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.