Axioline: The World's Fastest I/O System
With a maximum local bus runtime of one microsecond per I/O module, the Axioline from Phoenix Contact is currently the fastest I/O system in the world. When combined with the new sercos bus coupler, cycle times can be achieved that set a new speed record for automation. sercos news talked to Phoenix Contact about speed, modularity and future-proof technology.
sercos news: Congratulations on your world record. The speeds achieved were no coincidence. What is the concept behind Axioline?
Stefan Pollert, Product Management, I/O Systems at Phoenix Contact: Axioline deals with two considerations: The first one is the increased demand on the market for an I/O system that is easy to operate, but still robust and very fast.
sercos news: And the second one?
Christian Gemke, Group Leader, Market Management, I/O Systems at Phoenix Contact: Right now you can see a paradigm shift on the market. High speeds and synchronicity in networks and controls are only possible thanks to the introduction of Ethernet-based networks such as sercos. This trend continues up to the master I/O system. Axioline is our response to these two central challenges.
sercos news: You are using the sercos automation bus. Why?
Volker Lutz, Hardware Development, I/O Systems at Phoenix Contact: Developing a bus coupler for sercos was an obvious step. Speed and synchronization have always played a large role with sercos. The third generation bus enables cycle times of 31.25 microseconds, whereas other systems are only just starting to come close to this speed. This allows us to offer high-performance solutions where speed has become irrelevant.
sercos news: Could you explain this paradox statement a bit more precisely?
Pollert: Gladly. Axioline enables such high speeds that the developer does not even have to worry about the speed of the subordinate modular I/O system. It is simply so fast that you don‘t have to think about it and don‘t notice any difference to parallel cabling. Only the master network or control system determines the system runtime. This simplifies the design of such systems enormously and the modular units are just as fast as the block modules.