset, Lock, and Unlock

Remote Reset, Lock, and Unlock are features that allow operators to control safety devices from a distance, without physically interacting with them. The script mentions these capabilities as advantages of the Guard Link system, illustrating how it can improve operational efficiency and safety by enabling remote control of the system.

💡Link Distance

Link Distance refers to the maximum length of the connection between devices in a networked system. In the script, it is mentioned that the Guard Link system supports up to a thousand meters for the main trunk line, showcasing the system's extensive reach and flexibility in industrial settings.

Highlights

Gard link is a method for retrieving advanced diagnostic data from individual safety devices, enhancing system intelligence.

It uses M12 quick disconnect QD wiring for safety and simplicity.

Achieves up to Performance Level II safety category and supports up to 32 devices.

Traditional safety systems involve multiple devices wired in series or back to a distribution block, increasing complexity.

Auxiliary contacts in safety switches can fail, causing safety systems not to reset, leading to time-consuming diagnostics.

Gard link reduces wiring and inputs to PLC, simplifying system diagnostics and reducing costs.

The system overview includes standard safety input devices such as door switches, light curtains, and safety scanners.

Guard link smart tabs and the guard link master are key components of the system, providing advanced diagnostics.

The guard link master is the size of a standard safety relay but serves as the brain of the system.

The GSR Ethernet module allows for advanced diagnostics to be sent back to the controller over Ethernet.

Diagnostic LED indicators on smart taps provide real-time status of individual devices.

The system supports remote reset, lock, and unlock commands over the network, enhancing operational flexibility.

Ethernet module has its own AOP, simplifying tag generation within the PLC controller.

Guard link system supports up to a thousand-meter link distance, offering great distance flexibility.

There can be up to 30 meters between devices and 10 meters from the tap to the device.

The system can have two main trunk lines off one master module, supporting up to 64 devices.

Devices include generic safety devices like electromechanical devices or OSS DS like light curtains and safety scanners.

Guard link protocol allows for remote device power cycling without affecting the entire safety system.

Transcripts

what is Gard link basically it is a way

for us to get safety devices and get to

the advanced diagnostic data out of

these individual safety devices again

that's where it becomes smart the other

thing it's very simple because it's all

m12 quick disconnect QD wiring it's safe

obviously we can achieve up to a

performance level II safety category and

then we can also have up to 32 devices

with this no lossless rating we'll talk

a little bit more in detail about that

what commonly happens today or in the

past is you'll have a safety system kind

of like picture down here in the bottom

right corner you'll have multiple

devices out there in the field they'll

be wired in series or wired back to a

distribution block each one of the

auxiliary contacts is wired back to your

standard PLC to get diagnostic data

what's going on with that switch what

commonly happens in the field is you

have an e-stop get depressed or set of

contacts on e stop or safety switch

start going bad those contacts won't be

made allowing your safety system to

reset your auxilary context say hey my

systems ready to go so you're constantly

out there with a meter trying to figure

out where the issue is going around the

Machine opening closing doors pressing e

stops which takes a lot of time to

diagnose what's going on with the system

so the other issue with it obviously if

you wire all those auxiliaries back to

get that increased feedback that's a lot

of wiring and things that has to take

place a lot of inputs to your PLC Gordon

link is a way to help us with all those

items and not have as much cost so just

kind of as a system overview looking at

it here this is a very simple system set

up within guard link we've got our

standard safety input devices these are

our standard everyday safety input

devices such as door switches Aesop's

solenoid locking switches they can be

light curtains can be a safety scanner

kind of where the magic happens with

this system is within the guard link

smart tabs themselves and then also with

the guard link master one thing to keep

in mind with the guard link it basically

is a trunk line system that goes out and

you tee off your devices off of it with

these smart tabs and then at the end of

the line you just have a terminating

plug

the other part of the system that I said

is kind of the where the magic happens

is within the guard link master is the

size of a standard safety relay looks a

lot like a standard safety GS our safety

relay but again this is where the brains

of the system take place and then lastly

there will highlight the that's the GSR

ethernet module this is the ethernet

module that goes with our next

generation series safety relays same

standard Ethernet module so that you can

get to advanced diagnostics out of the

guard link master module and obviously

all this data is going to be going back

to your controller over Ethernet and so

that we can display it on the HMI panel

view or into your business system so

looking at our our diagnostic standpoint

from the system we have our existing

device LED indicators those have been

the same indicators that we've had in

the systems in the past from a

diagnostic standpoint but we've also

added is on the each one of the smart

taps we have independent LEDs to tell us

what's going on with the devices and

then also an LED to tell us that our

link is good between all the taps and

devices so it tells us this issue were

there from that standpoint so you can

quickly look if my machine operators

walking around maintenance person see if

their system is good or any issues from

that standpoint we also have a series

lights on the master module itself to

tell us what's going on with the system

this is the example what happens when my

first door door opens up you can see

there I dropped out the light for that

device my link is no longer good between

all the devices and my other ones are

flashing green telling me the system is

still those devices are still good

but there's a problem in the system

somewhere if one device is faulted and

so all that diagnostic data goes back to

a master it goes back to over the

Ethernet module to my PLC so you can see

our systems good again same thing

happens if someone were to press the

last device in a circuit which was this

would be the e-stop example again giving

us notification back to our HMI business

system hey this device was pressed so

again we mentioned we were able to keep

the guard link ple is ready for guard

link ple or category four so again it's

a nice way to get multiple devices

wiring

he's diving into the features a little

bit deeper

the Garlin system itself over hardwiring

and things also supports the Diagnostics

we mentioned but it also supports the

remote reset lock and unlock command

over the network so if I go to my HDMI I

can hit my reset button on my HMI reset

my safety system unlock or lock any door

independently so I don't have to unlock

them all at once or lock back one at a

time if I wanted to I can set that up

however I want within my processor again

Ethernet module itself has its own AOP

so all our tags are generated for us

within the programmer or within our PLC

and controller but getting into the

guard link system we have up to a

thousand meter link distance so our main

trunk line can be up to a thousand

meters you can see there so we've got

great distance flexibility up to 30

meters between devices and then 10

meters from the tap to the device so we

can cover a pretty broad area the other

thing that's not shown here is we can

actually have two of these main trunk

lines off of one master module and

that's where you see down there listed

at the bottom it says you'll guard link

enabled safety relay that's what it

means by that we can have two of these

trunk lines coming off of it so that's

64 devices off of one master as far as

the devices go again it's just generic

safety devices like electromechanical

devices or OSS DS when I talk about OSS

these that's my light curtains my safety

scanners since the guard door switches

anything with a solid-state output out

of it electromechanical is pretty

self-explanatory it's your East ops your

older door switches and things with Drac

contacts inside of those again we're

able to look at real time data from each

individual device we talked about how

they were wired in the past you had on

each hardwired back this again gives it

to us over the network so we don't have

to take all those those wiring the the

issue of having multiple wiring points

causing being failure points again all

the products are standardized on m12

quick disconnect so you alleviate the

problems of a maintenance guy or someone

losing a wire

nation loose landing it's wrong spot and

again also we can do the remote reset

lock and unlock and follow preset over

Ethernet many times you have a safety

device out in the field if it faults or

goes into a fault condition you actually

have to cycle power to the device to

reset it from a hard fault

the guard link protocol system allows

you to cycle power to that device out in

the field without cycling power to your

whole safety system so that may be a

added benefit in some cases where you

don't want to power our machine down