Functional Safety

For safety-related applications HEIDENHAIN offers rotary encoders, angle encoders and linear encoders with EnDat 2.2 interface. These encoders operate as single-encoder systems with purely serial data transmission via EnDat 2.2.

Reliable transmission of the position is based on two independently generated absolute position values and on error bits, which are then provided to the safe control. In order to be able to use these encoders in safety-related applications, a control is required for the appropriate evaluation and processing of the encoder data.

Technical Information

Two different implementation solutions for EnDat 2.2 are possible:

  • EnDat Master Safe (EnDat master with monitoring functions)
    The EnDat-Master Safe handles parts of the safety functions, prepares encoder data and makes them available to the control. Preprocessing the data alleviates the burden on the control. In this configuration, the EnDat master is integrated into the safety chain. For this solution, HEIDENHAIN offers a tested safe EnDat master for use in FPGAs/ASICs.
  • EnDat Master Basic
    In this version, the EnDat master can be considered a black channel. It passes the encoder data unchanged to the control and is not integrated into the safety chain. The transfer of all safety functions to the subsequent control results in higher demands on the performance of the safety module. For example, safety-related data must be processed in the control cycle because, in contrast to an EnDat Master Safe, they are not buffered.
Safety-Related Position Measuring Systems

    Depending on the safety strategy or the control architecture, the solution with an EnDat Master Safe or an EnDat Master Basic may be better suited. This has to be decided on the basis of the application.

    The requirements for implementation are described in detail in separately available documentation from HEIDENHAIN. This includes, for example, the monitoring functions, specifications on the evaluation and processing of position values and error bits, and information about the electrical connection. Please request this documentation if necessary.